Understanding Your Dog: Fixing Common Miscommunications
When you say “come,” your dog comes running. But when you say “sit,” he takes off again. From commands to walks in the park, everything seems to end in running. If this sounds familiar, you might be tempted to give up on teaching your dog good manners. “Maybe he’s just missing a few brain cells,” you tell yourself, especially when he growls at his own tail or sniffs his own poop. But often, what seems like blatant disobedience is simply a communication mix-up.
Want quick fixes for these common miscommunications? Read on for fast solutions to the most frequent issues faced by pets and their owners.
Practical Solutions for Better Obedience
You Say: “Stay.”
He Hears: “Come here! Run really fast and jump on the company.”
How to Fix It:
You know the scenario: the doorbell rings, your dog gets excited, and you say “stay” about fifteen times with no response. The problem isn’t your words; it’s how you deliver them.
Misread commands often stem from the tone and mood of your delivery. If you say “stay” nervously, your pet picks up on your uneasiness. Be calm and confident. When you’re calm, your pet is more likely to stay calm too—and actually hear “stay” instead of “attack the mailman.”
You Say: “Fetch the ball.”
He Hears: “Fetch the ball, or the cat poop, squirrel, or injured bird.”
How to Fix It:
Your dog knows the game: he brings you something, and you get excited, rub his belly, and coo, “Who’s mommy’s little cutsie poo baby?” So, he thinks, “If I bring the ball, I get a Bacon Bite. If I bring the neighbor’s cat, I’m the hero!” With a yard full of distractions, getting the desired result is tough, like a kid in a candy store with only a dollar to spend.
When playing fetch, remove other temptations. Just you, your dog, and the red rubber ball—that’s the recipe for success.
You Say: “Don’t chase the cat.”
He Hears: “Bacon, bacon, I want cat bacon.”
How to Fix It:
Teaching dogs to ignore other pets is one of the toughest obedience challenges because hunting is in their nature. To overcome this, take your dog on leashed walks where he’s controlled but exposed to temptations.
Keep a firm grip on the leash and lead with authority. Reward him when he ignores an animal he’d normally chase. With consistent practice and firm leadership, backyard playtime will become safer for neighborhood cats.
You Say: “Stop that.”
He Hears: “I love you.”
How to Fix It:
No fix needed here. Pets, like children, crave discipline. In the wild, dogs follow a pack leader, and submission makes them feel safe and nurtured.
So, when you scold your pet, remember it’s for his own good. He knows you teach him because you care. Otherwise, you wouldn’t bother saving him from your cranky neighbor’s begonias or apologizing to the neighbor you dislike just because Mr. Pickles thinks her poodle is a goddess.
Pets and their owners sometimes misunderstand each other, but words aren’t always necessary. When communication fails, a simple snuggle can speak volumes.
