Remain calm and use submissive body language. Avoid direct eye contact. Try Albrecht's calming and attracting technique, using a crinkly food bag (like a potato chip packet) and a soft, tempting treat. This may work to lure the dog to you or help get them into your car.
Use a high-pitched, happy voice and reward them when they come to you. This will make your pup more likely to come the next time you call. Tip: If you have used “come” with an angry tone in the past, choose a different word and start over to give them a positive association with coming when called.
Live traps can be a great option for scared dogs. Stinky food and a t shirt or something that smells like you are great things to leave in the trap. Be sure to check it OFTEN especially in very hot or cold conditions. If you aren't able to check it often do not leave the trap set.
First, show your dog a toy or a treat, praise them as they are coming to you, then reward them. After a few repetitions, whenever your dog looks at you and starts to move towards you, add in your chosen verbal cue (“come,” “here,” etc.).
The best recall words are clear and concise - with commands like 'come', 'here' and 'back' being the most popular. It's also important for your dog to be able to recognise and respond to its name.
A good trick for getting your dog to avoid the upholstery is to sprinkle cayenne pepper in your potpourri or leave a bowl of ornamental chilies next to the sofa. Vinegar. Dogs strongly dislike the odor of vinegar. Vinegar can be potentially dangerous for plants, so don't spray vinegar in your garden.
Dogs can become fearful of people because of inadequate handling and socialization during the first few months of life, previous unpleasant experiences with people, medical problems, or genetics. No matter what the cause, the goal is to teach your dog to be relaxed around people and enjoy their company.
The reasons your dog may not be listening might be medical in nature, but most often, if your dog will not come to you or ignores you completely, it is because of a training or a behavioral issue. Once you feel you have ruled out potential illness, training and conditioning your dog will improve his recall ability.
Maybe you left them alone for a long time and they are lonely. Or they may have lots of energy to use up because they don't have toys or other dogs to play with. Or maybe they are having more fun somewhere else. They could be going to a neighbor's house where there are other dogs or kids to play with.
A very common cause of dogs running away is boredom.
Very smart dog breeds are the most likely suspects! It starts out with them wanting to get to that squirrel over there. Or go down the road to make friends with the neighborhood kids.
Generally, dogs dislike hugs, not being allowed to sniff, a lack of routine, and more. Even the most laid-back dog will hate some of the things we humans do—if they tolerate it, it's just because they love you or don't want to be dominant. Yes, certain things are unavoidable, like vet visits or grooming.
Citrus scents top the list of smells your dog probably hates. The scent of lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits is strong and unpleasant for your dog. For this reason, you can use citrus scents as a dog repellant in off-limits parts of the house. Their noses are irritated by the strength of citrus.
Lack of Socialization
A common reason for fear in dogs is a lack of positive exposure to new people, animals and environments during the critical fear period of the puppy socialization process.
Although there are many behaviors that promote safety, there are three basic commands that are especially critical: "down stay," "drop it" and "come." Not only should every dog be familiar with these behaviors, but dogs should be trained to perform them anywhere, anytime.
Dogs typically learn shorter words and commands faster, so make it easy for both parties and name them something unchallenging. A hard consonant with a high frequency (sh, s, ck, etc.) or long vowel sounds (“ay” or “ee”) are optimal for grabbing attention.
More specifically, a well-behaved pup should respond to seven directions in order to become a good canine citizen: Sit, Down, Stay, Come, Heel, Off, and No.
Big strong dogs, especially young ones, can run 5 miles or more. Small dogs may be able to go half a mile at most. Most dogs are recovered well within a two-mile circle of their home, especially because they normally will never run for an extended length in a straight line no matter how strong or fast they are.
Lost Pet Research & Recovery indicates that 93% of lost dogs are found alive, and 20% of them return home on their own.
Wondering what dogs so when you're not home? Most dogs spend a lot of their time catching some Z's. When you're not home to keep your pet busy, they'll likely find a comfortable place to cuddle up and take a siesta. If you're gone for a longer period of time, your pet might even take a few naps.