Why does my dog not come when called?

Have you ever said “come” to your dog only to have them walk or run in the opposite direction? As pups they tend to come running at the slightest sound of our voice, but somehow slowly, as time goes on our dogs learn that the come command may be optional. If a consistent approach is not taken, one that works, our dogs learn to associate whatever is happening with the instruction given, and in many cases, instead of a brisk recall, our dogs are running in the opposite direction.

Here are three straight forward steps to improve your recall.

1. As your dog approaches the end of the leash, before it gets tight, stop walking. Say ‘let's go’ and walk backward.

2. Lean forward as as to lower your stature to the ground, getting closer to your dog. Gather your leash as you walk backward facing your dog.

3. encouraging them with a treat and/or praise to come toward you. Once they arrive, instruct them to sit, make a big deal about it. Give them treat and/or lots of praise.

Getting our dog to come in a timely, consistent fashion takes ‘patience, practice, and praise’. The difference between the come, and the let’s go instructions is that once the “come” instruction is given, our dog is expected to sit in front of the handler facing them, as close as possible. Sitting however is only expected only when you say the command ‘come’. “Let’s go” is more casual and a ‘sit’ is not required. The let's go command can be repeated while the come command is said only one time.

Saying “let’s go” is used to get our dogs to return to or follow us. It is not to be said in an authoritarian or demanding tone. An added feature to this command is that It can be repeated as often as you like. Once used correctly it is a tool to teach our dogs to come in a practical way. Spoken in the tone most people talk to toddlers in; high pitch, pleasant tones, and enthusiastically given. instruction, both ‘let’s go’ & ‘come’ can be translated to mean, ‘come and get some loving’. Our dogs typically come running over when you lower your stature to the ground. While saying “let’s go” in a pleasant tone, stoop low to the ground, like a shortstop on the baseball field, hold the treat in your hands reaching out as if to catch a ball. Your dog should come over to get a treat. If your dog ignores you, make the distance shorter. This makes the exercise easier. Do not chase your dog, it’s better to ignore them and walk away. Dogs want to be with their pack. Walking away may encourage your dog to follow you. However, stepping toward your dog may encourage them to move away from you. Either to solicit a game of catch, or to simply maintain control of the momentum.

Positive reinforcement and repetition equals success. Routine coupled with praise brings lasting results. Practice not repeating your instructions. Follow the steps of the exercise, use prompts i.e. cheerful sounds like clicks, claps, whistles etc. Remain enthusiastic and give praise for whichever measure of success you are able to achieve.

Remember to always keep it fun!