Why won't my dog come when I call?

If you're anything like most dog owners, you've wondered at times why you dog won't come back to you when you call them! After all, your dog is your best friend..why wouldn't he want to come to you?

There are a variety of reasons why your dog might not want to come when you call, but we are going to focus on a couple of the most common ones and how to fix them.

1) He is busy doing something that is more interesting that coming to you.

2) He's been called too many times to do something he doesn't like!

Luckily there are some easy ways to combat this problem. Like the solution to most other dog problems, the first step is always hot dogs!

When you're asking your dog to come you should always have a treat with you, and not just any treat! It needs to be a good treat. We're talking hot dogs, steak, cheese, bologna, or rotisserie chicken. Make it delicious!

You have to make yourself more interesting than whatever your dog is doing. Act like you're throwing a doggie party! Is your dog chasing a deer? Run the opposite direction so he can chase you! Is he digging a hole to find a chipmunk? Throw some hot dogs around him and then run away from him. Chances are, chasing you and a bag of hot dogs is more fun than sniffing for chipmunks! Dogs love to chase. So even though it's counter-intuitive, running away from your dog is one of the easiest ways to get him to follow you.

Use a fun, high-pitched voice. We are having fun over here! Yay!!!

Try to avoid using the word "come" when calling your dog to do something he doesn't like. Is it bathtime? Time to go in the crate? Just go get him. A good recall can save your dog's life, so the last thing you want is for him to avoid you because he thinks he's getting a bath!

Finally, the best thing you can do is practice, practice, practice! In the yard, on a long leash, back and forth between two people. Always use an amazing treat, even when you're just practicing.

If you have more questions about getting your dog to come when called or other training questions, contact us at www.PuppyPhD.com/contact