3 Simple Ways To Get Your Disobedient Dog Back Anytime You Call Them

There you are again - you're at the dog park, calling and calling your dog. But they just won't listen to you. What the heck is their problem?! Maybe they're just stubborn - it has nothing to do with how you've raised them does it? Eventually after much trouble and chasing them around in circles you manage to get them back. But it shouldn't be so hard - a dog should always do what you say right? If this sounds like a familiar situation, then here are a few ideas you should remember.

1. Coming Back To You Should Always Be The Best Choice

If a dog is ignoring you and opting instead to chase after something more interesting (like a tasty squirrel) then you need to think of a way to make returning to you more intriguing. Always keep a favorite toy or bag of tasty treats with you in case your dog ever needs some extra encouragement. With enough training though, you will eventually be able to recall your dog without so much reliance on them.

2. Don't Always Go Home After Calling Them

A dog can be much like an overexcited and stubborn kid - if you call them over only when it's time to stop having fun, then soon enough they're going to learn that it's not the best thing to do. They are naturally going to want to keep having fun, aren't they? Well the best solution is to practice calling them over if you're ever out at the dog park - encouraging them with a tasty treat or toy if necessary - and reward them when they come to you.

But don't actually leave - let them keep playing and having fun. Keep calling them back a few more times, and then finally leave whenever it's time to go. The key is to disassociate you calling with the end of having fun, and with enough practice they'll be more likely to listen.

3. Never, Ever Punish Them If They Don't Return Straight Away

This is the most important thing to remember, and probably the most common reason why dogs aren't so happy to return to their owner upon being summoned. What is the typical human reaction when somebody doesn't do something when we tell them? Anger, frustration or punishment, right? Well, these are never productive when dealing with a dog.

Dogs learn by simple association - the way you immediately react is how they perceive their own behavior. If you say "good boy!" and give them a scratch on the ear or a tasty treat then they're going to know they did something right. On the other hand, if you react angrily when your dog takes too long to come back how are they going to perceive that? When they come back to you, they get punished - so of course they won't want to do it! Always remember to be positive any time your dog returns, no matter how long they take.