If you have ever found yourself, and, trust me, every dog owner has, asking questions like ‘why doesn’t my dog listen to me’. Searches that will probably seem familiar if you conducted a web search include “How do I get my dog to obey me” or “How do I gain control over my dog”?
It is funny and at times irritating when you want to teach your favorite pet, in this case a dog , so that you can have respect for this pet. Although dogs are naturally obedient animals they require direction, and well-defined policies.
Why Respect and Listening Matter
Okay, now let’s get to the point of why earning the respect of your dog is important and further, let opening explore the ‘how’. Canines are social animals and simply in the jungle they regard one head of the pack as their protector.
You are a pack leader and your pet dog is part of the pack and you have the ultimate responsibility for the pack.
If your dog does not respect you, you find it very difficult to be obeyed by your dog and this culminates in some of the worst behavior problems like non compliance with the commands given to a dog that always barks or even causes aggression.
How to Make a Dog Listen to You: Key Steps to Earn Respect
Now, let’s break down the steps you can take to make a dog listen to you and earn their respect in the process.
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Be Consistent with Commands
Also one of the most important things which can help to get the respect from the dog is to be consistent in the commands. Just like people, dogs prefer knowing what’s expected of them and when, which is why having a strict schedule that is followed consistently is usually advisable when training a dog. If you instruct your dog to sit or stay one day , yet you allow them to just look the other way the next day you confuse the animal . Such a paradox collapses the natural learning and unlearning process and undermines the authority you have over your dog.
In handling your dog, do not use a signal in one instance, and a different one in another instance when training your dog. For instance, if you are training your dog on the command “sit” use the word only and give it a treat when it obeys the command. But if you encourage your dog to jump on you at some times and get mad at them for doing it to others then they will not know what is expected of them. -
Use Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is arguably the best technique of gaining the respect of your dog and getting him or her to obey you. Rewards are effective when it comes to training as an aspect of dog care. Positive reinforcement is often the best policy when training your dog; time your positive response to when your dog obeys your command or is well behaved. This ensures that they link listening to your directions with some good thing that will happen.
Rewarding your dog makes her or him gain your trust and respect because the pet understands that positive actions earn them a reward. It also promotes partnership since your dog will learn that good things happen when they do what they are told. -
Set Clear Boundaries
Dogs need structure in their lives to feel secure. Setting clear boundaries is essential for building respect. This is because if you fail to set certain rules and ensure that they are complied with, your dog is most likely to defy them. For example, when your dog is allowed to jump on the furniture occasionally but is scolded when it does so occasionally it receives mixed signals. It is often recommended when setting rules, to be equally firm and polite.
When rewarding and punishing students ensure that it is very clear which kind of behavior is expected and which is not. For instance, if you do not want your dog to beg on the table then do not feed it any item off the table. Your dog will in the end learn the fundamental requirements in terms of self imposed limitations and confidence that you remain the pack leader. -
Lead by Example
Cats, or rather dogs, are always very sensitive to their owner’s energy levels. If you are calm and confident, your dog will likely respond in kind, because you are the leader. When you are nervous you can make your dog nervous as well as your dog will not know what you want it to do. To gain your dog’s respect, show it.” One of the most important things a person should have is patience besides, be in control and be confident.
Take a walk and do it as if you are the most important doberman in the world you are walking. They should not be leading you around when it is supposed to be the other way round. This makes you the alpha in the pack and hence when your dog reacts to the aggression, it will realize that it is responding to commands from the pack leader. Also, be composed when the environment becomes tense and encourage more aggression and tolerance, the same as tolerance when it comes to waiting for it to make decisions. -
Be Patient and Give Your Dog Time
Respect does not come quickly. Programming your dog or creating trust and understanding with your dog takes time, effort and possibly lots of tries. It is not a quick fix process, particularly where the project involves dealing with a behavioral problem. If you have a dog that fails to respond to commands do not get angry or annoyed with the pet. Instead, stay patient and keep reinforcing your training.
Remember that every dog is different, and some may take longer than others to respond to commands and respect your authority. Stay consistent and give your dog time to learn and adapt to your leadership style. -
Be Firm, But Gentle
During training, or when teaching your dog some dos and don’ts, make sure to choose a firm fun loving tone. The assignments mentioned above can cause feelings of fear or anxiety in your dog while also eroding the respect that you are attempting to foster. But it’s important not to raise your voice and instead be kind and persistent when reminding the child of the rules.
For example, if your dog starts to pull the leash when they are out walking, you should just stop and wait until they relax. If they are jumping on guests, use a soft gentle voice to make them sit instead. Always remember that respect comes from understanding and trust, not fear. -
Practice Leadership in Everyday Life
While most common dog trainers limit themselves to training sessions, it is crucial that one earns the dog’s respect throughout the day. Be the one to decide when to take your dog for a walk, feed him, and when to let him play. Demonstrate that you are in charge of what matters to your dog, who will turn to you for direction.
Claiming space makes your dog feel that you are in charge since he/she will need you to guide him/her through the available area. This sense of security is vital in earning their respect. -
Socialize Your Dog Early
Socialization is another crucial factor in earning respect. It is, therefore, easy to have constant command of your dog, especially once it has been socialized. Socialize your dog by first introducing him/her to new people, other animals, objects, and new places when he/she is still young since the results are ideal if he/she becomes used to new surroundings. It hastens the formation of solid and obedient relationships between the dog and the exploited since new experience makes the fury different and thus not stressed.
As a result, training your dog is not about being a strict and dominant owner but rather more of a mate, companion, and, more importantly, an authority figure. If you are able to work on being confident, especially when setting your rules and ensuring you are assertive in a positive manner, then the outlook that the dog you have will see you as the leader and respond accordingly.
Well, the next time you ask yourself, “How do you make a dog listen to you?”
Remember, respect is earned over time, and with the right approach, you and your dog can become a well-matched team.
