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.
Most cases however, are simply overly energetic dogs that may not be getting sufficient exercise and routine to their day, or who are being accidentally rewarded when they act excitedly (see Play and Exercise and Using Enrichment, Predictability, and Scheduling to Train Your Dog).
Dogs go through a stroppy phase when they hit puberty just like humans and become less obedient to commands from their owners. Dogs become less obedient to commands from their carer during adolescence just like teenage kids, according to British researchers.
Health isn't the only reason a dog's behavior changes. A dog who suddenly becomes disinterested in his pack may be experiencing a wide range of emotions, such as jealousy, anxiety or depression. Has anything changed in your home environment recently? Maybe someone moved into your home (or out of it).
because you're sending mixed signals
Dogs are simple creatures, and they need simple, consistent commands. If you aren't consistent with the words and phrases you're using to communicate with your dog, they might have a hard time understanding.
Your dog is frustrated with you.
Sometimes the stress of training can make your dog anxious. If you're feeling frustrated with them, they can pick up on that, but they may still not know how to appease you. Dogs may resort to calming signals when they don't know how to respond to your cues.
Dogs don't hold grudges. They only appear to if the humans around them react negatively, because then we're telling our dogs to do the same. So the next time you have to discipline or correct your dog, don't worry. She won't resent you for it.
Like humans, dogs go through a rebellious “teenager” phase (around 5 months to 18 months). During this time, they'll often test their owners, seeing what they can get away with.
If your dog is experiencing changes in routine or environment, these will impact your dog's behavior as well. Travel, a recent move, adding a new person or pet to the house - all of these are frequently associated with regression.
Your dog is disobedient
A dog's senses of sight, hearing and smell lessen with age and they can appear less obedient. 'Because dogs rely so heavily on these faculties, their loss may lead to anxiety and avoidance of once-straightforward situations,' says Claire.
1 Your suddenly aggressive dog may have an injury or an illness that's causing major discomfort and stress. Some possible causes of pain include arthritis, bone fractures, internal injuries, various tumors, and lacerations. Other illnesses may affect your dog's brain, leading to seemingly unreasonable aggression.
Yes, you can lose your dog's trust.
Research clearly shows that dogs have the cognitive and emotional capacities to hold grudges. They remember events from the past and these memories can persist for a long while.
When You Shouldn't Ignore Your Dog's Bad Behavior. There are some behaviors you don't want to ignore, such as puppy nipping or pulling on leash. Any behavior that feels good to your dog, is naturally calming (such as licking or chewing), or is fun to do is not likely to go away when ignored.
It can be a genetic thing, an inherited trait from a sire or dam, but more likely it's learned behavior. Dogs repeat what works, and if pouting and sulking they didn't want to do, they will use that behavior over and over because it works. A pouting dog is responding to your demands under protest.
When a dog doesn't listen to or follow commands, it's not typically because he is hardheaded or untrainable. The problem is often that normal dog behaviors simply don't conform to human standards of good manners, and changing behavior that comes naturally to a dog can take time and effort.
Do not raise your voice or hit the dog. Verbal or physical punishment is not an effective way to prevent bad behavior. Instead, your dog will simply learn to fear you. For example, hitting your dog after they urinate in the house might just cause them to hide where they urinate.
#1 – Afghan Hound
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.