It's frustrating when your dog doesn't follow your directions, but it can also be deadly. To put it another way, this form of communication is a great way to keep your dog safe and avoid him getting in trouble. As an added benefit, it can aid in the control of problematic habits.
Become aware of and control your energy.
As the pack leader, you must have a calm-assertive spirit to command the loyalty of your canine companions. When you offer a command, your dog will tune you out if you're agitated or unsure of yourself. Unfortunately, many of us are unaware of how much energy we are exchanging. A friend can watch and give criticism, or even film your actions so you can see for yourself what you're doing.
Remove Unnecessary Power
Excited energy can be distracting while trying to interact with an energetic toddler, as anyone who has tried this knows all too well. Dogs are no exception to this rule. When your dog is pumped up and ready to go, he's going to have a hard time listening to you because he's focused on releasing all that pent-up energy.
It's important to remember to start with physical activity and work your way up to discipline. A daily walk that exhausts your dog to the fullest will do wonders for his energy levels.
Return to the Roots
Does your dog understand what you're saying? Developing a new ability in a dog can take hundreds or even thousands of repetitions. It is said that perfectionism is achieved via repetition. If you want to be confident that your dog has it down pat, you may have to refocus on training.
Be Aware of Your Dog's Emotions
In addition to your dog's stored up energy, many emotions can cause him to become disinterested in your company. It's possible that if you're trying to teach her to come when a neighbor's dog arrives, she may be so concentrated on claiming her territory that she's ignored you. Alternatively, she may be too terrified to hear your command to go to her box because of the thunder and lightning outside. It is necessary to address the underlying problem before your dog truly listens to you.
Stop Following Verbal Instructions.
Dogs don't speak to each other; instead, they communicate through body language and energy. Due to their constant yammering throughout the day, it's not unexpected that they occasionally have difficulty understanding our verbal directions.
It's possible that even if they understand a command, they'll correlate it with a nonverbal indication you offer at the same time.
If your dog seems to be paying attention to your commands, look at yourself to see if anything has changed. Is that a child you're holding? Is everyone seated? Are you turning your gaze elsewhere? As a result, you may not be able to effectively convey your point as you usually would.
Be Aware of Your Dog's Emotions
In addition to your dog's stored up energy, many emotions can cause him to become disinterested in your company. It's possible that if you're trying to teach her to come when a neighbor's dog arrives, she may be so concentrated on claiming her territory that she's ignored you. Alternatively, she may be too terrified to hear your command to go to her box because of the thunder and lightning outside. It is necessary to address the underlying problem before your dog truly listens to you.
Consistency is key.
If your dog is getting conflicting messages about what you want him to do, he won't be able to follow your instructions. That's also true if each member of the family sets their own rules. As a family, talk about the rules, limits, and restrictions you wish to place on your dog. It's a good idea to jot them down and keep them visible.
If you're still having issues, you might want to think about getting treatment from a professional. You and your dog will both benefit from the time and effort you put into communicating with each other.
Is your dog ever uninterested in you, or do you have a strategy that always works? In the comments, please share your thoughts.
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