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How to make my puppy listen to commands outside with distractions?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
My 15 week old Chihuahua ignores commands I give him while we're outside especially when he sees other dogs and people is there anything I can do to have him listen more around distractions since hes fine inside.
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on September 13th, 2017
Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Yes, there are things that you can do. I recommend treats. It all comes down to positive reinforcement. Puppies love treats so you just need to make sure you associate these commands with positive things such as treats to distract him. It will require persistence and consistency so stay there, you are doing well. Puppies just require some time while they learn but he will get there. Good luck and have a good evening!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on August 26th, 2019
Thank you for submitting your question regarding Totoro. He is very young still. It will take time for him to learn all of your commands. Furthermore, dogs are situational learners. So if he teach him a command indoors, he may not be able to perform it outdoors. This is especially true of young puppies and when there are distractions. Be consistent with him and he will learn. I hope this information helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Health & Wellbeing
My dog will not listen to me if there are distractions around. She knows cues like "sit" and "laydown" but doesn't act on them if she sees another human or dog. I'm also having trouble training her to "stay" and not jump on people. Help!
Hi there. It sounds like Bea is having some trouble with her focus. While much of that is just being young and full of energy, I feel you would benefit from clicker training (a treat and reward system) as well as a well organized puppy class. Puppy classes are often offered at your local pet smart as well as through several trainers as help puppies to develop a sense of ability to socialize without being distracted enough by their surrounds that they ignore their owner. To many puppies-they see this as an exciting time to meet new friends and play with their owners. For us it is a wonderful area to help the puppies feel safe and bond with us over respect and learn boundaries. She is likely just reacting to stimuli (things she doesn't often get to see) and doesn't realize she's being "bad" as well as being full of energy. This will take a lot of patience and treats on your part when she performs or listens to you. She will get there, it is just a learning process.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My puppy stops obeying commands as soon as we reach outside. He only follows the other puppies I have, or sits near their feeding ground. I'm still not taking him on a leash because he doesn't want to walk neither respond to a commands when given to
Thank you for submitting your question regarding Totoro. He is very young still. It will take time for him to learn all of your commands. Furthermore, dogs are situational learners. So if he teach him a command indoors, he may not be able to perform it outdoors. This is especially true of young puppies and when there are distractions. Be consistent with him and he will learn. I hope this information helps!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
Nero won't stay still inside and won't sit or lay even if there's a carpet. he won't listen to commands inside but if I take him outside right away and ask him to sit, he sists. It's like he was traumatized when he was younger in a closed space. how
Hello and thank you for reaching out to Boop by Petco. It sounds like Nero may have a negative association with being inside. I recommend trying to train him inside with very tasty and rewarding treats, such as cooked chicken or ground turkey. Oftentimes dogs want a treat that is tastier than their plain kibble or even a plain dog treat. He may be more willing to listen to commands inside if he knows he will get a special reward. I hope this is helpful!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Training & Behavior
Jack is about 8 weeks old. He doesn't listen to commands when he's very excited. He knows 'stay' pretty well and stays when treats and toys are tossed about in multiple ways and even listens when other dogs are barking or music is playing or frogs a
Hi and thanks for posting on Boop by Petco!
Attention span will get better with age, but implementing a new training technique can help grab and keep his attention too. One simple technique can you try is introducing the 'watch me' command. Say "watch me", point to yourself, and when Jack looks at you, give a high value reward such as very tasty treat. Practice this technique daily. I have linked a helpful video to help you get started.
https://youtu.be/BgGi2CqQ8Xw
I hope this helps!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
Mike obeys my every command in the house but when we are outside walking,it ignores my command as if it doesn't understand.It is really frustrating.?
It's normal for dogs to have trouble paying attention and following commands outside vs. in the house, because outdoors is a much more distracting environment. I would recommend carrying some very tasty treats with you when you take Mike for a walk to help keep his attention, and reward him when he does what you ask.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My dog is 2 years old, I've been training him on and off, he knows basic commands, sit, paw, down and wait. He will do this outside however, if there is another dog or person, I'm invisible. Would training him around a dog I know work and would he a
What a great question and thought process! The key with training any behavior is that the dog has to be able to generalize the behavior in any situation. That's why some dogs will be wonderfully behaved in a training class, but then may not behave in any other situation. Training Zeus around another dog is a great start, but you will have to continue that trend with multiple other dogs (including ones that he doesn't know) and multiple people. The easiest way to do this will likely be to do your training while you are a distance away from other people or dogs, then slowly decrease that distance as Zeus becomes reliable with his training under those circumstances. Again, the key is to have him generalize his training so he responds under any circumstances. This is not as easy as it sounds and will require some time. If you find yourself getting frustrated, certainly consult with a trainer for additional suggestions. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Boop by Pe
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Training & Behavior
My male Ratterrior Lab that is 9 months old is hyperactive all the time. Will not listen. He jumps, runs, rolls, ect anytime you get close to him. He never rubs out of energy! I've tried training him with treats but he doesn't listen.. WHAT DO I DO
Thanks for using Boop by Petco! Usually these behaviors can be corrected but this usually requires in person training by a qualified dog trainer. I recommend you consider hiring a qualified dog trainer to work with you in person. Good luck and have a good night!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
Hi! I have a some trouble getting my dog to obey simple commands such as stay, come back, etc on a simple. I find myself having to repeat often - and w/out much success- and not because he doesn't understand but he is very stubborn. He's still pretty
Consistency is key. I would also use treats and/or a clicker to elk with training. You could also get a training to come in just a couple of times to help pin point what is keeping him from listening. It sounds like he is young and probably has a lot of energy therefore, doesn’t want to listen and sit still. You can also try a calmin chew like composure or composure pro. Keep working on training everyday. I would try to take 10-20 minutes everyday to work on commands without any distractions. Use small chewy training treats so he doesn’t get distracted by the process it takes to chew up a large crunchy treat. I hope this helps.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
I am trying to teach Leia, my service dog her some more basic obedience but it’s hard for her to pay attention to anyone but me after an alert and I was wondering how to get her attention to just stay calm and wait?
Thanks for using Boop by Petco! The best way to get dogs to pay attention is by offering the two things they love, treats and praise from their owner. I recommend that you offer treats and ask her to be calm. She is going to be looking at the treat and you closely. This is the time to let her know that that is the desired action and that she is doing well. I think this can work well for you Aleia. Good luck!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
New Pet
My puppy is too active and mostly don't listen to my words so can u give any suggestions PLZ
Hi there. If you have access to a good puppy kindergarten class in your area, I would definitely recommend signing up - the instructor can show you how to start working with your pup to help her understand what you want and develop a good relationship with her. This normally involves using treats or other rewards your pup enjoys, and teaching her that good things happen for her when she pays attention to you.
I also highly recommend the book "Perfect Puppy in 7 Days," by Dr. Sophia Yin. It's a great resource for more detailed information on raising a puppy.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
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