Why is my dog distracted by everything?

Your dog is looking for stimulation and things that fulfill their genetic needs to chase or bite in part because they aren’t getting enough fulfillment from you. You’re boring, this is a humongous part of what’s going on. Play a lot, play at least once a day for 20-30 minutes per session, this makes you interesting and makes it much easier to say “hey, don’t worry about that squirrel.” Play must always come first so that you are interesting and relevant. We want to positively condition a way to get their attention when they’re focused on other things, and you can do this a number of ways. If your dog is testing the waters, as their genetics tell them to as they grow, and they are learning that what you say doesn’t matter under distraction, then they are learning you are not a leader. This is the foundation for anxiety and most aggression. Asking your dog to listen when they are distracted is not only convenient, it is also important in keeping them safe and from running where they shouldn’t, but it also ensures you develop a relationship that keeps your dog happy, relaxed, and confident.