Dog Training Come When Called Troubleshooting

It might be helpful to see what I do when a dog doesn't come when I call. You can see Ellie ignoring my command. Notice I do not say "Come" again, but instead use my backup plan. In this case I put her on leash and continue working. 

Make sure you pay attention to the rules of Come When Called. In case you missed them, you should read them in my previous post: Basic Dog Training Come When Called. 

When to Add Help

My recommendation is to add help if your dog doesn't respond to your cue within 2 seconds. However, if this is typical you need to either be prepared with your helper, or stop saying the cue and shape the behavior instead. Learn about dog training shaping. 

Pausing is Key

As mentioned in other videos, it is important to pause after saying the cue (or command) before providing the help. Help in this video shows tapping my leg, gently pulling on the leash, kneeling down or running the other way. If you say the cue and provide the help at the same time, your dog might not learn the cue. 

Apply These Tips to Other Dog Training Situations

You can use these tips in all situations where your dog is distracted. If your dog is at the dog park and is distracted, put him on leash and move away from the other dogs, or even exit the park. Work on these strategies and when he performs the behavior, reward him by allowing him to go back in the park. 

Just remember to be consistent, clear in your instructions, and don't get frustrated. 

You can do it!

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Small Successes Add Up

If you have seen my other How to Train Your Dog To Come Videos you have already seen the importance of using helpers. This video continues with more examples of how the small details add up. Notice Roxy (the Yorkie) takes itsy bitsy steps towards me. Based on where she started, that is progress!

It is key to practice daily, remember the key points for training your dog to come and make progress daily. 

Come When Called Basics

Here are the important basics in case you missed it in my previous post. 

1. Say the cue ONCE, and make it happen. Don't repeat cues. This is often a hard thing to do, but an important strategy.


2. Don't give a punishment or perceived punishment. Hopefully it is obvious not to yell at your dog after he comes to you, but what about more subtle things that he doesn't like? I would NEVER call a dog and clip his nails, give him a bath, or anything else that he doesn't LOVE. You should only call your dog and give him GREAT things. If you need to clip his nails, go get him, bring him to you, and clip his nails. But, don't call him.


3. Don't always end the fun with "Come". If your dog is in the backyard, and you call him and bring him inside and then he is bored, the next time you call him he might play the chase game instead. (More fun!) When you want to bring him inside at noon, for instance, start working with him at 11:50am. Call him, bring him inside (use a leash and gentle pressure, if necessary) and give him AMAZING treats and then let him out again to play. What? I get treats AND I get to go play again? Of course I will come when you call!!

Not An Easy Task

Ask a squirrel that you see on a walk to "Come!" Does he do it? I doubt it. What makes a dog do this? It involves teaching him what the cue means and motivating him to do it. This takes time and patience. Don't get frustrated, but pay attention to your helpers and rewards. 

You can do it!

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Repetition is Key

Even if you provide full help, such as gently pulling the leash or tapping the ground, your dog will eventually learn. It takes literally thousdands of repetitions before your dog can learn a behavior fluently. But, you also need to be aware that each new location comes with its own set of distractions including smells, noises and visuals that can make it more difficult. 

Use a Distraction as a Reward

As mentioned above, distractions can be frustrating, but you can do it! If your dog is disracted by something, move him away from the distraction, or take it away from him (if it is a toy). Then, ask him to come to you and then give him the toy back. This is an easy way to use a distraction as a reward and then motivate your dog to listen to you more. 

If the distraction is a location such as the entrance to a dog park, move away from the park, ask your dog to come, provide as much help as needed and then move closer to the entrance. Wait for even a little bit of movement towards you and then allow your dog to go into the park as a reward. 

Other Videos Can Help

Look for more dog training videos focusing on Come, but you can also watch my dog training leash walking videos for more ideas. Leash walking is moving with you, and come is coming to you, but the principles are the same. How do you get your dog to do something when YOU want? Keep working and focus on providing help and motivating your dog by using AMAZING rewards. You can do it!

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