Dogs are known for their loyalty and obedience to their owners. However, there are instances where they seem to ignore their owner’s commands, which may drive their owners nuts.

One of the most common scenarios is when the dog doesn’t come when you say ‘come here.’ It’s frustrating, especially when you need them to come because you’re worried about their safety or walking in a designated area like a dog park. In this article, we’ll discuss why your dog doesn’t come when you say ‘come here’ and what you can do about it.

Lack of Training

The most common reason why a dog doesn’t come when you call them is due to a lack of training. It’s important to teach your dog basic commands like ‘come here’ as early as possible.

If you have a new puppy, you can start training them as early as eight weeks old. However, if you have an older dog, it’s not too late to start training them. Start with simple commands, like ‘sit,’ ‘stay,’ and ‘come’ and repeat them consistently.

It’s important to be patient and consistent with your training. Don’t get frustrated if your dog doesn’t come right away. Keep practicing and rewarding them when they do the right thing.

Distractions

Another reason why your dog doesn’t come when you say ‘come here’ is due to distractions. Dogs are naturally curious and are easily distracted by things around them.

If they see something interesting like a squirrel or a person walking by, they may follow it instead of coming when you call them. It’s essential to train your dog to focus on you and not get distracted by their surroundings.

You can do this by teaching them commands like ‘look at me’ or ‘focus’ and rewarding them when they pay attention to you instead of their surroundings.

Fear or Anxiety

Sometimes, dogs don’t come when you call them because they’re afraid or anxious. If they’ve had a negative experience before, like getting lost or punished after coming, they can become fearful and not want to come when you call them.

It’s important to create a positive experience when training your dog. Use treats, praise, and positive reinforcement to encourage them to come when you call them. Avoid scolding them or punishing them when they don’t come. This can create fear, anxiety, and mistrust between you and your dog.

Medical Issues

In some cases, dogs might not want to come when you call them because of medical issues. If they’re in pain or discomfort, they might not want to move or be active.

If you notice your dog is lethargic or not responding to commands, it might be time to take them to the vet for a checkup. They might have an injury or illness that needs medical attention.

Wrong Tone of Voice

The tone of voice you use can also affect how your dog responds to commands. If you’re angry, tense, or shouting, your dog might get scared or stressed, and not want to come when you call them.

It’s important to use a calm, friendly, and positive tone of voice when giving commands to your dog. This creates a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere that encourages your dog to respond positively to you.

Wrong Timing

The timing of your commands is also essential when training your dog. If you call your dog when they’re busy doing something else like playing or eating, they might not respond.

It’s important to choose the right time when your dog is not distracted or busy with other things. You also need to be consistent with the timing of your commands. If you call your dog at different times, they might get confused, and it might take longer to train them to come when you call them.

Boredom or Lack of Exercise

Dogs need physical and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. If they’re bored or lack exercise, they might not want to come when you call them.

It’s important to provide your dog with enough exercise and mental stimulation to keep them engaged and active. Take them for walks, play with them, and provide them with interactive toys and puzzles to keep their minds stimulated. A dog that is active and engaged is more likely to respond positively to commands and training.

Lack of Motivation or Incentive

If your dog doesn’t come when you call them, it might be due to a lack of motivation or incentive. Dogs respond well to positive reinforcement like treats, praise, or playtime.

If you’re not providing them with enough motivation or positive reinforcement, they might not feel encouraged to come when you call them. It’s important to find out what motivates your dog and use it to encourage them to respond to your commands. This could be a particular treat, a toy, or a game that they love.

Failure to Establish Leadership

Dogs are pack animals, and they need a leader to guide and direct them. If you fail to establish yourself as the leader, your dog might not respect or trust you enough to come when you call them.

It’s important to establish yourself as the leader by setting boundaries, rules, and expectations for your dog. This creates a sense of security and trust between you and your dog, which makes it easier for them to respond to your commands.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several reasons why your dog doesn’t come when you say ‘come here.’ It could be due to a lack of training, distractions, fear, medical issues, wrong timing, boredom, lack of motivation, or failure to establish leadership. It’s essential to identify the root cause of the problem and address it appropriately. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, you can train your dog to respond to your commands and come when you call them.