Imagine you’re at the dog park, and your furry companion, Jax, is running off-leash. You call him, but he completely ignores you, continuing to run with the other off-leash dogs.
Frustration sets in, and you wonder, “Why doesn’t my dog listen to me?”
If you’ve ever found yourself in this situation, you’re not alone. Many dog owners experience similar challenges when it comes to getting their pets to pay attention.
Let’s learn why dogs are sometimes unresponsive and how you can improve your human-to-dog communication.
Why Doesn’t My Dog Listen to Me? (Lost in Translation)
Let’s step into your dog’s paws for a moment. Dogs perceive the world differently from humans, relying heavily on their senses of smell, hearing, and body language.
In her book “The Other End of the Leash,” renowned animal behaviorist Patricia B. McConnell, Ph.D., highlights this communication gap: “Dogs don’t speak English or any other human language, and they don’t understand our words. Instead, they respond to our tone, body language, and the context in which we speak.”
So the next time you find yourself wondering why your dog isn’t listening, remember that he may not comprehend your words the way you think he should.
Instead, he’s paying close attention to your tone, your body language, and his own interpretation of the situation.
Stay Consistent
One common mistake dog owners make is inconsistency in their commands and expectations. Dogs thrive on routine and clear, consistent communication.
If you’re inconsistent in your commands or rewards, your dog may become confused and less likely to obey. Mixed signals can lead to confusion, making it harder for your dog to listen.
Every time I had a new puppy, I told my husband that we needed to decide our consistent word for taking the dog outside when I once caught him using “pee pee” instead of what I was using, “potty.”
And the problem isn’t just about using different words.
Imagine one day you ask Jax to “sit” and reward him with a treat, but the next day you only praise him verbally without a treat.
Jax may wonder why his behavior isn’t being consistently rewarded and may become less motivated to obey.
If having a treat on hand seems cumbersome and even expensive, try audible clicker training by marking the good behavior with a click and then immediately reinforcing the behavior with an excited voice and belly rubs!
Training and Reinforce
Training your dog is a process that requires time, patience, and a deep understanding of your dog’s individual needs and overall attitude. And remember, some dogs are naturally more independent or stubborn due to their breed or age. It might take more patience and consistent training to get them to listen.
It’s not just about teaching commands; it’s also about reinforcing good behavior and providing positive experiences. According to the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB), “Positive reinforcement is more effective at training cogs than an electronic collar.”
That’s counter to humans who are intrinsically motivated by a negativity bias.
In the Journal of Experimental Psychology, Kelly Goldsmith, Ph.D. notes that “People have less motivation when an incentive is framed as a means to gain something than when the same incentive will help them avoid the loss of something”
We must reward dogs with the positive behavior we wish to see repeated. For instance, if Jax comes when called, give him a treat or praise him enthusiastically. This positive association will encourage him to repeat the behavior.
Relying on punishment-based techniques can be harmful and can actually make behavior problems worse by increasing anxiety and fear in pets. So instead of scolding Jax for not listening, focus on positive reinforcement to motivate him to listen and obey.
Your Dog’s Top Needs
Dogs have various physical and emotional needs that can influence their behavior. Ignoring these needs can lead to disobedience and frustration.
A dog needs exercise, discipline, and affection in that order. Many problems develop when people give their dogs affection first, exercise second, and discipline third.
Exercise
Dogs have tons of energy to burn, and without proper exercise, they may become restless and less likely to listen.
For example, people who habitually shake their legs while working long hours in a cubicle know this feeling.
So make sure Jax gets enough physical activity to keep him happy and engaged.
Discipline
Discipline here doesn’t mean punishment; it refers to setting boundaries and providing structure. Dogs thrive on routine, so establish consistent rules and expectations for Jax.
Affection
Of course, your dog deserves affection, but it should be balanced with exercise and discipline. Giving affection at the right times can reinforce positive behavior.
Building a strong bond with your dog through play, affection, and spending quality time together can make them more inclined to listen and want to please you.
Try, Try Again
But what if your dog just plain doesn’t listen?
To improve your dog’s readiness to obey, there’s going to be some work on your part: consistent training, positive reinforcement, and understanding their individual needs and breed.
Patience and consistency are key and remember, every dog is unique, so what works for one may not work for another.
If you’re still struggling, consult a professional dog trainer, use a lease, decrease the space your dog has access to with a fence or a crate, dog-proof your home, and try, try again!
