Most humans like to use the word “No”. Many dog trainers, however, feel that this is a very negative way of training a dog and research shows that dogs who are responded to in a negative way such as shouting or hurting them, may eventually respond with aggression towards their handler!
The word 'No! ' is so often over-used that dogs learn to ignore it in any case. Each time you say 'No! ' and do nothing to back it up, your dog learns that 'No!
Show your dog what you (don't) want it to do
As your dog tries to get it, say “no,” and close your fist around the treat. Let your dog sniff and lick at your hand, but don't give it the treat. Once the dog stops trying and turns away, offer plenty of praise and provide a treat from your other hand.
After all, he is just like a kid, he has no idea what the rules are until you teach them to him. This should be one of the first commands you teach your dog. It is also one of those commands the average dog tends to learn as he goes along.
However, experts have explained why you shouldn't shout at your dog, and that shouting can actually do more harm then good when trying to teach your pup to be well behaved. In fact, not only is it likely to make them naughtier, it can even lead to even stress and depression.
- Have your dog respond to you, by doing a “Sit” or a “Walk” beside you, so that their focus is on you. Keep your dog on a lead, so you have full control of their behaviour. - Set the scene by creating a diversion or activity that your dog is going to be very likely to want to do.
The reasons for this are numerous, ranging from just an age related phase, not adequate training, fear, or just simple distraction issues. The first step a frustrated owner should take is to try to assess WHY their dog is not taking a command, as the solution differs for each reason.
The reasons your dog may not be listening might be medical in nature, but most often, if your dog will not come to you or ignores you completely, it is because of a training or a behavioral issue. Once you feel you have ruled out potential illness, training and conditioning your dog will improve his recall ability.
Start by making sure your dog can follow a command with no distractions. Then, work on the command with people in the environment talking, eating, engaging with each other. Then, work on the command out in the yard and start with minimal distractions and work up to more significant distractions.
When done correctly and when combined with proactive training, ignoring unwanted behavior can work. However, the time it takes depends on your dog's reinforcement history and their own personal enjoyment of the behavior. For some dogs, they get through an extinction burst quickly, while others can take quite a while.
Dogs can absolutely sense when their owners are too busy to pay attention to them when they are around. They are aware of your actions and behavior as their owner, and as a result, their mental and physical health can suffer if their owner or trainer does not pay enough attention to them.
Most dogs understand only a few words. They pay more attention to the tone and pitch of your voice. Yelling at your dog is more likely to confuse her and cause her to react in a hyper or aggressive way because she's trying to match your behavior. A classic example of this is when you yell at your dog to stop barking.
If you catch your puppy misbehaving, try a loud noise such as clapping your hands or a loud "uh-uh" or a sharp “off”. Remember, reprimands need to occur while the behavior is happening, preferably just as it begins, and never after.
WHINING, CRYING, AND HOWLING
It can be a sure sign they're feeling neglected. That may mean more exercise, engagement, or training sessions are in order. But be sure to keep an eye on your dog's progress with this, as whining and howling that don't get better may be a sign of anxiety or pain.
Getting your dog to reliably come when called is known as recall, and it's important for all dog owners. Some reasons dogs don't come when called include distraction, confusion, or fear. Gradual training and positivity are ways to help build a reliable recall so your dog will come when called.
Dogs who exhibit attention seeking behaviors because of anxiety often need help from a professional to get better. If you think that your dog is anxious, speak to your veterinarian. Attention seeking behaviors can often be extinguished (eliminated) by simply ignoring the puppy.
Lack of Training: He Doesn't Understand the Command
Disobedience in dogs is often linked to impatience in the owner, such as making several commands without waiting for your pup to respond. This can easily overwhelm and confuse your dog. Also, he may not have received adequate training to respond to your requests.
Your dog might be licking you because:
Maybe they're trying to avoid getting in trouble or saying they're sorry after they've done something bad, like when they get into the garbage and want to say sorry.
While a one-off hit might be forgiven, dogs will find it hard to move on from repeated harsh discipline and it could negatively affect your bond. You should work on positive training techniques and seek the help of a dog behaviorist if you are struggling.
On top of potentially evoking defensive aggression, hitting dogs may cause them to become insecure. They may cower, engage in submissive urination and have low self-esteem. They may no longer walk with their heads high; they will rather walk with their tail between their legs and their head carried low.