Relationship Thursdays: Why won't my dog listen to me?

It’s a lovely day at the park and as you take off your dog’s leash and let him run free he takes off into the exciting world of smells, sights and freedom. When you finally call him to go home, your dog suddenly feigns deafness and runs off in the opposite direction leaving you with the leash in hand bewildered and frustrated!

Most pet parents have struggled with dogs that will listen only when it suits them. Whilst this may be an amusing behaviour for onlookers, it could result in larger issues and could be a way for a dominant dog to assert itself.

Just as it wouldn’t be wise to allow your children to only listen to you when it suits them, the same rule should be applicable to dogs. It is vital that we help them understand rules and structure in their life; because one day the rules could save your dog’s life!

Presenting possible reasons why your dog doesn't behave as expected and ways you could try to change his behaviour—
 

Reason 1: Your dog doesn't know what you are saying
It is possible that ‘Sandy’ is unaware that the word is his name. If you have a young pup that doesn’t yet fully connect his name with coming to you, or if people have called him by different names (Sandy Pandy, Sanduu, Sands) or if he’s learnt to disregard his name because it has been used too frequently, your dog could well have an identity crisis. You may think your dog understands words such as come, go, get off the sofa, no, etc. But often the dog has no clue what the words mean.
To correct the problem, start from the beginning and teach your dog the commands consistently. Every time you say the words, ensure you follow up by physically – gently but firmly- showing the dog what is expected of him. When he does listen, be lavish with your praise and you can give him a treat. Keep in mind, that if your dog doesn’t listen to you at home, he is unlikely to listen to you when outdoors.

Reason 2: You are not speaking doggy language well enough!
Picture this- your dog jumps onto the sofa. You go over with a smiling face and scold your dog, “Naughty boy! Now darling, get off the sofa!”
Do you really expect your dog to listen?  Dogs do not understand the words we speak; they take in everything – our tone of voice, our body language and the expression on our face to understand the entire message.
Dogs prefer if we speak a clear language and respect us for it. So smiling and scolding your dog only sends out a baffling message to the dog. When praising, smile, keep your tone pleasant and your body held relaxed. When you want to scold your dog, keep your expression grim, your body held tight and upright and your voice gruff.
 

Reason 3: You have been too harsh with the dog
Your dog has stolen the remote control and has hidden under the table. You call him to you, ask him to give it and then you slap him and say “Bad boy!’
In effect, you have ensured that your dog won’t listen to you the next time he has control over the remote because he expects to be punished. With kinder methods of training now prevalent, hitting is a thing of the past. Over a period of time, the dog loses trust in you because he connects the pet parent to the pain. If you want to punish a dog, try catch him in the act and then just a gruff scolding is enough.
 

Reason 4: The rules are not clear
This situation occurs if the pet parent is too permissive and allows the dog to get away with disobedience sometimes, but is firm at other times. It is a frequent occurrence with doting owners who spoil their dogs  Once the dog starts getting away with small things, he will push the owner’s boundaries of command. Allowing your dog to beg in the kitchen today and refusing access the next day only serves to confuse the dog. It is far kinder to your dog if you have clear cut rules and follow them consistently and ensure your dog knows he cannot get away by ignoring you.

Reason 5: Your dog is distracted
Obviously, when there is an emergency, it is imperative that your dog listens to you. If there is no emergency though, just bear in mind that every time you ask your dog to do something and he does not respond, it chips another bit out of your obedience ‘bank account’.
Many a time a pet parent tries to call back his dog from playing with the pretty poodle or when he is chasing a cat, only to meet with failure. When you know your dog is way too distracted to lend you an ear, it may be better to wait and call him back when he’s likelier to come.

Reason 6: You are a boring person!
Often we talk to our dogs in a boring monotonous voice. It’s no wonder then that they decide to tune out the sound of our voice. Don’t believe it? Try it on your dog now. Talk to your dog in your usual boring monotone – does he even look at you? Most likely not! Now try talking in a happy excited tone with lots of hand gestures and a few shrieks thrown in for good measure and watch how he perks up and wags his tail!

Reason 7: When the outcome is unpleasant
Try calling your dog to go the vet, sit still for a bath or get sprayed with anti-tick treatment and you can guarantee that your dog won’t listen! Most dogs know when they are being called to go out for a walk and when they have to meet the dreaded vet. At such times, it is better to go over to your dog and using a leash and gently guide to him where you want him to be.
And finally, keep in mind that a dog is just a dog and will often do exactly as he pleases. A sense of humour at such times will help you through such periods.