My Dog Won't Come Back When Called: Should I Punish Him? What To Do?

It's not recommended to hit your dog if he doesn't come back when called. Physical punishment is unlikely to be effective for training and can be harmful to your dog's well-being. If your dog consistently ignores your recall commands, you can use a leash to control him, or focus on training to improve his obedience. This way, he can learn to respond when you call him.

Why Your Dog Might Not Be Listening

1. Sometimes, dogs don't respond to their owners' calls for various reasons. It could be that they are not yet bonded with you, or they might not even know their names. This results in them running around aimlessly. To correct this, ensure your dog understands that you are calling him. It's simple: call his name often, spend time playing with him, and he'll eventually learn to listen to you.

2. Always use a leash when taking your dog outside. When it's time to go home, gently guide him back using the leash. This way, even if he doesn't want to come home, he won't have much choice.

3. In everyday situations, we often use the word "come" when calling dogs for various actions, like giving a bath or even scolding them. This can create hesitation in dogs when they hear "come" because they don't know what's coming next and if it's pleasant.

Therefore, to improve the recall, you can change the recall cue to something else. To further reinforce this new command, use positive reinforcement by offering treats, praise, or petting when your dog comes to you. When he realizes that great things happen when he hears the new cue, he will be much more likely to return each time you call him.If you enjoyed this, try:Pet Naming