Imagine calling your 8-week-old golden retriever mix, “Daisy!” while she’s gnawing on your shoe, and getting zero eye contact. It’s frustrating, but here’s the thing: puppies don’t ignore you on purpose. They just haven’t learned that “Daisy” means “good stuff is coming.”
Puppies learn through association, plain and simple. When you say “Max” and immediately follow it with a tiny piece of cheese or a 10-second belly rub, his brain starts thinking, “That sound = happy things.” It’s why consistency matters—mixing up nicknames (“Rocky” vs. “Rockstar”) confuses them. Stick to one name, and keep it short (1-2 syllables work best) so it’s easy to process.
Start small, in a quiet room with no distractions. Sit on the floor, hold a treat between your fingers, and say their name in a perky tone—think “Hey, Charlie!” like you’re sharing great news. When they look at you (even for a split second), praise them like they just solved a math problem and give the treat. Do this 5-10 times a day, and soon they’ll turn their head before you even finish saying the name.
Once they nail it indoors, add tiny distractions: rattle a toy in the background, or have a family member walk by. If they still respond, step it up. In apartments, try training near the front door (but skip peak hours—no need to annoy neighbors with excited yelps). When they come, reward with a mini play session instead of just treats—variety keeps them engaged.
Take it outside once they’re consistent at home, but wait until they’re fully vaccinated (most U.S. states require rabies shots by 4 months, and vets recommend waiting on public spaces until then). Start in your yard: call their name, and if they come, celebrate with a game of fetch. In dog parks later, a solid “come when called” keeps them safe—and polite. Always carry poop bags, too—leaving waste is not just rude; it’s illegal in most cities.
Never, ever punish them for not coming. Yelling or scolding teaches them that their name means “trouble,” and they’ll hide. In states like California and New York, physical punishment can even land you in legal hot water under anti-cruelty laws. Instead, if they wander, walk away a few steps—puppies hate being left out, and they’ll often chase you. Then praise like crazy when they catch up.
Training takes weeks, not days. Some days they’ll ace it; others, they’ll act like you’re speaking another language. That’s normal. Tie it to daily moments: say their name before meals, before a walk, or when you pick up their favorite toy. Soon, “Bailey!” won’t just be a sound—it’ll be their cue to run straight to you, tail wagging. And that? It’s the best reward for any puppy parent.
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