Help! Why Does My Dog Listen at Home but Not Outside?
Your dog listens like a pro in your living room… but take one step outside and suddenly they “forget” what sit means. Sound familiar? You’re not alone!!
This is one of the most common things we hear from dog parents. And honestly? It makes total sense. Let’s break down why it happens and what you can do to help your dog listen no matter where you are.
Home is easy. City life of Chicago? Not so much.
At home, things tend to be calm and predictable. Your dog knows the smells, the sounds, and where all the snacks live. There’s not much pulling their focus away from you.
Outside? It’s a whole new world. 🐿️
Dogs get hit with ALL the sights, sounds, and smells at once—like:
Squirrels and creepy Chicago rats running by
Loud trucks zooming past
Bikes, the CTA, strollers
People, bikes, other dogs appearing around every corner
Every scent imaginable on the sidewalk
That’s a lot to take in. So when your dog doesn’t listen outside, it’s not that they’re being bad, they’re just distracted and overstimulated.
Why real-world training feels harder
Dogs aren’t trying to be difficult—they just haven’t learned how to tune out the world yet. Every new place adds more layers of distraction. It’s like trying to do math at a carnival.
Here’s why listening outside is tough:
It’s a loud, busy environment
New stuff is constantly popping up
They haven’t had enough practice in that setting
But don’t worry, real-world manners can be taught.
So what helps? Practice, a lot of patience, and a plan
You don’t have to train your dog in the middle of a street festival or at a brewery on day one. Start small and build up.
So you’ve trained a million times in your house. Now what? Here’s what to try:
Practice in calm outdoor spots first (like a quiet backyard or alley)
Reward your dog a lot for checking in with you
Slowly add more distractions, one at a time
Keep sessions short, sweet, and full of treats (think 10 minutes or less)
The more your pup succeeds outside, the more confident they’ll feel!
What’s the difference between obedience and behavior training?
Good question. It all works together, but they’re not the same.
Obedience training
Teaches your dog what to do:
Sit
Stay
Come
Walk nicely on leash
Behavior training
Helps with how to act:
Not barking at every person who walks by
Not panicking at loud sounds
Staying calm when they see another dog
Both are important, especially when you’re working in distracting places.
Real-world skills take time (and snacks/play/love)
Try this:
Practice commands in different places (parking lots, parks, front steps)
Use high-value rewards (think: cheese, hot dogs, chicken, things they don’t get every day in the house)
Celebrate when they focus on you even if it’s just for a second!
Be consistent with cues and use the same word each time
Training doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be progress.
Common mistakes (that are totally normal)
If your dog’s not listening outside, don’t panic. But try to avoid these common oops moments:
Expecting too much, too fast
Changing your commands too often
Training only indoors
Getting frustrated or giving up
Your dog isn’t being stubborn; they’re just learning. Remember when you first moved to Chicago? You had to learn the streets and walk around before knowing what on earth L stop to get off of.
You’ve got this! Training is just as much a human learning activity as it is for your dog. It’s hard!
Helping your dog listen outside takes patience and practice, but it’s so worth it. Little by little, your pup will start to tune in—even with squirrels running by.
Stick with it, be generous with praise, and celebrate the wins (like sitting at a crosswalk or checking in at the park).
You’re not just training your dog—you’re building a stronger relationship every step of the way.