Why Your Dog Isn’t Ignoring You (And What’s Actually Happening Instead)

Ever called your dog, only to be completely ignored? 😅

Maybe you’ve stood in the park, calling their name like a broken record, while they continue sniffing, playing, or pretending you don’t exist. 🫠

It’s frustrating. It’s embarrassing. And it’s easy to assume they’re being stubborn or testing you—but here’s the truth:

Your dog isn’t ignoring you.

They just have a completely different experience of the world than we do.

And once you understand that, everything changes.

Why Your Dog Doesn’t Always Listen (It’s Not What You Think)

Imagine this from your dog’s perspective:

🐶 At home? Safe, familiar, predictable.
🌍 Outside? Sensory overload.

Other dogs. Birds. Scents that tell whole stories. Squirrels tempting fate. Even the wind carries exciting information.

Meanwhile, we’re standing there saying, “Fido, come.” 🤷‍♀️

We expect them to tune out the most exciting, rewarding, biologically fulfilling things around them… just to listen to us.

But here’s the thing: dogs don’t ignore what they find rewarding.

So if they aren’t coming back to you, it’s not because they’re being defiant—it’s because the world around them is simply more interesting.

The good news? You can absolutely change that.

How to Make Your Dog Actually Want to Listen to You

1️⃣ Be More Exciting Than the World Around Them
If your recall sounds like a boring suggestion (“Fido, come?”), your dog has no reason to listen. Instead:
✅ Use an excited tone.
✅ Move away from them—running can spark their chase instinct!
✅ Throw a party when they return (think: treats, praise, play).

2️⃣ Stop Calling Them for ‘Boring’ Things
If “Come!” always leads to being put back on the lead, leaving the park, or ending the fun, your dog will start avoiding it.

Instead, randomly call them just for a reward—then let them go back to playing. That way, recall isn’t a punishment; it’s an opportunity.

3️⃣ Change the Cue If Yours Has Been Ignored Too Many Times
If you’ve repeated “Come!” so many times that your dog has learned to ignore it (we’ve all been there!), try a fresh cue.

🐾 Use a new word like “Here!” or “Party Time!” 🎉
🐾 Pair it with something amazing (high-value treats, fun games).

4️⃣ Practice in Different Environments
Just because your dog listens in the house doesn’t mean they’ll listen at the park.

Start in quiet areas and slowly increase distractions with a longline so they learn to come back no matter what’s going on around them.

Want to Fix Your Recall Struggles for Good?

If your dog’s recall is hit or miss (or… mostly miss 😅), don’t worry—there are actually 7 sneaky reasons why recall fails that most people don’t realise.

📩 I put them all in a free guide for you!
👉 Grab ‘7 Reasons Why Your Dog’s Recall is Failing’ here.

Trust me—once you fix these, your dog will be running back to you like you’re the most exciting thing in the world. 🏃‍♂️🐶💨

Does your dog’s recall need some work? Find out how to transform your recall with my R.E.C.A.L.L Method. Join my Recall Online course, for just £29! Find out more here