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.
It simply comes down to the fact that your dog does not have the level of obedience necessary. He has learned to ignore you and had not learned to default to your guidance when overly distracted. Most dogs learn to ignore their owner's command, pay little attention to where their owner is or what their owner is saying.
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.
If your dog ignores you, don't reel them in with the leash. Instead, use it to walk yourself closer until your dog comes to you. You want it to be their choice to come when called, not something you force them to do.
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.
Change behavior through positive reinforcement
When your pet dog shows undesirable behavior traits, you can do one of 3 things to practice positive reinforcement and retrain the behavior: redirect him. ignore him. give him a time-out (i.e. restrict his freedom for a time)
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.
Yelling also can make your dog less likely to respond to your commands, which makes you more frustrated and likely to yell. New research and most dog-training experts recommend you stop yelling at your dog and instead use a soft, quiet voice when you talk to your dog.
Sometimes, changes in your lifestyle, such as your new working schedule, moving to a new home, the arrival of a new baby or a new pet, may disturb their sense of safety. Be patient and help your dog adapt to change by keeping a consistent routine.
Dogs, like people, respond best to positive reinforcement. Trying to curb your dog's more aggressive behaviors by rewarding only positive behaviors can help train those aggressive instincts away. If he is calm for a while or behaves well during an encounter with guests or other dogs, reward him with a treat.
Science proves that dogs understand the emotional aspect associated with the insult based on tone, and body language, not necessarily the insult itself. As much as we'd all love to have a conversation with our dog, (and have them understand that by “no peeing”, we mean no peeing) that's just not the case.
Do they bolt out the door ahead of you when it's time to go for a walk? If so, your dog may love you, but they don't respect you as their leader. And if they don't trust you, it could lead to behavioral issues, make training challenging and increase their fear, or anxiety.
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.
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.
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!
When do puppies start to calm down? Most puppies start to calm down as they approach their maturity age, which is usually around 12 months, but for larger breeds it can be more likely to occur between 18 months and 2 years.
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).
Learned Behavior
In the study, dogs acted guilty when scolded by their owners, regardless of whether they had actually committed the act for which they were being scolded. Based on this, it seems likely that dogs learn quickly that when pet parents unhappy with them, they can placate their humans by looking sad.
Your dog will know when you are mad.
Dogs hate to disappoint and can sense the emotions and body language that comes with an upset "parent". When you are upset with your dog and he gives you those "sweet puppy dog eyes" he knows that you are upset and is hoping to change things.