Help, my dog does not listen! Expert advice for successful dog training

It's a familiar problem: you give your dog a command, but he just ignores it. You ask yourself: What's wrong with my four-legged friend?

We answer frequently asked questions such as: What do I do when my dog ignores commands? How do I teach my dog to ignore other dogs? What do I do if my dog does not obey despite training? And: Is it still possible to train a 2 year old dog? We will show you how to turn your dog into an obedient and happy companion with patience, understanding and the right techniques.

Table of contents

Obedience and communication: keys to a strong bond between dog and owner

Good communication is the be-all and end-all in the relationship between humans and animals, because it creates trust, security and harmonious togetherness. But why are obedience and communication so important?

First of all, obedience is not about controlling or subduing the dog. Rather, an obedient dog is a safer dog - for itself and for its environment. When your dog listens to your commands, you can better control him and protect him from potential danger. This also means less stress for you and your dog.

Communication plays a crucial role in understanding your dog and recognizing his needs. An open dialogue between you and your dog makes training easier and helps to avoid misunderstandings and frustrations. It is important to pay attention to your dog's body language and interpret his signals correctly. A happy dog that feels understood is more willing to work with you and follow your instructions.

For successful communication with your dog, it is important to find the right balance. This means being clear and consistent, but also showing patience, empathy and understanding. Because ultimately it's about building a trusting relationship with your dog based on mutual respect and understanding.

When the dog does not listen: the main reasons for disobeying instructions.

Ways to identify communication problems

If your dog ignores commands, it may indicate communication problems. Pay attention to whether your dog is attentive when you talk to him. Also watch his body language, as it reveals a lot about his thoughts and feelings. For example, if your dog seems restless or turns away, it may mean that he is unsure or overwhelmed.

Another indication of communication problems is if your dog responds to certain commands but remains completely deaf to others. This may mean that he does not understand the commands or that he associates them with something unpleasant.

Common reasons for ignoring commands

There are many reasons why dogs ignore commands. Here are some of the most common reasons:

Unclear or contradictory commands: Giving your dog different signals or not always saying your commands the same way can lead to confusion. Make sure to always be clear and consistent.
Lack of motivation: Dogs need a reason to listen to your commands. If your dog does not get a reward or recognition for his efforts, it can reduce his motivation.
Overload: An overwhelmed dog may ignore commands because it feels unsafe in the situation or is simply too stressed. Give your dog time and space to get used to new situations.
Medical problems: Sometimes there are health reasons why a dog ignores commands. For example, a hearing or vision problem can make communication difficult. In such cases, it is important to consult a veterinarian.
Lack of socialization: A dog that has not been sufficiently socialized may have difficulty focusing on its environment and on you. In this case, it is important to work on the socialization and education of the dog.

By understanding the reasons for ignoring commands, you can work more specifically on the problems and thus improve communication with your dog.

What to do if the dog does not obey?

Analysis of the situation and possible sources of error

If your dog is not responding to your commands, it is important to analyze the situation and identify possible sources of error. Ask yourself the following questions:

Is your dog healthy? Sometimes a health problem can be the cause of a lack of obedience. If in doubt, consult a veterinarian.
Do you use clear and consistent signals? Make sure your commands are clear and unambiguous so that your dog can easily understand them.
Are there distractions? An overly stimulating environment can make your dog less able to concentrate. Try training in a quieter environment to reduce distractions.

Corrective actions and adaptation of the training

Once you have identified the possible sources of error, you can take appropriate corrective action and adjust your training:

Consistency and patience: Stay consistent and patient when training your dog. Repeat exercises regularly and do not get discouraged if your dog does not obey immediately.
Positive reinforcement: Always reward your dog when he responds correctly to encourage desired behavior. Use treats, praise or petting as rewards.
Train in small steps: Break complex tasks into smaller, easier-to-understand steps and practice each step individually before moving on to the next.
Difficulty level adjustment: Adjust the difficulty of the training to your dog's abilities. Start with simple exercises and increase the difficulty as your dog progresses.

By adapting the training, you can help your dog obey better and form a closer bond with you.

How to teach your dog to ignore other dogs

A holistic approach to dog training

Successful dog training is based on positive reinforcement, trust and a good bond between dog and owner. It is important to put yourself in the dog's world and understand his needs and signals.

Practical steps to implement the holistic approach

Training in controlled environment: Start training in a quiet environment where your dog is not distracted. First practice basic commands like "Sit" and "Here" to create a solid base for further training.
Develop a positive signal: Develop a signal word or gesture to praise and reward your dog when he behaves properly. For example, a friendly "good dog" or a clicking sound can encourage your dog when he ignores other dogs.
Train near other dogs: Practice ignoring dogs at first from a greater distance. Reward your dog when he stays calm and listens to your commands. Gradually decrease the distance to other dogs and make sure your dog stays focused.
Distraction exercises: Train distraction exercises to get your dog used to focusing his attention on you and not on other dogs. For example, ask him to look you in the eye when other dogs are around and reward him for doing so.

How to maintain the training

Consistency and patience: Repeat the exercises regularly and remain consistent in your expectations. Be patient, because the training may take some time.
Adapt to different situations: Practice ignoring the dog in different environments and situations to reinforce the training and teach your dog that the desired behavior is always and everywhere.
Praise and reward: Don't forget to regularly praise and reward your dog for good behavior. Positive reinforcement helps reinforce desired behavior.

With these steps and a holistic approach, you can successfully teach your dog to ignore other dogs and focus on you.

Dog training at the age of 2 years: Is it still possible?

Differences in the education of young and older dogs

It is a common myth that older dogs can no longer be trained. However, this is not true. Dogs can learn at any age, but there are some differences between training young and older dogs:

Ability to learn: While young dogs often learn faster, older dogs can learn new commands and behaviors just as well, but it may take a little more time and patience.
Experience to date: Older dogs already bring certain experiences and behavior patterns that they have learned throughout their lives. This can be both a challenge and an opportunity, as you may need to build on existing skills or change unwanted behaviors.

Challenges and opportunities in training when the dog is older than two years old

Challenges: A 2-year-old dog may have already developed ingrained behavior patterns that are difficult to change. In such cases it is important to be consistent and to carry out the training regularly.

Opportunities: Dogs at the age of 2 are often already well socialized and may have already learned basic commands. You can build on this and make the training more effective and faster.

Tips for successful training

Be patient and remain consistent in your expectations and instructions.
Use positive reinforcement to encourage desired behavior.
Tailor training to your dog's individual needs and abilities.
Consider your dog's physical and mental abilities to avoid overwhelm or frustration.

Of course, training older dogs is possible. With patience, consistency and positive reinforcement, even older dogs can learn new behaviors.

There are no excuses when it comes to making your dog an obedient and well-mannered companion. With the right approach and a little patience, you can get even the most stubborn dogs to listen to your commands. Whether your dog is young or a little older, it's never too late to start training.

Dare to take the step and you will soon see the success that comes with good education and communication with your darling. Good luck in training together and here's to a long, happy relationship!