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Behavior

Dog not coming when called? Here's how to fix it

Recall breaks for predictable reasons. Fix those, rebuild with games, and make coming back the best choice your dog can make.

By Pawfessor Editorial TeamPublished 1 min read

A woman with her hands on her hips while her spaniel ignores her in the yard

If your dog ignores you at the park, they’re not being stubborn. Somewhere along the way, “come” stopped being worth it. The good news: recall can be rebuilt.

Why recall breaks

  • Coming back ends the fun. If “come” always means leash on and going home, it predicts something bad.
  • The cue got worn out. Called again and again without results, the word becomes background noise.
  • Coming back got punished. Even a frustrated “where have you been!” counts.
  • The distraction is bigger than the reward. A squirrel beats a dry biscuit.
  • Adolescence. Teenage dogs test independence.

Frequently asked questions

Should I punish my dog for not coming back?

Never. If coming back leads to trouble, your dog learns to come back slower next time, or not at all. Always greet them warmly.

When can I let my dog off leash?

When they come back reliably on a long line in the kind of place you'll let them off, with distractions. And only where it's safe and allowed.

Pawfessor programs for this

4 levels · 11 stepsRecall: The Magnet DogComes back every time you call3 levels · 9 stepsBasic Obedience Part IIReal-life manners, indoors and out4 levels · 10 stepsSurviving the Teen PhaseWhen your good puppy suddenly forgets everything

Keep reading

Puppies

Teaching a puppy to come when called

How to start recall training with a puppy: games that build a fast, happy recall, the mistakes that ruin it and how to keep it through adolescence.

Behavior

How to stop your dog pulling on the leash

Why dogs pull on the leash and how to teach loose-leash walking with rewards: the right gear, practice at home, stop and go, direction changes and setbacks.