My dog won’t listen!
"If you want someone who will listen to you every time, do everything you tell them to do, and always be there for you for better or for worse, get a dog.” (Anonymous)
While some dogs seem to be naturals at listening, others specialize in selective hearing. Does your dog fall into this category? Is there anything that can be done to improve your dog’s responsiveness?
Top 10 training tips
Use these 10 simple tips to improve communication between you and your dog.
Implement the no free lunch protocol. This protocol is simple; before you do anything for your dog, he must do something for you first. The easiest thing is to simply ask the dog to sit before you feed him, put his leash on for a walk, open the door, pet him, toss his ball, invite him up on the couch, etc. Your dog will learn that the faster he sits, the faster he gets what he wants. And what you end up with is a dog who quickly responds to cues. What I particularly like about this protocol is that it’s a great way to do training without setting time aside to do so. If your dog only knows how to sit, ask for a sit each time. But if your dog knows additional cues, you can mix it up by asking for a down, stay, shake, etc.
Use positive reinforcement training methods. Make training fun by rewarding a behavior you like with a treat, verbal praise, petting, going for a walk or playing ball. Ignore or redirect behaviors you don’t like. I don’t find it necessary to have to use pain to train.
Be consistent. The reason many handlers have difficulty with their dogs jumping, begging at the table, leaping on the furniture or pulling on leash is because not everybody interacting with the dog is following the same rules. If some friends allow your dog to jump on them while others don’t, your dog is not at fault for jumping. He continues trying to jump because sometimes it is rewarded. Random reinforcement is the best way to retain a behavior, be it good or bad.
Keep breed characteristics in mind. It’s not fair to get angry at a retriever for carrying things in his mouth or at a beagle for walking with his nose to the ground. Instinctual behaviors are hard-wired in the brain and difficult, if not impossible, to train out of a dog.
Give your dog a job to do. Many dogs develop problem behaviors because they are bored. Teach your retriever to pick things up off the floor and hand them to you. Do scent work with your beagle. Allow your guard dog to let you know visitors are at the door. Let your dog be the family alarm clock. You get the idea!
Set your dog up for success. It’s better to cheat a little and let your dog succeed instead of letting him practice the undesirable behavior. For example, if your dog won’t come when called, try getting closer to your dog, squeaking a favorite toy or calling the dog’s name while running in the opposite direction. Instead of letting your dog fail (not coming when called), it’s better to make it easier for your dog to succeed.
Learn to read dog body language. If you get into the habit of observing your dog’s body language, you will be better equipped to address any potential problems before they escalate. (See last month’s Smoke Signals for more information.)
Socialize your puppy. The prime socialization window closes around 14 weeks of age; being diligent with this task will save you problems in the future. Sign up for a puppy class. Expose your puppy to 100 people during his first 100 days. Search on “rover.com dog enrichment” to learn about the importance of social, cognitive, physical and sensory enrichment.
Teach your dog some basic obedience cues. This will help your dog to behave better and will keep him safe. Helpful cues to teach your dog include sit, down, stay, watch me and leave it.
A good recall is essential. Practice makes perfect. Start in low distraction areas first and slowly work up to more challenging scenarios. Never call your dog to come for something unpleasant. Always reward a recall with verbal praise, petting, throwing a toy or treats.
Spend time and bond with your dog. Take your dog for daily walks, play with your dog, groom your dog, pet your dog, teach your dog tricks or scent games or participate in a favorite dog sport. As Konrad Lorenz so eloquently stated, “The bond with a true dog is as lasting as the ties of this earth will ever be.”
Happy training!