Your dog is a good dog, right?
They always listen and do exactly what they're supposed to do.
...That is, until they don't!
What's more frustrating than your dog not listening when you know they know exactly what you want them to do?
They get so zoned in on what they want to do that whatever you say doesn't count. Like, when that certain dog walks by your home. Or, if their favorite friend (human or dog) visits.
When your dog gets so locked in that nothing you say or do matters, it feels like practically the only thing left to do is to clip on their leash and remove them from the situation.
And many times, that's actually not that bad of a move on your part.
But what else could you do to attempt to get your dog out of that mode and back into reality with you?
Here's a quick approach to try:
Be honest with yourself and assess whether your dog absolutely knows exactly what you want him to do. Dogs don't generalize well like people do. So, it could be possible that you're expecting your dog to do something he or she really can't.
The most miniscule thing could be causing them confusion. Say you want
them to enter the building at the doggy day care. But, they just won't. And you don't want to drag your dog in. Usually, they will just go ahead and enter any building you show them to.
Well, what could be the problem? Could it be the gender of the handler? Or, maybe it's the fact that there's a new mat on the floor. And the texture of that mat is something your dog is not used to.
The latter was the case with my dog, Zara. Once we removed the mat from the floor, she went right into the doggy daycare like it was no problem.
2. Let's say that it is in fact the case that your dog knows what you want him or
or her to do and that they are simply ignoring you. Say your dog simply does not want to do a "down."
Alright then, simply redirect to another command. Just be sure that you
reward your dog for their good behavior then. For example, ask your dog for a sit or a shake, and then reward them with praise and a treat. Get them into that work and reward mode.
After a few attempts at redirected behaviors, then go back to the behavior that you want. More than likely, you will have success.
3. But, success isn't guaranteed! Your dog may continue to ignore you anyway.
That's okay. This may be the point in time to acknowledge your dog has their limits. End whatever it is that you're doing. Think about doing something fun instead.
Or, just clip on your dog's leash and leave the situation entirely.
It's hard to know exactly what's causing your dog to ignore you. But, it's usually because they don't understand, feel bored or frustrated, or are tired, distracted, or hungry.
So now might be the time for you to demonstrate some leadership. Just move
on and go after things again tomorrow.
4. Whew! That's a lot of info to digest. However, there's one more thing to keep in mind. And that is if your dog's safety is somehow in danger.
Say your dog is heading for a dog who you know is ready for a fight. Well, in that case you might have to shout and cause a big scene. Do whatever it takes to distract your dog and disengage them from the danger. This is not the time to get anxious and roll along with your dog's behavior.
Well, that's about it for this post. Hope it helps you engage your dog when they're very much on their own page!
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