11/07/2025
Why does my dog ignore me when I call his name?
We put such meaning into our dogs’ names. They are crucial to communicating with them and teaching them to give us their focus. A familiar name is a great way to get your dog’s attention, especially if there are other dogs or distractions around. Most dogs learn that the sound of their name is a cue to look at you. Maybe something good will happen next - a treat, a pat, a game, praise?
It’s important to realise that dogs are very literal in the way they think and will relate what happens after hearing their name to only the following second or so, so just saying their name doesn’t tell them what you want.
We use our dog’s names far too often. We don’t explain what we want clearly enough, so our companions are left to guess whether ‘Fred!’, means ‘Come here’, ‘Look at me’, ‘Stop doing that’ or even ‘I love you’. We then repeat it over and over in the hope that the light will dawn eventually, and that they will obey us.
A name is useful to gain your dog’s attention, particularly if you have more than one dog and want to communicate with just one of them. Be careful of repetition though. The more often you say your dog’s name the more likely he is to ignore it. It will become background noise, especially when not followed by a cue that means something to him. Worse still, he may learn to expect you to repeat his name several times every time you use it. Once you have your dog’s attention, using his name is no longer necessary.
So once your dog is familiar with a training instruction, use his name to get his attention and then ask him to do what it is you want.
If he doesn’t do it straight away, wait for a count of 4. It can take a while for the message to sink in, and repetition won’t help.
If he still doesn’t do what you want, make it easier for him by using a hand signal, repeating the cue and/or using a treat lure.
Don’t forget to praise him when he finally obeys you. The more positive you can be, the more likely he is to want to please you.
If you can think the way your dog thinks and be consistent in how you talk to him, he will understand what you want and be very happy to please you.
