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.
Appropriate, frequent, and regularly scheduled exercise sessions, providing appropriate outlets for normal behaviors, along with an early start to training can go a long way to preventing most unruly behaviors. Waiting to train your puppy until it is 6 months of age can often let these disobedient behaviors take hold.
Methods such as alpha rolls and physical corrections (via the leash and a choke chain or by smacking the dog on the nose or by shaking their scruffs) were often recommended as a way for humans to establish dominance over their dogs.
Don't physically discipline your dog: You love your pets like family, so you'd never want to hurt your dog. It goes without saying that you should never lay a hand on your dog to discipline him, even if you're extremely frustrated. There is a never a reason to hit, shake or intimidate your dog.
If you've got a stubborn dog who pulls on the leash, get some really good treats (chicken, steak, hot dogs, etc.) and cut them into pea-sized pieces. Take your clicker and these treats with you on your walk. When you step out the front door, wait for your dog to look back at you.
Use a high-pitched, happy voice and reward them when they come to you. This will make your pup more likely to come the next time you call. Tip: If you have used “come” with an angry tone in the past, choose a different word and start over to give them a positive association with coming when called.
This is well-intended but incomplete advice – if you only ignore the behavior, your dog will probably never learn to stop barking, jumping, or pulling. Just ignoring unwanted dog behaviors misses an important piece of teaching your dog what TO do instead. Dogs learn by association.
The most common reasons for canine disobedience
One of the most common reasons why dogs don't carry out their owner's commands is simply that they don't understand – not because they're acting slightly stupid or feigning deafness, but because they don't perceive them as requests.
Most likely because they have discovered play and training are mutually exclusive. Whenever you call him back, your dog immediately knows playtime is over and is afraid to do as you requested. More so, he might be afraid to return for fear of punishment.
A stubborn dog could be one that stays standing or even lunges on the leash when asked to sit. A stubborn dog could be one that continues to sniff a flower or dig in the dirt when being called to come. Or a stubborn dog could be one that puts on the brakes, refusing to move in the direction you are trying to walk.
Stubborn dogs might take a bit of hard work to train, but have no fear; it is not impossible. With the right training and patience, even the most headstrong dogs can learn from their masters.
Anyone who has ever accidentally stepped on a dog's tail has probably wondered if dogs can understand the difference between doing something by mistake about doing it on purpose. Now a new study suggests that, at least in some circumstances, dogs do seem to know when their humans have just screwed up.
Dog owners should never punish their dog and instead only use positive training methods based around rewarding good behaviour, according to a new study.
While hitting an animal is never the right thing, most dogs are very forgiving and are good at moving on from a one-off incident. Dogs live in the moment and don't tend to bear grudges. However, some factors may influence whether he can carry on as normal after being hit.
Puppy difficulty at ages 7-10 months
It can vary a bit based on each dog, but your puppy likely will hit “adolescence” around 7-10 months, with 8-9 months being the peak described by most owners.
The most pronounced behavioral issues will be noticed between six to 12 months old. Keep in mind that although hormones have a lot to do with adolescent changes, they're not the only thing responsible for some of the behaviors you may see (even neutered dogs will exhibit these behaviors).
“If your dog whines, barks, paws at you, or nudges you to get affection, this means that they don't respect your personal space and they won't listen to you in other areas of training and leadership.” This one may be tricky for dog owners.
If your dog follows you everywhere then it's most likely a sign that they love and adore you. When dogs interact with someone they like, the hormone oxytocin is released. Oxytocin is often referred to as the 'love hormone' and makes you feel that warm glow when you're around someone you like.
Most dogs run away when being picked up because they've learned that pickups mean bath time, vet visits and the end of fun games.
One of the most common reasons is that they are bored. This could be because they are not getting enough exercise, enough mental stimulation, or they are genuinely not getting enough attention from their owners.