How To Get a Dog Inside That Won’t Come In: A Comprehensive Guide
How do you get a dog in that won’t come in? The key is to understand why your dog is reluctant and address the underlying causes through positive reinforcement, association building, and consistent training. By creating a positive indoor environment and using proven techniques, you can successfully encourage your dog to come inside willingly.
Understanding Why Your Dog Stays Out
Before resorting to force or frustration, it’s crucial to understand the reasons behind your dog’s reluctance to come inside. Often, it stems from simple anxieties or learned associations.
- Negative Associations: Is the inside associated with unpleasant experiences like baths, nail trims, being left alone, or scolding?
- More Excitement Outside: The yard might offer more stimulating sights, sounds, and smells than the indoors.
- Lack of Clear Communication: Does your dog understand what “come” means, and is it reliably rewarded?
- Fear or Anxiety: Loud noises inside (vacuum cleaner, thunderstorms), new people, or other pets could be contributing factors.
- Medical Reasons: Rarely, a dog may resist coming inside due to discomfort associated with a specific area or item within the house.
Building Positive Associations
The foundation of successful recall is positive reinforcement. This means associating coming inside with good things.
- High-Value Treats: Use treats your dog loves but doesn’t typically get. Small pieces of cooked chicken, cheese, or hot dogs are excellent choices.
- Exciting Toys: A favorite squeaky toy or a game of tug-of-war can be incredibly motivating.
- Verbal Praise: A cheerful, enthusiastic “Good dog!” goes a long way.
- Physical Affection: Some dogs respond well to petting, scratching, or cuddling.
Training Techniques and Strategies
Consistency is paramount. Implement these strategies consistently and patiently.
- Recall Training: Start indoors in a low-distraction environment. Say your dog’s name followed by “Come!” and immediately reward with a treat and praise when they approach. Gradually increase the distance and distractions.
- Threshold Training: Toss treats just inside the doorway. As your dog becomes comfortable entering slightly, increase the distance they need to come inside to receive the reward.
- Leash Guidance: If your dog resists even with treats, use a leash to gently guide them inside while offering positive verbal encouragement. Avoid pulling forcefully.
- Create a Routine: Establish a predictable routine for bringing your dog inside, such as after playtime, before mealtime, or at sunset. This helps them anticipate the process.
Addressing Potential Problems
Sometimes, it’s necessary to address specific issues that might be hindering your progress.
- Identify and Eliminate Triggers: Determine what inside is causing your dog’s anxiety. If it’s the vacuum, remove your dog to a safe, quiet space before you begin vacuuming.
- Consult a Professional: If you’re struggling, seek help from a certified professional dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist. They can provide personalized guidance and address underlying behavioral issues.
- Safe Haven: Ensure your dog has a comfortable, safe space inside, like a crate or bed, where they can retreat to feel secure.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These mistakes can undermine your efforts and make it even harder to get your dog to come inside.
- Punishment: Never punish your dog for not coming inside. This will create negative associations and worsen the problem.
- Inconsistency: Irregular training and inconsistent rewards will confuse your dog.
- Giving Up Too Soon: It takes time and patience for your dog to learn a new behavior. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately.
- Chasing: Chasing your dog will turn recall into a game of catch-me-if-you-can.
Using a Whistle
A whistle can be an excellent recall tool, particularly in noisy environments.
- Pairing: Associate the whistle with positive reinforcement by blowing it and immediately giving your dog a treat.
- Consistency: Use the whistle only for recall, not for other commands.
- Distance: A whistle’s sound carries further than your voice, making it useful for long-distance recalls.
Creating an Enticing Indoor Environment
Make your home a place your dog wants to be.
- Comfortable Bedding: Provide a soft, comfortable bed in a quiet location.
- Interactive Toys: Offer puzzle toys or treat-dispensing toys to keep your dog mentally stimulated.
- Quiet Time: Designate quiet times for your dog to relax and de-stress indoors.
| Feature | Outside | Inside |
|---|---|---|
| ————— | —————————- | —————————– |
| Stimulation | High (sights, smells) | Potentially Low |
| Safety | Variable (weather, hazards) | Consistent, Controlled |
| Comfort | Variable (temperature) | Generally Higher |
| Social | Potential Isolation | Close to Family/Other Pets |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
My dog comes inside when I have a treat but then runs back out. What should I do?
You need to reinforce the behavior of staying inside, not just coming in momentarily. Continue giving treats and praise while they remain inside, gradually increasing the duration between treats.
My dog is scared of going inside after a thunderstorm. How can I help?
Create a safe haven. Provide them with a quiet, comfortable space inside, like a crate or bed, and offer plenty of reassurance and positive reinforcement. Consider using a Thundershirt or consulting your veterinarian about anti-anxiety medication.
How long will it take to get my dog to come inside consistently?
It varies depending on the dog’s personality, past experiences, and the consistency of your training. Be patient and consistent, and you should see progress within a few weeks to a few months.
What if my dog ignores me completely when I call them inside?
Assess the distractions outside. Are there squirrels, other dogs, or other tempting stimuli? Start recall training indoors in a low-distraction environment and gradually increase the difficulty. Make coming inside the most rewarding option.
Is it okay to use a long leash to reel my dog in?
Using a long leash can be helpful for guiding your dog inside without resorting to force. However, avoid yanking or pulling forcefully, as this can create negative associations. The goal is to gently encourage, not drag.
What if my dog only comes inside when I yell at them?
Yelling might work in the short term, but it creates negative associations and damages your relationship with your dog. Focus on positive reinforcement and building trust instead.
Should I feed my dog inside to encourage them to come in?
Absolutely. Feeding meals indoors can create a strong positive association. Make sure it’s a calm and pleasant experience.
My dog loves being outside, even in bad weather. How do I convince them to come in?
Provide a comfortable and dry indoor space, especially during inclement weather. Offer stimulating indoor activities, like puzzle toys, and make sure your dog has access to fresh water and a comfortable bed.
What if I have multiple dogs, and only one refuses to come inside?
Train the reluctant dog separately from the others. Ensure they aren’t being bullied or intimidated by other dogs inside. Give them individual attention and rewards.
My dog comes inside but then immediately starts barking at the window. What can I do?
Address the barking behavior separately. Manage their environment by blocking their view of the window, providing alternative activities, and training a “quiet” command.
How can I get my dog in that won’t come in if they think I’m going to leave them alone?
If your dog associates coming inside with being left alone, start by shortening the duration they are left inside. Gradually increase the time as they become more comfortable. Give them a special treat or toy to enjoy while you’re gone.
What kind of treats work best for recall training?
High-value treats are essential. Experiment to find what your dog loves most. Options include small pieces of cooked chicken, cheese, hot dogs, or freeze-dried liver. The treat should be something they don’t get regularly.