Why Your Dog Ignores You (and What to Do About It)

Does your dog ignore you when you call their name or give a command? It’s not stubbornness—there’s always a reason behind it! In this episode of the USA Dog Behavior Podcast, certified dog behavior consultant Scott Sheaffer breaks down the most common reasons dogs “tune out” their owners and what you can do to fix it. From poor generalization of commands to overwhelming distractions, we’ll cover practical training techniques to make communication with your dog clearer and more effective.

Learn how to build better engagement with your dog using positive reinforcement, environmental control, and strategic training methods. Scott shares simple solutions to help your dog become a better listener, making training sessions more fun and rewarding for both of you. Tune in now to strengthen the bond with your dog and create a training routine that works!

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Disclaimer
If your dog is aggressive toward humans, consult an experienced, certified canine behavior consultant immediately and ensure your dog cannot harm anyone. This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional guidance. Scott Sheaffer and USA Dog Behavior, LLC, are not liable for outcomes resulting from the advice provided.

Transcript

Welcome to the USA Dog Behavior podcast! I'm Scott Sheaffer, a certified dog behavior consultant and behaviorist specializing in all types of canine behavior issues. Today’s episode: Why Your Dog Ignores You (and What to Do About It).

Almost all dog owners have been there—you call your dog’s name, give a command, and… nothing. Your dog acts like they didn’t even hear you. It’s easy to assume they’re being stubborn and get mad at them, but in reality, dogs don’t ignore their owners out of spite. If your dog regularly “tunes you out,” there’s a reason behind it—and the good news is, you can address it.

The truth is, dogs are animals; they understand the world differently than we do. When they appear to ignore you, please, don’t take it personally. I’ve provided some common communication problems below with solutions.

One of the most common reasons dogs don’t respond is simple: they don’t actually know what you’re asking. Just because a dog sits for a treat in the kitchen doesn’t mean they understand “sit” at the park, in a noisy environment, or when they’re excited. Dogs simply don’t generalize behaviors the way humans do. If they haven’t practiced a command in different situations, they may not recognize it when you really need them to respond.

Solution: Train in multiple locations and gradually increase distractions. Reinforce cues with training treats, for example, in different settings to help your dog truly learn them.

Have you ever been around someone who never stops talking? After a while, you start to tune them out a little. Dogs are no different. Dog owners who overload their dogs with command after command after command can cause their dogs to tune them out a little too. 

We also have to be careful not to forget that dogs don’t know English, Spanish, Mandarin, or any other human language either. You may have taught them some commands, but trying to reason with them with our own language only makes communicating with them more confusing for them.

Solution: If your dog doesn’t respond to a cue, avoid repeating it endlessly. Instead, use a different strategy to get their attention—such as moving closer, using a hand signal, or making the command easier in that moment. Reward them for responding to the cue to build a habit of listening. When it comes to asking your dog to do something, less is really more. Use commands quite sparingly and don’t add any other conversation to them.

Competing with environmental distractions is tough. Dogs mostly have a singular focus. If your dog is more interested in sniffing the grass or watching other dogs than listening to you, it’s likely because those things are more interesting to them at that moment. Remember, dogs are animals, and they absolutely live moment by moment.

Solution: Make listening to you worthwhile. Use high-value treats, praise, or play to reinforce engagement. Be animated, use a fun voice (called “jollying”), and make training sessions feel like a game instead of a chore. Create an environment with your dog where there are not so many distractions. Your dog should always view training as fun for it to be most effective.

Many owners assume that once a dog “knows” a command, they should obey no matter what. But distractions, stress, and excitement can all interfere with a dog’s ability to respond—even if they technically understand what you’re asking. Remember, dogs are just animals. They don’t process things as quickly as we do or in the same ways.

Solution: Build reliability through gradual training. Start in low-distraction environments and slowly work your way up. Be patient, and remember that even well-trained dogs need recurring training to stay sharp. And by “well-trained dogs,” I’m even talking about elite dogs such as guide dogs, DEA dogs, military dogs, etc.

If your dog regularly ignores you, it’s not personal—it’s just learned behavior. By being consistent, working slowly, being patient, training in different environments, and making yourself more engaging, you can help your dog become a great listener. The key isn’t to force compliance but to create a strong communication system where your dog wants to respond.

Thanks for tuning in. If you enjoy quick insights into dog behavior, don’t forget to subscribe for more bite-sized episodes and leave a review if you find these episodes helpful. You can find us at USADogBehavior.com or follow us on Facebook by searching for USA Dog Behavior. See you next time, now go love your dog.