You’re standing in the middle of a training session, or maybe even your living room, and your dog—the one who nailed every cue last week—is suddenly ignoring you. What gives? Are they testing you? Being stubborn? Plotting a canine rebellion?
Take a breath. The truth is, your dog isn’t “disobeying” out of spite. In fact, that word—disobedience—is a bit of a misnomer. What you’re seeing is your dog communicating. It’s our job to figure out what they’re trying to say.
It’s Not You, It’s… Them (and Their Environment)
When dogs suddenly stop responding to cues they previously mastered, it’s not because they’re lazy or trying to push your buttons. Here’s what could be going on:
1. They’re Stressed, Overwhelmed, or Distracted
Think about the last time you tried to focus on something important while overwhelmed or anxious. Not easy, right? Dogs are no different. Stress and distractions can throw off even the best-trained pups.
Common culprits:
• New environments (too many sights, sounds, and smells).
• Unfamiliar people or animals nearby.
• Changes at home (new routines, visitors, or even your mood).
What to do:
• Take a step back. Work in a calmer environment and rebuild the behavior with fewer distractions.
2. They Don’t Feel Well
A sudden change in behavior can sometimes signal physical discomfort. Dogs are masters at hiding pain, but subtle issues like joint pain, ear infections, or even a stomach ache can make them less willing to cooperate.
Signs to watch for:
• Hesitation with specific movements (e.g., sitting, lying down).
• Excessive licking, scratching, or yawning.
• Seeming “off” or unusually tired.
What to do:
• Rule out health issues with a quick check-in at the vet. Better safe than sorry!
3. They’re Confused or Unsure
Dogs don’t generalize like humans. Just because your dog nailed a “sit” in your kitchen doesn’t mean they’ll understand the same cue in the backyard—or in front of a crowd at the dog park.
Signs of confusion:
• Hesitation or looking at you like, “What do you want me to do?”
• Offering the wrong behavior (e.g., lying down when you ask for a sit).
What to do:
• Go back to basics. Practice the behavior in multiple environments, starting with easy ones and gradually adding more distractions.
4. They’re Not Motivated
Would you keep showing up to work if your paycheck suddenly stopped? Probably not. Dogs need reinforcement too—whether that’s treats, praise, or play. If the rewards aren’t meaningful to your dog, they might just decide it’s not worth their effort.
What to do:
• Use rewards your dog truly values (and mix them up). High-value treats like chicken or cheese often work wonders for tough training sessions.
• Keep training sessions short and fun—2-5 minutes is plenty for most dogs.
5. The Behavior Isn’t Fully Learned
We sometimes assume our dogs “know” a behavior after just a few successful repetitions. But learning is more like building muscle—it takes repetition and consistency in different situations.
What to do:
• Break the behavior into smaller steps and build it back up.
• Reinforce the behavior consistently in a variety of places and contexts.
6. They’re Overwhelmed by Your Energy or Frustration
Dogs are incredibly intuitive. If you’re frustrated, impatient, or even trying too hard, your dog can pick up on that—and it can shut them down.
What to do:
• Check your own energy. Stay calm, patient, and encouraging.
• If frustration creeps in, take a break and revisit the training later.
Reframe the “Disobedience”
Instead of labeling your dog as stubborn or disobedient, think of their behavior as feedback. When they don’t respond, they’re telling you, “Something isn’t working for me right now.”
By tuning into what’s going on—whether it’s stress, confusion, or just needing a snack break—you can troubleshoot the issue and set your dog up for success.
The Holistic Fix: Relationship First
At the end of the day, training isn’t just about the cues. It’s about the relationship. If your dog trusts you, feels safe, and understands what you’re asking, you’ll both succeed more often than not.
So, when your dog seems to “disobey,” don’t take it personally. Take it as an opportunity to strengthen your connection and better understand their world.
Need help figuring out what’s going on with your dog?
As a trauma-informed, holistic dog behavior consultant, I can help you understand your dog’s unique needs and develop a personalized plan to address training challenges. Let’s work together to build trust and success.
