It can be really frustrating when your dog doesn’t listen to you when you give a command. But just like people, dogs sometimes don’t want to listen. It’s important to note that just because your dog doesn’t listen to you doesn’t mean that they’re dumb or defiant. They may simply just not understand what you are asking of them. Here’s what to do if your dog doesn’t listen to you:

1. Return to the Basics

If your dog isn’t listening to basic commands, you might need to continue to work on mastering them. It can take some dogs a really long time to learn and master certain commands.

Also, training and socialization are ongoing throughout your dog’s life. Thinking that you don’t have to continue to revisit training after your dog responds successfully is a common dog training myth.

Even if a dog has mastered a command, it’s a good idea to revisit and practice every now and then in various environments to keep things consistent and reinforce it. Practice makes perfect, so keep working with them! Be sure to reward your dog quickly when they listen so they associate listening with a reward.

2. Be Sure You’re Not Sending Mixed Signals

Dogs need clear commands and the right dog training methods. However, your words may be saying one thing but your body posture may be saying another thing. You might be saying a positive command, but your body posture or facial expressions might be communicating displeasure.

This can be a way you’re confusing your dog, which means they might not listen to you because they aren’t clear on what you’re asking them to do. Make sure your body language reflects the commands. If your dog is not behaving and you give a command to stop, make sure they can see you are serious. And if you’re praising them, make sure they can tell you’re happy and proud of them.

Also, avoid giving them attention for undesirable behavior or unintentional praise for undesirable behavior; in many cases, dogs interpret this as a positive result and may inadvertently encourage behavior you don’t want. This type of clear and consistent communication is a valuable dog training tip.

3. Be Consistent

If there are more than one of you in the home with your dog, your dog might be receiving mixed signals from other family members. If this is happening, they won’t understand what you want from them. If you don’t want your dog on the couch but someone else encourages it, your dog won’t know who to listen to.

Be sure to sit down with the other household members and go over certain rules and boundaries you expect from your dog. If it’s helpful, write these down and put them somewhere where everyone in the house has access to it.

4. Incorporate Hand Signals

Sometimes, dogs just hear words and they don’t process them even if they know basic commands. Try incorporating hand signals when you give a command. For example, if you want your dog to lie down, say the command and move your hand toward the floor. Not only will your dog hear the command, but they’ll see it too.

5. Help Them Calm Down

Your dog might not be listening to you because they are too wound up. It’s like expecting a child to listen to you when they’re overstimulated. If they’re not listening to you, this could be a sign they’re bored or not mentally stimulated enough. Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise during the day. Exercise is a great way to help a hyper dog calm down.

Play some games with your dog that encourage mental stimulation or make sure they have access to toys that are mentally stimulating. Getting some of this physical and mental energy out will help them focus on listening to you. This can be a big help in keeping your dog engaged during training sessions.

This is just an overview of what to do if your dog doesn’t listen to you. Remember, your dog isn’t trying to be bad. With some patience and practice, hopefully, you can build trust, build a bond with your dog, and they will begin to trust and listen to you in return.