what do you fo when your dog doesnt come to you when called?

Question

lately, i've been having problems with getting my dog to come to me when called. if he doesnt come, i dont get angry at him i just approach him slowly and casually to get him but then he suddenly runs away watching me from the corner of his eye. i was furious because he always came when called at home and suddenly he decided to ignore me. then, i would try luring him with treats but he doesnt come either. i javent tried using his favourite toy but do you think it would work?
what did you used to do when your dog didnt come when you called him? how did you solve it?

thanks
i'm in desperete need of some help
mel

Answer 1

Hi Fugi

I too teach K9 obedience classes, and have obtained obedience titles on dogs, and Agility titles. For many dogs Agility is exciting and fun...running and jumping...it resembles running free in the woods, or pastures. The freedom only lasts at most...a minute...then it's time to put the leash back on and leave the ring. So how do we accomplish this? Why don't the dogs continue to run around?

First of all we make having the leash on a really fun rewarding experience. You make it a game. Start with dog already on leash, practice obedience routines & reward big time with lots of tiny treats, given rapidly one at at time. If your dog knows any tricks...ask for on leash performance, reward. Practice leash comes off...nothing happens you act neutral, leash goes on...treat and happy time.

For more successful recalls (Come Command), treat after you put on the leash & be really happy .. have a celebration. Don't always put the leash on immediately after calling, instead throw a ball, or throw the treat, just for coming close... what a happy surprise this is for your dog. Don't chase after your dog, they love to be chased, and they love the oposite. Practice running away and being silly or carry your dogs favorite toy and tease him with it, when your dog catches you reward by throwing the favorite toy, or vigorous petting, or many small treats given one at a time rapidly. Practice a hide and seek game, have your dog "stay", Then go hide in the next room or behind a shrub or tree..Release and call you dog, when she finds you have another party.

One of my agility dogs is a lab. I have an indoor game in which I chase her. and she loves it. She takes a clothing item of mine...a glove, and when she does, I express surprise, and a fun desire to want it back. I say... MY GLOVE and the chase is on. I chase her, and pretend to grab at her tail and and sides, I head her off, but let her get by me. Usually the game only lasts a minute, maybe a little longer. I end it by saying that's "enough". I go to a treat jar, she releases the glove to my hand or the floor, and she gets a treat. I have the glove back unharmed. We had a fun time together. In our case it's a glove, it could be a dog toy instead. I never do this game outdoors, if she gets the eye glint...I always run away from her, & she always chases me.

Answer 2

A. put the dog on leash. practice recalls ON leash only. Reward the dog when it comes.

After the dog comes quickly and consistently on a 6ft. leash go to a long line (clothesline or training line) but wear gloves if the dog is large. Let the dog sniff around, wait till they are NOT looking at you. Call them in a happy voice, reward if they come immediately. If not, reel the in, reward when they are sitting in front of you and let you touch their collar. Let them go play again.

Most dogs figure out really fast that many owners call them when playtime is done. They get leash wise. Never call a dog that is not well trained when it's off leash. Use "puppy puppy or run away from the dog. Use one command consistently. If you've ruined "come" use "here". Always make the dog let you hold their collar before they get a treat.
Otherwise the dog will run to you, grab the treat and run away.

Make it a game. Let the dog play and sniff, call them, reward them and release back to play. Repeat at random times. The dog never knows if it's just for a treat or if it's because it's time to go.

Sign up for a class. Google for a local obedience training club or go to the AKC site for clubs in your area.

Do not take a dog off leash too soon. Always make coming to you a good thing, even if they don't come immediately.
Never repeat yourself more than twice, dogs hear really well.

google Nothing In Life is Free, use it to get more respect from your dog.

Answer 3

Let me guess. He's about two years old?

Welcome to the world of doggie teenagers!

As someone else wrote, go back to basic obedience. Review all commands. Remind him that, although he's growing up, he's still not the boss.

It may be that he's decided "catch me if you can" is a really fun game. Teach him that it is not. Use a long lead outside to teach him that Come! is not a question, it's an order. Never get angry at him for coming, but you already knew that.

If he's older, it may be that he's grooming himself for the presidency. He's slowly making up his mind to take over the pack, and he's challenging you seriously.

If this is the case, time to put your foot down. No more off-leash. Work on the Down command. If he's balking at that one, he really is questioning your authority. Insist on strict obedience at all times, until he's learned his place. If he persists, a formal obedience class is a must.

Answer 4

What normally happens right after he comes to you, you need to break the habit.
Go and get him, then play with him, praise him, and then give him a treat. Do this every day, and soon you'll see he'll come to you, but he cannot be scared of you ever. Do some obedience training with him too, that also helps.

Answer 5

You need to take him back to basics with leash training.

Start him out on a 6-8 foot leash, and walk to the end of the leash. Stop, and call him to you in a cheerful voice, and using his name...."Spot, COME!" If he doesn't come, give a slight snap on the leash and bring him to you, praising him the whole time. Make a big deal of it when he gets to you, praise him like crazy. Keep working like this for awhile.

Once he's got it down pat ON leash, then go back to trying off leash. If he doesn't come then, calmly put the leash back on him, and do it again. Repetition and LOTS of praise is the key. You want them to not only understand that they are SUPPOSED to come when you call them, you want them to WANT to come to you when called. Positive reinforcement.

Never call your dog to you to punish them....say if they get in the garbage, or have an accident on the floor. If you are going to scolf them, always go to them and get them, so responding to your "come" command always results in a positive experience.

Answer 6

when mine dont come back to me and if all else fails (if they are in one of those moods just not to listen) i run the opposite way and shout them, they soon start running then i drop down on one knee with my arms open and give them lots of praise!! they love it.

Answer 7

We gave him a short sharp punishment like a smack on the rear and he does just what we tell him now ~~

Answer 8

has this dog of yours suffered extensive abuse by you. maybe you punished him too much for not pissing where he was supposed to or for scratching the couch. they start disliking you if you are mean to them.