Dear Jess: My dog ignores me outside. The moment she sees a squirrel or another dog, I yell “Come!!” while she continues running off. I’m terrified she’ll run into traffic. How can I get her to come when needed?
Coming to you every time you call is the single most important behavior you can ever teach your dog. It is a superpower that can save her life. Once fully trained, it gives you the peace of mind to call your dog back when she has escaped, is barking at something, about to jump on someone, or heading toward a dangerous situation. Here’s how to build it from the ground up.
1. Pick a New Magic Word
Ditch the word “come” — it likely carries a history of being ignored. Start fresh with something unique like “COME-COME!” or “HE-RE!” and say it in a loud, happy, sing-song voice.
Practice indoors first with the Find It game. Say “Find it” and toss a treat a few feet away. The exact moment your dog finishes eating, say your magic word. When she looks up, bend forward to draw her in and praise enthusiastically the instant she turns toward you, keeping it up all the way until she arrives. Feed a high-value treat with one hand while touching her collar with the other.
Once she aces this, practice without the Find It setup. Call her when she is close by and calm, or have family members call her back and forth from ten feet away. Feed several small treats in a row so she learns to stay with you rather than bolting away immediately.
2. Stop Training Your Dog NOT to Come
This is the most common mistake owners make. If you only call your dog when fun time is over, she will figure it out fast. Coming to you shouldn’t mean the park trip ends, the paws get wiped, or the crate door closes. To keep your magic word positive, always follow it with at least 30 seconds of fun — chase, extra treats, or play — before moving on to the less exciting chore.
3. Move Up the Challenge Ladder
Wait to use this command in the real world until your dog has a 100% success rate indoors. Only call her when you have a treat ready and you’d genuinely bet $20 she’ll respond.
When moving outside, use a 20-to-30-foot long leash to keep her safe while giving her room to practice. Start somewhere quiet, then work up the challenge ladder gradually: outside on pavement, then grass, then around distant people, then a dog in view, then food on the ground. Mix in play as a reward too — chasing you or catching a toy can be just as motivating as a treat. If she fails a challenge, make it easier or upgrade your treats. Every successful rep builds the habit.
When to Call in Backup
These steps are a strong foundation for most dogs. But if your dog bolts, panics, or locks onto wildlife and completely checks out, a customized hands-on plan will get you there faster and more safely.
Jess Rollins offers private, in-home dog training in the local area. To schedule a free discovery call, visit GuidanceDogTraining.com/Discovery or text 510-545-3889.