Dog ignores commands
Commands work at home and vanish outside? Classic. Outdoors there are too many distractions and the old training level is no longer enough.
Why the dog ‘does not listen’
Not because it is stubborn, but because the skill is not solid in a busy environment. Home is quiet and predictable; outside there are smells, dogs and people.
What to do
Take a step back. Practise cues first in a quiet yard, then on a calm street, then in busier places. Use what truly motivates the dog (food, toy).
Lead and control
While the skill is weak, work on lead. Do not call from a distance the dog will certainly ignore. Move closer, help, then release.
What to avoid
Do not repeat the cue ten times. Do not punish for failing in a hard environment. Do not expect instant results in the park if the behaviour barely holds at home.
When to see a trainer
If basic cues do not hold at all or there is fear or reactivity, a professional can build a plan.
Common questions
Do I need a prong or choke collar?
Not as the first and main method. Start with motivation and the right level of difficulty.
How long will it take?
Depends on the starting point and consistency. Short daily sessions beat rare long ones.
The dog only listens with food — is that bad?
During learning food is a normal tool. Later you can make rewards more variable.
You can find trainers in the Petty catalogue.
Places and specialists in the Petty directory:
Training