Help! My Dog Ignores Me – Speak Dog Tri-Cities (2024)

FAQs

What should I do if my dog ignores me? ›

You also want to avoid repeating the command if your dog is not listening to you. The need for showing consistent meaning goes for the word “no” as well. If you use a command like “no,” then you need to make sure that nothing rewarding such as treats or playtime, is given right after the command.

Some things people commonly do that teaches dogs to ignore them are: talking too much to the dog in words it doesn't understand, giving mixed signals (body language and verbal directions often do not agree from the perspective of the dog), expecting too much of the dog, constantly touching the dog, not understanding ...

Causes vary from changes in their living situation, the loss of an animal or human companion, to trauma. Dogs with depression often exhibit low energy, withdrawal, and changes in sleep and appetite. Anxiety, too, makes them appear distant, as they are too caught up in their internal stressors to interact as usual.

What do you do if your dog doesn't understand what you're asking? Simplify! If they don't respond to the verbal cue, use a hand signal, or show them what you want with a food lure or some kind of prompt.

Instead of shouting or hitting your dog, use effective punishments that actually work, like ignoring them or withdrawing your attention. Since dogs respond to positive reinforcement, your dog will quickly learn what behaviors to avoid.

You can teach your dog to respect and listen to you by showing them you are the leader. Simple techniques such as not rewarding demanding behavior, walking through the door first, and creating structure and rules, will all help your dog to be respectful.

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.

“Unfortunately, we can't ask our dogs how they feel,” says Dr. Koehler. But they can become depressed, and dogs that feel neglected may show signs of depression to indicate they aren't getting enough attention.

It's really very simple: dogs will do what's rewarding to them. So if you simply ignore what you don't like and reward what you do like your dog, through repetition, will figure out what behaviors are scoring him the rewards and do them more often, while abandoning those behaviors that didn't pay off.

Why is my dog distancing himself from me? ›

Boredom, pain, aging and stress can all cause a dog to act distant from you. Understanding them can help you find the underlying cause as to why they're acting distant, and show you how to get them to engage with you again.

I think it comes down to setting a good foundation of a trusting relationship and taking the time to teach even just a few skills (such as name recognition, hand targeting, come when called and sit, stand and lie down on request).

With your dog only a few feet away from you, say their name, then “come,” and entice them to approach you. You can pat your legs, make kissy noises, clap your hands, etc. As soon as your dog approaches you, click/mark the moment, then praise like crazy while you offer a favorite reward.

For many, it's down to a lack of training, which you'll soon learn how to rectify. However, for other dogs, it could be due to fear or apprehensiveness. They're worried about being punished, especially if your tone of voice is even just slightly angry or annoyed.

If they ignore you, stay calm – getting angry or shouting will make them not want to come back to you. Instead, gently guide them in with the long line (never pull your dog towards you), or go and collect them.

Dogs can become withdrawn when they're lacking physical exercise and/or mental stimulation. Regular exercise keeps your dog healthier, reduces his stress, and provides opportunities for the two of you to nurture your special bond.