Why is my dog suddenly not obeying me?

The reasons for this are numerous, ranging from just an age related phase, not adequate training, fear, or just simple distraction issues. The first step a frustrated owner should take is to try to assess WHY their dog is not taking a command, as the solution differs for each reason.


Why is my dog misbehaving all of a sudden?

Sometimes, changes in your lifestyle, such as your new working schedule, moving to a new home, the arrival of a new baby or a new pet, may disturb their sense of safety. Be patient and help your dog adapt to change by keeping a consistent routine.

Why has my dog started ignoring me?

Your dog is frustrated with you.

Sometimes the stress of training can make your dog anxious. If you're feeling frustrated with them, they can pick up on that, but they may still not know how to appease you. Dogs may resort to calming signals when they don't know how to respond to your cues.


Why is my dog being disobedient?

Most cases however, are simply overly energetic dogs that may not be getting sufficient exercise and routine to their day, or who are being accidentally rewarded when they act excitedly (see Play and Exercise and Using Enrichment, Predictability, and Scheduling to Train Your Dog).

What to do when your dog ignores your commands?

Start by making sure your dog can follow a command with no distractions. Then, work on the command with people in the environment talking, eating, engaging with each other. Then, work on the command out in the yard and start with minimal distractions and work up to more significant distractions.


Dog Not Listening? Try This...



Do dogs go through a rebellious stage?

Like humans, dogs go through a rebellious “teenager” phase (around 5 months to 18 months). During this time, they'll often test their owners, seeing what they can get away with. Being firm and consistent with your training will help establish boundaries. And be patient!

How do you punish a dog that misbehaves?

Disciplinary methods that are considered to be positive and beneficial are:
  1. Time-outs.
  2. Using your voice to put a stop to unwanted behavior, rather than hitting your dog.
  3. Taking their toys away.
  4. Avoiding giving your dog attention when they misbehave.


Do dogs misbehave out of spite?

Although it may feel this way, dogs are not spiteful creatures. There is often a deeper meaning behind our dog's behavior; they are sending us a message the only way they know how. Dogs are very emotional beings. They feel our emotions and they respond to our energies.


What are signs of disrespect in a dog?

The Top Behaviors and Signs Your Dog Doesn't Like You
  • They cower or hide when you're around.
  • They tuck their tail between their legs when they see you (and notably don't wag their tail)
  • Their body stiffens, or fur stands up in your presence.
  • They flatten their ears or arch their backs around you.


Can dogs get mad at their owners?

They can, Morgan says, but dogs don't have the capacity to assign a motive to an emotion, which means being angry at you (or anything) isn't something for which there is evidence. This also means behavior that seems angry—growling, snapping, barking, etc. —is more in-the-moment than it is built-up and vengeful.

Do dogs deliberately ignore me?

The reasons your dog may not be listening might be medical in nature, but most often, if your dog will not come to you or ignores you completely, it is because of a training or a behavioral issue. Once you feel you have ruled out potential illness, training and conditioning your dog will improve his recall ability.


Should you hit your dog if he misbehaves?

Punishment should not be used to correct undesirable behavior. Some pets may see it as a form of reinforcement, while others will become increasingly more fearful or aggressive. Punishment focuses on stopping the undesirable but does not teach what is desirable.

Do dogs understand when you scold them?

Learned Behavior

In the study, dogs acted guilty when scolded by their owners, regardless of whether they had actually committed the act for which they were being scolded. Based on this, it seems likely that dogs learn quickly that when pet parents unhappy with them, they can placate their humans by looking sad.

Does ignoring a dog work as punishment?

When done correctly and when combined with proactive training, ignoring unwanted behavior can work. However, the time it takes depends on your dog's reinforcement history and their own personal enjoyment of the behavior. For some dogs, they get through an extinction burst quickly, while others can take quite a while.


What age do dogs misbehave the most?

The adolescent period typically begins around six months of age, and will be over when a dog reaches physical maturity around two to three years old. The most pronounced behavioral issues will be noticed between six to 12 months old.

What age are dogs most defiant?

Puberty (6 to 9 months): Random defiance, running off for hours, ignoring direction: Don't take any of your pup's frustrating behavior personally. Your puppy must challenge you in order to grow up. Through this age-appropriate behavior, she's challenging your authority to ensure that she can trust your judgment.

How do you discipline a dog that doesn't come when called?

Tips for Teaching Recall to Your Dog
  1. Use high-value rewards for positive reinforcement. ...
  2. Non-food rewards work, too. ...
  3. Start practicing the command indoors first. ...
  4. Don't unintentionally punish your dog for obeying. ...
  5. Use “here” or “come” instead of the dog's name. ...
  6. Make sure your dog comes all the way to you.


What can I do instead of yelling at my dog?

Yelling encourages bad behavior

That shows your dog she has no incentive to come back. Instead, call your dog and when she comes back, praise her and give her a treat. If all you do is yell, why would your dog want to please you?

How do dogs apologize to humans?

One of the common ways your dog will try to say sorry is by making “puppy eyes” or tucking its tail between its legs. Avoiding eye contact and lowering their ears are also common ways for dogs to apologize.

How long do dogs stay mad at you?

How long will a dog stay mad? For exactly as long as the thing making him mad is happening. Remember, dogs live in the moment and, unlike humans, they don't hold grudges.


Why is my dog growling at me when I discipline him?

Growling is just your dog's way of trying to tell you something important, and you should listen and genuinely thank your dog for the honest feedback. Growling is your dog's way of begging you to stop what you're doing and move away. It's not a challenge to your hierarchical status in your home.

How do you establish dominance over a dog?

The Theory Behind Dominance-Based Training
  1. Alpha rolls (rolling a dog onto his back and pinning him to the ground to show him “who's boss”)
  2. Grabbing his muzzle and holding it tightly.
  3. Shaking him by the scruff of the neck.
  4. Cuffing him under the chin.
  5. Aversive tools such as choke, prong, or shock collars for training.


Should you tap a dog on the nose?

There are many steps to take to help curb puppy biting and others you should avoid, including: Don't yell at your puppy, tap your puppy on the nose or hold their mouth shut when they bite. This will only confuse your puppy and teach them not to trust you when you want to play.


Why is my dog holding a grudge against me?

Research clearly shows that dogs have the cognitive and emotional capacities to hold grudges. They remember events from the past and these memories can persist for a long while.

Why is my dog distant from me?

If your dog is keeping his distance or doesn't seem interested in your usual pats and snuggles, it's easy to be concerned that he's mad. More than likely, he's tired or just not feeling well. Dogs try to conceal pain and discomfort, so avoiding contact with you may just be a way of hiding how crummy he's feeling.