Dog doesn’t listen: What to do?
When a dog doesn’t listen, it is not only exhausting but sometimes dangerous. Stopping a dog driven by instinct that ignores its owner’s commands is a virtually hopeless endeavor. However, why do some dogs refuse to obey? How can training mistakes be avoided, and how can you get your dog to listen to your every word?
Dogs crave clear rules.
It has nothing to do with a strong desire for freedom if your dog doesn’t listen. Of course, dogs also enjoy their freedom when they’re off-leash, romping around in a meadow when they are allowed to play with other four-legged friends, or at the dog beach. They are free to move around in the sand as they please.
But dogs are pack animals that crave rules and a certain order in their daily lives. They want to orient themselves towards their pack leader and trust him.
Disobedience leads to stress.
If your four-legged friend barks, growls, and bares its teeth during a walk, it usually does so because it enjoys intimidating other dogs.
Rather, he feels compelled to protect you because he believes you would not be able to handle the situation without him. This puts not only you, but also your dog, under enormous stress.
Dogs need a confident leader who lovingly but consistently guides them and whose judgment they can always rely on. Even certain dog breeds, dogs considered difficult to train, will readily listen to a competent owner if they realize that this is the easier way for them.
Always up for a reward
Dogs are opportunistic. They often exhibit behaviors that are advantageous to them, such as those that are less stressful and even promise a reward. Therefore, any behavior that does not achieve its goal and might have negative consequences always has a reason.
Why doesn’t my dog listen to me?
If your dog ignores every “sit,” “down,” and “heel” command, it is not because your pet is simply stubborn. As harsh as it sounds, the cause of disobedience in dogs lies solely with the owner and inadequate or incorrect training.
Do not get bogged down in self-recrimination. You undoubtedly always wanted the best for your dog and made mistakes due to inexperience, lack of knowledge, or simply a lack of time. Now is the time to rectify those mistakes and work towards a better relationship between dogs and humans.
The dog does not listen: This is the most important reason
To avoid training mistakes, it is crucial to understand where these mistakes originated in the past. One of the most common reasons dogs do not obey their owner’s commands is simply a matter of communication—that the dog does not understand the commands, or perceives them as a request.
What should you do if the dog does not come when you call it?
Unclear, mumbled, or contradictory commands must be strictly avoided when communicating with dogs. This also includes ensuring that your body language aligns with your tone of voice.
Dogs are experts at reading facial expressions and can instantly recognize their owner’s mood. They can call “Heel” in the most friendly way. However, if your four-legged friend senses that you’re angry—for example, because you are impatiently stamping your foot or swinging the leash—they’ll likely avoid coming to you. After all, who wants a scolding?
What can you do if a dog doesn’t listen?
Just as problematic as unclear commands are those that are constantly repeated. Your dog must obey the first command! Having to repeat everything multiple times is tiring not only for you but also for your dog. Therefore, avoid tedious repetitions.
Dog disobeys: The fault lies in a lack of authority.
If you have to tell your dog “sit” six times before he finally sits, and then still praise him, it undermines your authority. It shows the dog that he doesn’t have to obey every word you say immediately.
Another example: You want your dog to wait outside the supermarket and tell him “Stay” so often that he eventually believes he only has to stay lying down as long as you say “Stay.” As soon as you’re inside the supermarket and can’t call him “Stay” for a tenth time, your dog will jump up and try to run after you.
The dog is not obeying. Work on your timing.
It will also be difficult for your dog to obey if the commands are given at the wrong time. Dogs that are currently relieving themselves, and then, when called “Heel,” they cannot execute the command. It is also ineffective to tell your dog “Down” if he is actually supposed to do it 50 meters later, when you have reached the supermarket door.
The action should always follow the command immediately. Don’t confuse your dog by explaining things beforehand. Dogs aren’t people: they only understand our words in the context of actions.
The dog doesn’t listen: Incorrect rewarding could be the cause
Just as crucial as the timing of a command is the correct timing of rewarding the dog. Dogs associate praise and reprimands only with their immediate behavior.
If your dog barks, and if your dog growls when the doorbell rings and you stroke his head to calm him down, he learns: “The louder I bark when the doorbell rings, the more petting I get!”
Or you want to give your dog a treat because he came “at heel,” and you rummage around in your pocket for the wrapper for so long that your dog becomes restless and starts whining. In this way, your dog will no longer associate “coming at heel” with rewarding behavior, but rather with whining.
Most important rule: Stay consistent.
It takes time for your dog to learn a command and obey instantly. Even the best training sessions at dog school can take time. They will eventually be forgotten if you are inconsistent or simply negligent at home.
Commands and behaviors must be practiced repeatedly – and in all sorts of places. If all motivational incentives, such as treats and toys, are removed, the training will be ineffective. If petting suddenly stops, your dog will eventually wonder why he should listen to you.
Continue praising correct behavior.
Owners often expect that dogs who have learned how to respond to certain commands at dog training school will retain this behavior for their entire lives. This is not the case.
The prerequisite for this is that you are consistent even outside of dog training, stick to the commands you have chosen, and continue to praise your dog for its correct behavior.
Can obedience be trained?
Your dog doesn’t listen, and you’re wondering if obedience can be trained later. The good news is that every dog can learn to listen.
Ideally, the dog learns the most important basic commands as a puppy. Undoubtedly, it’s easier to teach a young dog the correct behavior than an adult dog that has already developed some bad habits.
Furthermore, there are also differences between the breeds. For example, training an Afghan Hound requires... a Bloodhound or a wolfhound, which are famous for a certain stubbornness, certainly have more know-how and patience than, say, a Labrador or a Golden Retriever. Nevertheless, even supposedly difficult-to-train four-legged friends can be put on the right path.
How do I teach my dog to obey?
There are many training methods for teaching basic commands, which greatly facilitate the coexistence of humans and dogs. Which one is right for you depends on your dog. Just like us humans, dogs are individuals who react to different stimuli.
Attending a dog training school is highly recommended. An experienced dog trainer will observe your dog closely and quickly determine which method is most likely to lead to success for your four-legged friend.
Not only will your dog practice the desired commands, but you will also learn how you need to behave to make your dog listen to you.
What obedience exercises are there?
Whether your dog listens to you or not ultimately depends on his intrinsic motivation. Obedience must be rewarding for him. To cultivate this, obedience training should be structured accordingly. First and foremost, it’s fun.
Dogs learn much faster and more reliably with joy and positive reinforcement than with excessive strictness or a “tough hand”. Simply put, if the correct execution of commands like “sit, “down, “or “heel” is rewarded, the dog will repeat that behavior.
There are many rewards: these can include a treat or a beloved toy, as well as a loving “stroke over the head” or gentle words.
Small freedoms as a reward
Depending on the situation, small liberties can also serve as rewards. For example, allowing the dog to be off-leash after it has sat down, or allowing the dog to play with other dogs after it has walked obediently at heel and waited patiently until you give permission.
It is important that the dog truly associates the reward with the desired action!
Obedience on the leash
In addition to mastering basic commands, an obedient dog must also walk well on a leash. You, not your dog, should decide the direction.
Show your dog that walking on a leash can be fun by teaching him a few varied exercises on a large field. Slalom running, running fast, sudden stops, walking backward, or quick changes of direction will certainly be very exciting for your dog, and he will follow you attentively.
The leash should always be loose. It is not meant to be used to pull the dog in a particular direction forcefully.
Resist all temptation
To help him learn to stay obediently by your side even when faced with external stimuli and temptations, it is also a good idea to use toys or food. Position them at a distance.
If your dog pulls on the leash and rushes towards something, silently move further away with him, gradually increasing the distance to his desired object. Only when he manages to remain calm and reach his goal with a loose leash should you give it to him.
Conclusion: Success depends on you.
Try out which training method suits you and your dog best. A dog trainer will give you many more tips and show you tricks to improve your dog’s obedience.
It’s never too late to teach your dog to listen. Success depends on you: on your patience, consistency, and, last but not least, the time you can dedicate to your dog and your training sessions.
We wish you and your dog every success on your journey together.