Puppy won’t come when called? 9 tips to get perfect recall
Teaching your dog to come when called is a great way to build a strong bond with your pup.
It’s also a great way to keep your puppy safe and sets a dog training foundation for other commands your furry friend will need to learn.
But how do you teach your dog this critical behavior? It’s easier than you might think.
Why your dog won’t come when called
First and foremost, it’s essential to understand why your dog won’t come when called. After all, if we can identify the root cause of the problem, we can find a solution that works for you and your pup!
Let’s examine why a dog may not come when called outside and offer some tips for teaching your puppy to respond to its name.
Continue reading to learn how to train your dog to come when called.
Distracted puppies
One potential issue is that your pup is too distracted by its surroundings.
Maybe it’s chasing a butterfly or playing with a new friend — whatever it is, it has captivated your puppy’s attention, and it can’t pay attention when you call.
If your puppy won’t come when called, try clapping or making other loud noises that will grab your little one’s attention and make it look up at you.
Past punishment
Another possible explanation for why your puppy won’t come when called is that it associates being called with punishment.
Perhaps in the past, your dog was scolded or reprimanded after being summoned, so now it refuses to obey your call even if it hears you.
Instead of using a harsh tone or scolding words when calling your dog away from something enjoyable, try using high-pitched tones and phrases like “let’s go for a walk outside!”
This way, instead of avoiding being summoned like before, your pup will start looking forward to hearing those words as an invitation to something special!
Fun time over?
It’s also possible that your dog doesn’t come when called because it simply thinks that means the fun times are over.
Maybe you always call your puppy away from playtime, the dog park, or other activities — if this is true, then no wonder it doesn’t want to listen.
Teaching your puppy to come when called
All in all, there could be several different reasons why your puppy isn’t coming when called, but solutions are available to help you and your furry friend get back on track and ensure your dog’s recall.
Consider the following tips:
Start early
The best time to start training your dog is as soon as possible.
Puppies are naturally curious and eager to learn, so you must begin with basic commands like “come” early on. That way, your little one will be more likely to understand the command when it is older.
Establish leadership
Another critical factor in the success of puppy recall is establishing yourself as a leader in your household.
Dogs are pack animals and look for direction from their leader — you.
If you show that you’re in charge, it will be easier for your pup to trust and obey you when you call it.
Never teach in an open area
When teaching any new command, the first rule of thumb is to always do so in an enclosed area.
This could be indoors or outdoors, but the key is that it needs to be secure and fenced off from other animals or people who could distract your puppy from following through with the command.
You must also ensure your pup is safe and can’t wander off if it doesn’t listen to your commands.
That being said, if you don’t have access to a secure area, a long leash or GPS dog fence can help ensure your puppy stays safe and follows through on the command without running off.
Start with treats
One of the most effective ways to teach your dog to come when called is by using treats as positive reinforcement.
Start by calling your pup’s name and saying “come” with an upbeat tone, and then reward it with a treat for coming over to you.
Do this over and over again. Every time your dog responds correctly, reward it with another treat. Continue this process until your little one reacts reliably without any treats being involved.
However, it’s essential not to overdo it; excessive treats can lead to weight gain or digestive issues in dogs, so consider using verbal praise as a supplement to food rewards. This leads us to…
Use positive reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is one of the most effective methods for training your pup.
Whenever your dog responds correctly, reward it. This doesn’t have to be only with treats — praise also works. Show your enthusiasm, it’s contagious.
This helps create positive associations with the command and encourages your dog to obey without fail.
Also, keep training sessions short (but sweet) and always end on a positive note so your pup knows that following your commands leads to good things.
Practice in different locations
Once your pup has mastered the basics of coming when called in one location, start taking it to different places and testing its recall there as well.
The more locations you can practice in, the better prepared your dog will be if it ever wanders off and needs to be recalled from an unfamiliar area.
Additionally, try adding distractions like other people or animals into the mix, so your little one can learn to stay focused on you even when other things are vying for their attention.
This will help ensure your dog has a solid recall.
Make it fun
Training should be an enjoyable experience for you and your dog; if it feels like a chore, neither will stick with it for long!
Try making games out of coming when called by hiding treats around the house or practicing outdoors in an area with plenty of distractions, like other animals or people nearby.
The more fun you make learning new commands, the faster your pup will learn them.
Expect failure
Not every training session will be successful, or even partially so.
Don’t get discouraged if your puppy doesn’t seem to “get it” right away. Learning any new skill takes time and practice, so patience and consistency are key here.
You may have days where everything goes perfectly, followed by days where nothing seems to work.
Nevertheless, as long as you stay consistent with your chosen training methods, it will eventually click for your pup!
Teaching your pet to come when called doesn’t have to be complicated; patience and consistency are all it takes.
Start early, use positive reinforcement methods such as verbal praise or treats, and ensure that training is fun for you and your pup.
With these tips in mind, you’ll soon have a well-behaved companion who always comes running when called.
Consistent training
You must practice recall commands daily, so your pup remembers it (especially since it’ll forget things quickly).
Ensure that everyone in the house uses the same verbal cues to avoid any confusing mix-ups in the future.
Recall training is vital for building a strong relationship with your dog, and it hinges on two main principles: consistency and patience.
Consistency establishes clear expectations. Using the same commands, gestures, and rewards helps your dog understand what is required of them. Consistent practice in various environments reinforces these behaviors, boosting your dog’s confidence in responding to cues.
Patience is equally important, as recall training takes time. Each dog learns at their own pace, and setbacks are normal. A patient trainer reinforces learning without pressuring the dog, celebrating small victories that contribute to progress.
By combining consistency and patience, you create a solid foundation for effective recall training.
Overcome challenges
Teaching recall to puppies can present several challenges:
Distractions: Puppies are easily sidetracked by their surroundings, making it hard for them to focus on commands.
Starting in controlled environments and gradually introducing distractions can help.
Inconsistent commands: Using different words or tones can confuse puppies.
Consistency among all family members is crucial for clarity in training.
Timing of reinforcement: Immediate rewards are necessary for puppies to link the command to the action.
Delays can hinder their understanding.
Fear or anxiety: Timid puppies may hesitate to come when called. Building confidence through positive experiences and socialization is essential.
Over-reliance on treats: While treats are effective, relying solely on them can create issues.
Introducing variable rewards like praise, a favorite toy, and play is essential.
Lack of practice: Regular practice is necessary for successful recall. Incorporating training into daily routines can enhance reliability.
Frustration: Training takes time, and staying patient is vital.
Puppies respond to their owner’s emotions, so maintaining a positive attitude is key.
Environment management: Allowing a puppy off-leash too soon can lead to unreliable recall.
Training in safe, enclosed areas initially is recommended.
Come when called
Teaching your puppy to come when called is not only crucial for their safety but also strengthens the bond between you and your furry friend.
By understanding the reasons behind your dog’s reluctance to respond and employing techniques such as establishing leadership, using positive reinforcement, and practicing in various environments, you can make significant strides in achieving reliable recall.
Remember to start early, keep training sessions enjoyable, and always celebrate your pup’s successes, no matter how small.
With patience and consistency, you’ll have a well-trained dog who eagerly comes to you, making every outing a joyful experience for both of you.