My Dog Doesn't Listen to Me - What Can I Do?

📌 At a Glance

  • Why a recall is so important
  • Preparing for training
  • Incorporating distractions into training
  • Coming back must be rewarding for the dog

Reading time: 5 minutes

What if the dog doesn't come when called...

Although it may sound paradoxical, a dog that can be called on command and immediately returns to you as the owner has more freedom than a dog that doesn't listen. Because if you can be sure that you can call your four-legged friend out of any situation, they can be off-leash more often than a dog that doesn't respond to recall. With a command that has already been trained, the dog can be quickly called back from conflict situations. This helps to de-escalate or even avoid them. These conflicts can arise between your dog and other four-legged friends or even with people.

What can help:

• stay alert and observant, so you can call your four-legged friend to you before a situation arises and then allow them to run freely again

What are conflict situations?

When the dog is in a threatening/frightening situation or one that is unclear to him, he doesn't know how to behave. Internally, the dog has various motivations that collide and are incompatible. For example, it can happen that the dog has sniffed out a scent and at the same time is being called back.

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Preparing for Recall Training

Barking is natural for dogs and often breed-specific, especially for hunting or guarding tasks.

📌 Patience

Patience is crucial for recall training. Fast learning is individual, and training for too long can reduce a dog's concentration and interest.

📌 A Clear Command

Use a clear command like "here" and a friendly voice, as well as open body language. Start training with simple requests and use rewards after the command to create a positive association.

📌 Avoid Calling When Distracted

Excessive barking becomes problematic when the dog no longer responds. However, with consistent training, the behavior can be corrected.

Possible reasons why your dog doesn't respond to recall:

  • Training too long
  • Too many distractions
  • No clear verbal cue
  • Your body language or unfriendly voice
  • Reward is not worth it

The dog only comes if it's worth his while

The dog will only come if he expects that returning is worthwhile for him. Otherwise, it can quickly turn into the opposite, and the dog will eventually completely ignore the recall. Therefore, you should never put the leash on every time the dog comes; this is a negative experience. A reward should also be given if your dog comes late, although less than if he came immediately. Your voice and body language should always remain friendly, even if he didn't react perfectly.

Our PetTec trainers can simplify your dog's education

With training collars (anti-bark collars or remote trainers), dogs can be easily trained through small, yet gentle vibration or spray.

"I ordered the collar because I can't lure my dog with treats. She's just a little diva. With this collar, I wanted to teach my little one a bit of manners. After just a few uses, I could recall her super quickly. Would definitely recommend it."

– Buyer of PetTec's remote trainer

Do you have a four-legged runaway at home?

These products can help you

So that your darling can't get into danger.

The Author:

Annegret Ulrich

As a certified expert in handling and training dogs, Annegret Ulrich has years of experience with various canines. In addition, the author and dog lover provides tips on her own dog assistance portal.

Frequently asked questions that concern our readers...

Your dog doesn't respond to recall, even though you've been practicing with him for so long? There can be various reasons for this. So that you can still practice outdoors, a so-called long line is suitable, with which your dog is secured but can still move a good distance away from you. A remote trainer can also help with dog training.

To ensure your dog doesn't get too much food in addition to their regular meals, you should pay attention to a few things when it comes to treats. Try out how your four-legged friend likes the taste of vegetables. Carrots are often well-received and low in calories. Alternatively, you can simply feed a portion of your dog's daily dry food as treats. Some dogs even receive their entire daily ration from the food pouch as a reward during training.

No, it's better if you constantly change the times and the locations outdoors. This makes it more exciting for the dog and he remains more attentive to the training. Even if you prepare the training, it's helpful if your dog is surprised by it.

Other common dog problems can include...

1: Dog barks constantly

Dog barks constantly >

2: Dog pulling on leash

Dog pulls on leash >

3: Dog does not respond to recall

Dog doesn't listen >

4: Dog jumps on people

Dog jumps at people >

How do I use PetTec training collars correctly?

Vibration or spray, remote trainer or anti-bark collar, and how do I actually use PetTec training collars correctly? We have compiled and comprehensively answered these and more questions for you here.