09/23/2025
๐๐จ๐๐ฌ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐จ๐ ๐ก๐๐ฏ๐ "๐ฌ๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐ ๐ก๐๐๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐ "? ๐๐
Many frustrated owners tell me, "My dog KNOWS what to do... he just doesn't DO it!"
The truth is, there's a massive difference between a dog who has performed a command a few times and one who truly understands it in all environments.
Here's why your dog might be ignoring you and how to fix it:
๐๐ง๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ง๐๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ฉ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐๐๐ก ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ฅ๐ข๐๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ:
Dogs need to master commands across three dimensions before they truly "know" them:
1๏ธโฃ Duration: Can your dog hold the command (like stay) for increasing periods? Start with 3 seconds and gradually build to 30+ seconds before adding other challenges.
2๏ธโฃ Distance: Can they perform when you're not right beside them? Practice "sit" or "down" while you back up one step at a time, rewarding success at each level.
3๏ธโฃ Distraction: The most critical element! A dog who sits perfectly at home but ignores you at the park hasn't generalized the command to different environments.
๐๐ฎ๐ข๐๐ค ๐
๐ข๐ฑ ๐๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ญ๐๐ ๐ฒ: ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ฌ๐๐ญ & ๐๐๐๐ฎ๐ข๐ฅ๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐ก๐จ๐
If your dog is ignoring commands, try this approach:
โข Take a 2-week "command vacation" - temporarily stop using ignored commands
โข Manage behavior with leashes and gates instead
โข Restart training in a boring room with AMAZING rewards
โข Practice 5-minute sessions, 3 times daily
โข Only progress to the next distraction level after achieving 90% success
One client's Lab would completely tune out "come" at the park.
We switched to a new word ("here"), practiced with a long line for safety, and ALWAYS rewarded magnificently when he responded. Within 3 weeks, his recall improved from 10% to 80% reliability in moderate distractions.
Remember: Most dogs show significant improvement within 2-4 weeks of consistent practice using this method!
If you found this helpful, check out our profile for more training tips or visit our website for the complete guide to rebuilding your dog's listening skills.
