How to Get Your Dog to Listen Outside: A Guide to Effective Dog Training at Home

If your dog won’t listen to you when you're out on walks, you're not alone—and you're not doing anything wrong. One of the most common problems I see as a dog trainer in London is owners struggling to get their dog’s attention outside, especially in busy parks, near other dogs, or around unfamiliar distractions.

But here’s the thing: if your dog isn't listening outside, it usually means there's a communication breakdown somewhere. As a professional dog behaviourist and trainer based in Fulham, I want to walk you through why this happens—and how you can fix it.

Teach a Marker Word

To do this well, you’ll need a marker—a sound like “Yes,” “Good,” or a clicker—that tells your dog the exact moment they got something right. This marker predicts a reward and helps speed up learning. Timing is critical here, which is why I explain it in detail in my free training guide.

Gradually Increase Distractions

Even if your dog performs perfectly at home, that doesn’t mean they can do the same thing outside.

Dogs get overstimulated, distracted, or anxious in new environments, just like people! If you're feeling overwhelmed, it’s hard to concentrate, right? It’s the same for your dog.

This is why I encourage all my clients to work through a step-by-step distraction plan that builds their dog’s confidence and ability to focus over time.

Free Guide: Learn How to Train Your Dog Effectively

I’ve created a FREE guide for dog owners in London who want to understand:

• Why won’t their dog listen

• How to communicate more clearly

• How to build focus and recall

• The best ways to reward good behaviour

If you’d like a copy, just get in touch or send me a message. I’ll send it straight to your inbox.

Looking for a Dog Trainer in Fulham or London?

Whether you're dealing with puppy behaviour problems, poor recall, or general training struggles, I can help.

I offer:

• In-person puppy training in London

• Private sessions with a dog trainer in Fulham

• Online coaching and live support across the UK

• Help with dog behaviour problems and training advice tailored to you

You don’t have to do this alone. Get in touch to book a session or learn more about how I can support you and your dog.