Why won't my puppy come in the door???

Question

This is probably a silly question but maybe some of you out there have some tips. I've had dogs all my life but not long ago we got this sheltie puppy who is now about 5 months old. She is very good and is house trained but the only issue is that she never wants to come in the house when she is supposed to. We are trying to get her in out of the heat or if we have to leave and she just won't come in. It's almost like she is playing a game with us because she'll walk right up to the entry, look at you, but as soon as you walk near the door she runs back down the stairs. We will even walk away and leave the door open hoping she'll come in on her own but sometimes she will just stand at the entry for 10 minutes and not move. We've tried enticing her with treats, by bringing our other dog out. We've gotten forceful with her and kind to her and either way she won't come in till she's good and ready. If you go outside and try to catch her, she runs like a mad woman. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

I can only answer this from my experience with my Cairn Terrier, Brodie.

When I worked outside the home, Brodie ran in the yard and played for about an hour while I got ready, then I called him in and he knew he would go in his kennel for a good part of the day until I came home. So...naturally, he associated me coming to the door and calling him in as "Oh crap, kennel time....I'm not going in there, you're gonna have to catch me!"

I work at home now, and he gets to run all over the house, although he usually sticks close to me or under my bed where he naps. When he's outside, he runs and plays, chases anything that moves, but comes in voluntarily when I call him, unless something catches his eye and he chases it. LOL.

Brodie knew when I called him inside that meant playtime was over, and its kennel time. After a couple of "Come, Brodie!" and he never came, I realized my voice did take on more of an authoritative/angry tone, and he sensed that I was mad which made him even more hesitant to come. Even well-trained dogs know maybe 10-20 words/commands, but they get the tone and pitch of our voice immediately.

I can only suggest making it fun and like a game, tell her to come in with an excited tone, maybe patting your knees.
Or show the dog you're happy and maybe coming inside isn't punishment (like kennel time, if that's the case). Praise her BIG TIME when she finally comes in, maybe with a treat.

But then again, I don't know your situation, so take that with a grain of salt...LOL. Good luck!

Answer 2

It's time for training! Shelties are very smart, and if not trained will try to out smart you. This has become a game for her. My Sheltie is now almost 9 months. A Sheltie was my first dog and and I have had many since. See if there is an obedience class near you. She needs to learn a "RECALL" that means to come when called. Both of you will enjoy the class and you'll be very pleased as to how quickly she will learn. She will also have more respect for you. She'll be great, they're the best!!! Enjoy;^)

Answer 3

My 6 month old Cocker Spaniel is the same. I try and make sure I let him out a bit earlier if I need to leave to give myself some extra time to coax him back in. My other dog used to do this too, however with age and maturity she calmed down and is very well behaved and comes when called. Your dog probably does think its a game. Best to stay firm but not intimidating when you call him, dont want to scare him away. He could also know that as soon as he goes inside that you will be leaving him and doesnt want you to go....again time and maturity should help....so have patients it can only get better!

Answer 4

Yes, trick her.
Put a leash in your hand, like you are going
to walk her. Say " COME ON, LET'S GO
FOR A WALK ". Put her on the leash
and walk her a short way outside. Then
turn and walk with her back into the house.
Cesar ( The Dog Whisperer ) would say
" You are the Leader of your Pack ,
you are treating her like she is ".
I love watching his Show. You learn so
much. He had an article in Yahoo yesterday.

Answer 5

Probably, she is just waiting for you to say come her or she doesn't want come in right this second and wants you to play with her. My dog will stay outside waiting for you to pick up a toy and play fetch no matter the weather.

Answer 6

Actually... I have experience something similar. I have a new schnauzer and she wouldn't come into the house either. I discovered that she is scared of the actual door hiting her. I have sat on the steps with her and pet her ... and let her disccover that the door won't hurt her... and she has finally overcome this fear.

Goodluck to you. Hope this helps!

Answer 7

Your dog is in control not you.
When you want her back in say her name and say
COME, is she doesnèt come go get the leash and bring her in that way. or probably at first just put her leash on and take her in and out on the leash.
She is playing games on you and it sounds like she wants one on one attention
Try going outside with her, romp around, throw a ball, chase her around, have fun, then say her name, and COME, put the leash on her and walk her in.

Answer 8

she's playing a game with you. you should say "come (name)!" and if she doesn't, go out and bring her in. if she starts running around, that means she's trying to play. you should catch her and bring her inside since she won't do it herself. i've found that associating the word "inside" with bringing my dogs in from the yard helps them. they know that when i say "inside", it's time to go inside. it just takes some patience and training...and don't forget, she's still young and that's just something that pups do before they learn how to act properly! good luck!