Now Listen Here Doggy

Do you feel frustrated when your dog doesn’t listen to you? Perhaps he doesn’t do as you ask or perhaps he acts like you don’t even exist?

Questions to consider…

Other attractions besides you –
Is there something present offering a greater reward than coming to you? E.g. Possum in the tree or another dogs butt.  Being fun and upbeat can help entice your dog.

Fear –
Have you ever made it unrewarding for him to come/return to you? E.g. rousing on him when he finally came home after a neigbourhood escapade. He won’t associate a consequence with the escapade, but the last thing he did which was coming to you.

He hasn’t learned it yet –
Animals don’t automatically pay attention to us simply because we want them to.  Through training and repetition dogs can learn ‘how’ to pay attention.  Consider a class or trainer for further direction on how to fine tune your relationship with your dog and ways to provide practice in paying attention.

This gorgeous beagle loves paying attention.

Leah & Angela OMeara

Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)