5 Strategies To Get Your Dog To Listen To You
Everyone wants their pet to be a well-behaved member of the family, but dogs, like people, have their own thoughts. Dogs have varied methods of responding to training and orders, whether they are 10 weeks old or 10 years old. They may occasionally choose to do nothing at all in response. Dogs who refuse to listen aren't always rebellious, disobedient, or stupid. They might be deliberately choosing not to pay attention to you, but they also might not understand what you expect of them. Having a dog that won't listen is frustrating in any case. However, before you give up on training, try these methods to get a dog to listen.
Give Your Dog a Reason to Listen
When chewing up your shoe is so much more satisfying, why should your dog "drop it" and accept your punishment? So, you must become more engaging than whatever your dog is doing. Giving them high-quality dog treats and rewarding them with praise and play will help you achieve this. They'll gladly stop what they're doing for the chance of getting a good reward if they know the immediate result of listening to you will be something exciting and interesting.
Think About What You're Asking
Training and obedience take a while to develop, so if your dog isn't paying attention, it's possible that they're just not yet able to perform the task at hand.
One illustration would be expecting your dog to come to you when they are having fun at the dog park so that you can put their leash on. They lack the kind of impulse control necessary to withdraw them from that situation. If you give your dog the time and space to learn, they will progressively become better listeners. Nevertheless, don't get upset if your expectations are unrealistically high. If they don't comply with one command, try requesting something a little simpler.
Break the Language Barrier
Communication issues are inevitable when your dog speaks canine, and you speak English. They'll gradually come to understand the words that are meant to hold meaning for them, but this process takes time.
When words fall short, use body language to explain what is happening. Each command should be accompanied by a hand gesture. Also, keep cues brief and deliver them with conviction.
Address the Core Issue
Consider other possibilities the next time your dog defies your commands. During your stroll, are they lunging at other dogs? Do they need a more comfortable leash that’s suitable for dogs with sensitive skin? There's a good chance that your dog's seemingly aggressive behavior is the result of an unrelated emotional or physical issue. He'll be in a better frame of mind to listen if the problem's underlying cause is addressed.
Don’t Give Up
Nobody owns a well-trained dog overnight. If you commit the right amount of time and effort, the process will progressively get easier, but you must always provide your dog with an opportunity to hone their abilities. Even though your dog is still learning how to listen for commands, they may eventually make it to the major leagues. Start with straightforward scenarios in your house and slowly move on to more challenging cues in unfamiliar settings and distractions. You and your furry friend will get there eventually, so don’t give up!