Why Your Dog “Forgets” Everything Outside: The Secret of Generalization

You know the feeling. In your kitchen, your dog is a literal genius. They sit, stay, and look at you like you’re the center of the universe. But the moment you step onto the Beltline or walk into a park in Marietta, it’s like their brain has been factory reset.

Suddenly, your dog doesn’t know their name, let alone how to “sit.”

It’s Not Defiance—It’s “Generalization”

Humans are great at taking a concept from one place and applying it to another. If you learn to drive a Ford in Atlanta, you can probably drive a Chevy in Savannah. Dogs, however, are contextual learners. When you train your dog in the living room, they don’t just learn “Sit.” They learn: “Sit means put my butt on this specific rug while there is no wind and I can smell the toaster.” When you go outside, the “picture” changes completely. New smells, wind, squirrels, and pavement mean the “Sit” command no longer looks the same to them. This is what trainers call a lack of dog training generalization.

How to Fix a Dog Not Listening Outside

To get that “Off Leash” reliability, you have to help your dog generalize the behavior. Here’s how:

• The 10% Rule: Don’t jump from the quiet kitchen to a busy park. Move to the backyard, then the driveway, then a quiet cul-de-sac.

• Lower Your Criteria: If your dog has a 10-second “Stay” inside, expect a 2-second “Stay” outside at first.

• Be the Best Thing at the Park: Compete with the environment. If the park is exciting, your energy and rewards need to be even more exciting.

Pro Tip: If you want your dog to listen anywhere in Georgia, you have to train everywhere in Georgia. Vary your locations often!