You call your dog once. Nothing. Call again. Nada. By the third time, they’re sprinting full-speed toward some random golden retriever across the field, tail wagging like you never mattered.
And there you are, holding a leash like a prize-winning idiot, trying to act like you have control. But really? Your dog just ghosted you. In public. What just happened?
You’re not the only one
It’s frustrating. Embarrassing. A little soul-crushing. Especially when someone else’s dog is walking politely next to them, ignoring everything like some kind of canine angel.
Meanwhile, your dog is bouncing like they drank a double espresso. It feels personal, but it’s not. This is classic dog behavior. Loads of pups act this way. Especially the younger ones or those still figuring life out.
Dogs don’t ignore us just to be cheeky
It’s easy to assume they’re being stubborn or dramatic. But usually, they’re just overwhelmed. Another dog walks by and boom, your pup’s brain leaves the building.
Think about it. Dogs are social creatures. Other dogs are exciting. They sniff different. They move different. They’re basically walking distractions with fur. And to your dog, that’s way more interesting than “Sit” or “Come.”
A trainer at the park explained it like this
One morning, a trainer was working with a super energetic border collie while two off-leash dogs were zooming past. Her dog never even looked up. Total focus. Someone nearby asked, “How’d you get her to ignore all that?”
The trainer smiled and said, “You don’t start here. You earn this kind of attention in the quiet places.”
Start small. Like, really small
If your dog can’t focus at home with no distractions, asking them to listen in the middle of a dog park is like handing a toddler a math test during a carnival.
Practice recall and attention in calm places first. Your kitchen. Your yard. Short, fun sessions with rewards that actually matter to your dog. Not stale biscuits. Use the stuff they go nuts for, chicken, cheese, whatever gets the tail going.
Build the skill before adding chaos
Once your dog has decent focus in quiet spots, slowly raise the bar. Take them to your driveway. A quiet corner of the park. Anywhere they can see dogs from a distance, but not get too worked up.
Ask for simple things. Look at me. Sit. Touch your hand. Mark and reward. If they ignore you, the distraction is too strong. Back up. Keep it easy.
The key is setting them up to win, not fail.
The magic of high-value treats and timing
Don’t wait for your dog to be mid-zoom before shouting their name. Catch them before they lock onto another dog. That split second matters.
Use silly voices, crouch low, clap your hands, whatever works to snap their attention. And the second they check in with you, boom, treat party. Make them think ignoring the other dog was the best decision ever.
Games that help with real-world recall
Want your dog to come flying back to you when it counts? Make recall a game. Hide and seek indoors. Chase-me in the backyard. Use two people and call your dog back and forth, rewarding every return like they won the lottery.
Repetition makes recall second nature. Just don’t burn it out by calling them for stuff they hate, like baths or nail trims. Keep it positive.
Watch your own energy too
If you’re tense or yelling, your dog picks up on that. And let’s be real, nobody wants to run toward an angry voice. Sound happy. Even if you’re low-key panicking inside. Fake it for the recall’s sake.
And if your dog finally comes back? No matter how long it took or how many apologies you mumbled to strangers, celebrate it. Always reward the come.
Not every dog park is the right classroom
If your dog is constantly blowing you off in high-distraction places, maybe it’s not the right training ground just yet. No shame in that.
Try quieter trails or early morning walks while you build up their focus muscles. Then return to the chaos when they’re ready.
Jumping into off-leash play with a dog who doesn’t have reliable recall is asking for trouble. Start small, stack wins, and work your way up.
It’s not just about control, it’s about connection
Training isn’t about making your dog obey. It’s about building a relationship where they want to listen. Where checking in with you becomes their habit, not their backup plan.
That takes time. And practice. And more chicken than you thought you’d ever keep in your fridge.
Final thoughts for the dog parent on the other end of the leash
If your dog ignores you when other dogs are around, you’re not failing. You’re just in the messy middle of the process. And that’s okay.
Every well-behaved dog you see out there started somewhere, usually dragging their owner across a field with zero chill. Keep showing up. Keep making it fun. And keep stacking those small wins.
Next time your dog locks eyes with another pup across the street… will they still choose you?