How to Get Your Dog to Listen to You: Tips for Success
Ever call your dog’s name, only to watch them completely ignore you as they chase after a squirrel? It’s almost like they’re pretending not to hear you, right? If your dog seems to have selective hearing, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Teaching your dog to listen can be a fun and rewarding experience when you know…
Ever call your dog’s name, only to watch them completely ignore you as they chase after a squirrel? It’s almost like they’re pretending not to hear you, right? If your dog seems to have selective hearing, don’t worry—you’re not alone!
Teaching your dog to listen can be a fun and rewarding experience when you know the right tricks. With a few easy strategies, you’ll have your pup listening in no time!
Tricks from Dog Trainers That’ll Make Your Pup Listen Like a Pro
Another thing that professional trainers say is to keep things as consistent as possible. That is why dogs love routines and working on specific expectations from them in a completely different way. When issuing commands ensure you use the same words and signals to avoid confusion. If you do this they might get confused if you change that, for example.
Tip: Begin from a calm environment—the environment should be free from interference when giving directions on a new skill. This also ensures that your dog concentrates only on you.
Also, make sure to reinforce your dog when he is being good! This means that using something the ‘’treat’’, praising the pet or even playing with it aids establish a bond between the actions in the training and the given incentive. In the long run they will prefer to exhibit good behavior in order to qualify for the reward.
5 Fun Commands Your Dog Will Love to Learn
Want to get started on training your dog on some of the essential commands? These five are a great place to start, and they’ll help build a foundation for more advanced training:
🐾 Sit – Have a treat in your hand and place it above your dog’s head and slowly move object upwards such that the dog follows the object with its gaze. When they sit, vocally command them to sit and then give them the reward.
🐾 Stay – After your dog sits, extend your palm toward your dog’s face and use the word, “stay.” If they stay unmoving for a couple of seconds, encourage them.
🐾 Come – Say the name of your dog, followed by vociferously saying ‘come’ while moving backward. Do it when they make their way to you.
🐾 Down – Place a treat in front of your dog with your hand close to the dog’s snout and then move the hand downwards to the ground. During the practice following the treat, say “down” when they get into the laying down position.
🐾 Leave it – I can use this – This is good for safely! With one hand have a treat and say “leave it” and when they move away from the item you just named you then give them a different treat from your other hand.
Tip: Keep training sessions short—around 10-15 minutes at a time. This prevents your dog from getting bored or frustrated.
Your Voice: The Secret Sauce to Getting Your Dog’s Attention
Dogs are excellent at picking up on your tone of voice. If you sound frustrated or impatient, they might feel stressed or confused. Instead, use a playful and encouraging tone during training.
When they hear excitement in your voice, they’ll be more eager to follow your lead. Your energy can set the mood for the training session, so stay upbeat!
Hand Signals: The Magic Moves Your Dog Can’t Resist
Dogs are visual learners too! Using hand signals along with verbal commands can help your dog catch on faster. For example, when you say “sit,” raise your hand in a specific way.
Over time, your dog will understand the command with or without the verbal cue. This method gives them multiple ways to understand what you’re asking, making it easier for them to respond.
Progress Over Perfection: Keep It Fun, Not Flawless
Training isn’t about being perfect every time. Instead of expecting your dog to get things right immediately, focus on consistency. Praise them for trying, even if they don’t do the exact command.
Every bit of progress should be rewarded to boost their confidence and motivate them to keep learning. After all, practice makes perfect, right?
Sign Up for Our Pawesome Dog Obedience Classes Today!
If you feel like you could use a little extra help, or you just want your pup to learn faster, consider joining our dog obedience classes. These fun, interactive sessions are designed to teach your dog key commands while also giving them the chance to socialize with other dogs.
Plus, you’ll be learning alongside your furry friend! It’s a great way to bond with your dog and meet other pet parents. Find out more about our classes here.
Summary and Encouragement
Getting your dog to listen doesn’t have to be frustrating. With a little patience, positive reinforcement, and the right tone, you can turn training into a fun experience for both of you! Start small, stay consistent, and celebrate your pup’s progress.
Training is a journey, and you’ve got all the tools you need to succeed. So go ahead—grab some treats and start teaching your dog those commands! You’ve got this, and soon enough, your dog will be listening like a pro.
Ready to take your dog’s training to the next level? If you’re interested in training your pup for protection, check out our article on Guard Dog Training to learn how to turn your furry friend into a loyal protector while keeping things fun and stress-free!
