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).
Some dogs will misbehave because they are bored and have not had enough exercise, others lack proper training. A dog who is feeling anxious may also exhibit behavior that appears to be a case of misbehaving.
There are a couple of possible reasons why she's not so keen to greet. One is that she thinks something bad is going to happen when you come in the door. If, in the past, you've ever scolded or punished her for naughtiness committed while you were away, she might have learned to associate your arrival with bad stuff.
If their behaviour changes or they show regular signs of stress or fear (such as excessive panting, licking lips, hiding, cowering or aggression), they could be distressed, bored, ill or injured. If you notice a change, ask your vet for advice. They may then refer you to an animal behaviourist.
Behavioral changes can be your first indicator that something is wrong with your dog. If interest is lost in playing games, going for walks, eating, and sudden lethargy are good key indicators that something is wrong, and your dog is trying to tell you in their own way.
A dog that is coming off as stubborn is actually a dog that is either unmotivated or has no idea what is being asked. There are a couple ways to motivate your dog. One way is to use stuff that your dog likes. The other is to use stuff that your dog doesn't like.
Although it may feel this way, dogs are not spiteful creatures. There is often a deeper meaning behind our dog's behavior; they are sending us a message the only way they know how. Dogs are very emotional beings. They feel our emotions and they respond to our energies.
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. Being firm and consistent with your training will help establish boundaries. And be patient!
Similar to humans, a loss of interest in normal activities can be a sign a dog is not feeling like their normal, happy self. If your dog is normally all about their toys and hasn't been interested lately, they may not be feeling their best emotionally.
New research from a team of UK universities has shown that dogs do go through a rebellious adolescent phase, and they can be just as obstinate as human teens as they navigate fluctuating hormones and push for a bit of independence.
If a dog experiences major life changes, they may slump into a depressed state that causes them to want to be alone and isolated. Changes ranging from moving to a new family member, or the loss of a companion (human or otherwise) can all bring about depression in your pup.
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.
There are multiple reasons that a dog may exhibit aggression toward family members. The most common causes include conflict aggression, fear-based, defensive aggression, status related aggression, possessive aggression, food guarding aggression and redirected aggression.
You need an incentive to encourage your dog to come back - a really tasty treat or a fun game with a toy. Show your dog the toy or food. Run away a couple of paces then call your dog's name and say "come" in a friendly, exciting tone - getting down low can also encourage them to come back.
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.
Is there such a thing as an untrainable dog? The short answer, according to animal behaviourist Dr Joanne Righetti, is no. “Most dogs are trainable. There may be some dogs with brain disorders or injuries that find it hard to learn, but this is the exception,” she explains.
The most challenging time of raising a puppy is the adolescent period. Dogs become “teenagers” and seem to forget everything they have ever been taught. This period is individual to each dog, but it may begin when he's about eight months old and continue until he's two years old.
Many experts agree that the most challenging time is between the ages of 8 months to about 18 months.
Puberty (6 to 9 months): Random defiance, running off for hours, ignoring direction: Don't take any of your pup's frustrating behavior personally. Your puppy must challenge you in order to grow up. Through this age-appropriate behavior, she's challenging your authority to ensure that she can trust your judgment.