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.
Even a well-trained dog can be tempted by a cat or squirrel or startled by a loud noise. Be consistent. You or other members of your family may unintentionally be asking for the same behavior in different ways or rewarding different behaviors. As a result, your dog may seem stubborn when he's really just confused.
Develop calm and assertive energy, so they perceive you as their leader. Be confident about your commands to ensure that your pup listens to you. Make sure your dog truly knows the commands that you give. Depending on their age and breed, it may take your pup time to learn a new skill.
Let them move away from you before using your recall cue, and use a long line attached to their harness to keep them safe during training. If they ignore you, stay calm – getting angry or shouting will make them not want to come back to you.
Use positive reinforcement.
You can reward the dog by providing tasty treats or by giving tons of affection. After your dog does something good, you want to reward it immediately in order to get the maximum benefit. It is also a good idea to reward your dog when they are behaving calmly.
It's never too late to start dog training
Behaviours such as pulling on the lead, fighting with other dogs, jumping up or running away are all hard on elderly joints. By training your older dog, you are helping to avoid health issues.
Whether it's hitting, tapping, or bopping a dog on the nose as means of discipline, this aversive technique still falls short of the success found with using reward-based or positive training. Contemporary experts urge against all uses of physical discipline.
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.
Why do some dogs simply not obey? If your dog ignores every “sit”, “stay” and “heel”, this isn't simply due to it being stubborn. As harsh as it sounds, such disobedience is solely down to the owner and scarce or incorrect training.
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.
If an owner rewards the behavior, purposely or accidentally, the undesirable behavior will continue to linger. Even if the owner ignores her dogs 10 times, but screams “no” once, the behavior won't go away. To truly extinguish a behavior, it must be ignored each and every time.
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.
What are good recall words for dogs? The best recall words are clear and concise - with commands like 'come', 'here' and 'back' being the most popular. It's also important for your dog to be able to recognise and respond to its name.
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.
Arm yourself with treats and then stand a few feet away from your dog. Say your cue word and immediately praise and treat when your dog responds. If you end up ignored and your dog will not come when called, give the leash a gentle tug in your direction to encourage them over.
Health issues that can change your dog's behavior include arthritis, hip dysplasia, luxating patellas, sore teeth, thyroid problems, epilepsy/seizures, ear infections, digestive issues, skin or environmental allergies, yeast infections, hearing loss, eyesight loss, and cancer.
#1 – Afghan Hound
These sighthounds needed to think for themselves to keep track of the prey instead of looking to their owner for direction. These days, those traits are displayed as being aloof and independent. They make up for their lack of obedience by being extremely affectionate and loyal.
Yelling encourages bad behavior
That shows your dog she has no incentive to come back. Instead, call your dog and when she comes back, praise her and give her a treat. If all you do is yell, why would your dog want to please you?