Recall training is an essential aspect of owning a dog. It allows you to have control over your dog’s movement and ensure their safety. However, many dog owners struggle with their dogs being disobedient during recall.

They may fail to come when called or ignore commands altogether. Understanding the reasons behind this behavior can help address the issue effectively. In this article, we will explore five common reasons for dogs being disobedient during recall and provide solutions to improve their response.

1. Lack of Training

One of the primary reasons for dogs being disobedient during recall is a lack of proper training. Recall training should start early on, when you first bring your puppy home.

Teaching them the “come” command and reinforcing it regularly is crucial. If you neglect to train your dog in recall, they may not understand what is expected of them when called.

To address this issue, start recall training in a controlled environment with minimal distractions. Use positive reinforcement such as treats or praise to reward your dog every time they come to you.

Gradually increase the level of distraction as your dog becomes more reliable in their response. Consistency and patience are key in training your dog to be obedient during recall.

2. Fear or Anxiety

Fear or anxiety can cause dogs to resist recall commands. If your dog associates coming to you with something negative, they may avoid responding to your call.

This can be due to a past traumatic experience, lack of socialization, or general anxiety in unfamiliar environments.

To help your dog overcome fear or anxiety during recall, it is important to create positive associations. Use high-value treats or toys that your dog loves to make coming to you a rewarding experience.

Gradually introduce your dog to new environments and people, allowing them to build confidence and trust. Seek professional help if your dog’s fear or anxiety is severe and affecting their recall response.

3. Lack of Motivation

If your dog finds no motivation in coming to you, they may choose to be disobedient during recall. This can happen if they perceive other activities or distractions as more interesting or rewarding than obeying your command.

To increase your dog’s motivation for recall, identify what truly motivates them. Experiment with different rewards such as treats, toys, or playtime to find what gets their attention.

Use those rewards consistently and exclusively for recall training to make it more enticing for your dog. Additionally, ensuring that recall commands are followed by positive experiences such as walks or playtime can further reinforce their motivation.

4. Lack of Proofing

Another reason for disobedience during recall is a lack of proofing. Proofing involves gradually increasing the level of difficulty and distractions during training to ensure reliable responses in any situation.

If your dog has only been trained in one controlled environment, they may struggle to obey recall commands in different settings.

To address this issue, practice recall training in various locations and situations. Start with slightly more distracting environments and slowly progress to highly stimulating ones.

This allows your dog to generalize the behavior and respond obediently regardless of the surroundings. Consistently reinforce recall commands, especially when your dog’s attention is divided or when they are tempted by other stimuli.

5. Inadequate Reinforcement

Dogs may also be disobedient during recall if they have not been adequately reinforced. Reinforcement is essential to maintain a desired behavior and keep your dog engaged in the training process.

Lack of reinforcement can lead to inconsistency in their response and overall disobedience.

To ensure adequate reinforcement, consistently reward your dog with treats, praises, or playtime when they respond correctly during recall. Vary the rewards to keep your dog’s interest and engagement high.

Additionally, avoid reinforcing the disobedient behavior unintentionally by calling your dog multiple times without any consequences.

Conclusion

Disobedience during recall can be frustrating for dog owners, but it is important to understand the underlying reasons to address the issue effectively.

Lack of training, fear or anxiety, lack of motivation, lack of proofing, and inadequate reinforcement are common factors contributing to dogs being disobedient during recall. By implementing appropriate training strategies, desensitization techniques, and reinforcement, you can improve your dog’s response and ensure a reliable recall command.