http://www.yourdog.co.uk 17HOW WE MAKE DOGS
STOP LISTENING TO US
Often owners do not appreciate the level of mental and
physical pressure they inl ict on dogs in order to get them
to do what they want; the threatening or hostile eye contact,
the nagging or pressurising voice tone, the greater invasion
of their physical space, or yanking and tugging them around
on a lead; the ongoing impression given to the dog that he
is forever displeasing them in some way, for reasons he
cannot understand.
This can all cause dogs immense stress and anxiety,
which they may respond to with greater physical agitation,
trying to avoid your eye contact, or not coming too near
you when you call them to you. Alternatively, they may
just mentally shut of or down from you, in an attempt to
lessen the pressure being applied. All these reactions can be
classically read by owners as a dog being disobedient or not
listening to them, when they have created this very outcome
themselves through their approach to their dogs.
So, if you feel your dog is not very responsive, start by
looking at your own behaviour. Get into the habit of talking
to him in a much calmer, softer, and quieter voice; stop all
the shouting and nagging and physical shoving and pushing
around; get into the habit of gently inviting him into your
space to do rewarding things for you, in return for treats and
toys. Just these basic i rst changes alone may improve your
dog’s willingness to be around you and to respond to you.Teach your dog that
watching you is rewarding.Ignoring distractions and
focusing on the owner
takes lots of practice.
Attention spans in dogs can
vary with age, with puppies,
adolescent, and older dogs often
struggling harder to concentrate
for longer.DID YOU KNOW?