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Why Your Dog Isn’t Listening and How To Change It!

Leah Hatley and Justine Schuurmans

April 1, 2014

One of the biggest gripes we hear as dog trainers is: “My dog just doesn’t listen!” It kind of falls in line with my kids don’t listen and my husband … well, let’s not even go there.

So ladies - we’re here for you (magic wand in hand) to shed some light on the subject and help you turn it all around.

So why doesn’t your dog listen?  It’s probably one of three reasons:

1. It’s all Swahili to him
Dogs speak dog. They don’t waste time with words, they talk with their bodies - which means you might as well be speaking Swahili. Your dog’s not got the foggiest idea what you’re talking about!  And shouting that same foreign word louder ain’t gonna cut it either! Chances are “QUIT BARKING” has about as much meaning to him as “Waa wa waa” (á la teacher in Charlie Brown).

So magic wand time – what can you do? Take the time to REALLY teach him a few simple words: like sit, down and come and then REALLY reward him when he gets them right. Practice makes perfect – and dog training is no different.  Just remember ONLY expect him to be able to do what you’ve REALLY taught him.

2. Four year olds can’t read Tolstoy
When you teach your kids to read, you start with the fun ‘lift the flap’ books first, not War and Peace.  So asking for a sit in front of the treat jar is like reading Spot the Dog, but ask for a sit at the soccer game, and you’re pushing Tolstoy on a toddler!

So go preschool. Start in the kitchen where it’s easiest and then take your show on the road. Practice most where you need ‘the pro’ to show up and watch him shine.

3. He’s got the attention span of a gnat
We all tune out the ‘boring’ and pay attention to the ‘shiny objects’. We just can’t help ourselves.  Kids ignore moms on the playground, husbands ignore their wives when football is on, and we ignore kids when we’re trying to sneak in a quick email. Your dog is no different.

So the fix? You have two choices here:

  1. Become the center of his attention – do whatever it takes: whip out something he LOVES (steak?) and move further away from the ‘shiny objects’.  Make sure he’s looking at you, then ask him to do what you need – and pay him HANDSOMELY for it.  OR
  2. Know when you’re outdone. If the competition is too stiff then just don’t waste your breath! He’s not listening. So don’t drive yourself crazy - find your Zen and let it go in THAT moment. Stick it on the ‘to do’ list and tackle it tomorrow.

So while you start work on your dog, we’re off to conquer new heights:
Husband Training - and see if these methods work on them! If they do we’ll be starting a WHOLE NEW business! :)

Leah Hatley and Justine Schuurmans are professional trainers and owner of thefamilydog.com, a website that specializes in educating the whole family on how to interact with their dog or puppy. To learn more about the online program and see free training videos visit www.thefamilydog.com.