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What to do when a dog doesn't listen to commands?
Vance Bergnaum
2025-06-25 21:42:44
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: 18
The first step a frustrated owner should take is to try to assess WHY their dog is not taking a command, as the solution differs for each reason. If your dog cannot listen to your command in the backyard, he surely cannot listen at the dog park. The solution to this issue is to go back a little bit with training. Be sure to proof commands in order of less distracting environments first. During this time you may have to use high value treats, start incorporating play-training, and even take a look at a "Nothing In Life is Free" protocol. If the dog has a so/so recall in the yard, expecting him to come at the park is just silly. The solution is to simply not ask the dog to things he is not capable of doing and go back and do more training. Distraction goes back to a dog that doesn't have adequate training. To work on distractions, start with something like can my dog sit in the kitchen with no distraction, then move onto asking for a sit in the kitchen with people milling about, family members talking, eating, throwing a toy to each other.
Reyes Mosciski
2025-06-25 20:52:16
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: 15
To get your dog to listen to your commands, it is essential to teach them about desirable behaviour to keep them out of trouble and harm’s way. Remove Excess Energy by helping your dog release their pent-up energy, as too much enthusiasm can be distracting. Taking a long walk and playing catch are a few good ways to use extra energy, and they will be more likely to listen to you if they are not distracted or overly excited. Be Consistent and clear when giving commands to your pup, and make sure all family members enforce the same set of rules. Determine the limitations and make proper rules and begin training them, as dogs listen to their leaders, so develop calm and assertive energy. Make sure your dog truly knows the commands that you give, and practice with them every day to ensure they understand what different commands mean and what you want them to do. Notice Your Pup’s Emotional State, as different emotions such as fear, curiosity, uncertainty, and more can distract your puppy. Pay Attention to the Tone of Your Voice when giving a command to your pet, and avoid raising your voice as your pup can sense it. A happy tone of voice, a nice reward, patience, and enthusiasm to teach your pet will be key in establishing good communication.
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Concepcion Schaefer
2025-06-25 19:06:17
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: 16
I should evaluate the reason why my dog ignores the command in the first place, maybe my treats aren't high enough value, or there's too many distractions etc. Currently I will mark "no" and either repeat the command once, use very mild leash pressure or lure with a treat. I had a trainer that told me that every command should be enforced, for example an ignored "sit" command should be followed by a "no" and then either push the dogs butt down, use leash pressure or lure into position with food. Wouldn't letting any command slide be teaching the dog they can simply ignore them? Is using leash pressure or luring also counterproductive, will it teach my dog to simply wait for a lure or physical cue?
Jeromy Schowalter
2025-06-25 18:13:20
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: 19
When we approach training this way, we inadvertently teach our dogs that it only pays to listen if they see the treats up front. To avoid this problem, we need to fill in the gap. Once your dog has learned to sit with a food lure and hand signal, try putting the treats in your pocket, or on a table nearby – and cue the sit again. When he finally sits, praise and GIVE A TREAT from your pocket, or the nearby bag on the table. To make this easier, I normally recommend keeping a few shelf-stable snacks in your pocket, or stashing bags strategically around the house for easy access whenever you need them. Eventually, you’ll be able to start skipping the treats every now and then, or substituting other “life rewards” for compliance when your dog does what you ask – things like going out the door for a walk, or putting down his dinner bowl, or being released to hop out of the car at the park. But don’t rush this. For quite a while, focus on convincing your dog that you always come through with a reward… even if he doesn’t see one.
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