You know that feeling when you’re calling your puppy’s name for the fifth time and they’re still sniffing that patch of grass like it holds the secrets of the universe? Yeah, we’ve all been there.
Getting a puppy to actually listen can feel like trying to talk sense into a toddler high on sugar. One minute they’re gazing at you like you’re the love of their life, the next they’re chewing your slipper under the couch.
But the truth is, puppies aren’t being naughty to wind us up. They’re learning. And just like humans, some days they’re switched on, and some days they’re all over the place like a bag of squirrels.
Start With Trust, Not Control
You can’t expect a puppy to listen if they don’t feel safe with you yet. Especially with rescue pups, building trust takes time. You’re not just teaching sit and stay, you’re teaching them you’re worth tuning in to.
Try keeping things chill. Use a soft voice, let them come to you when they’re ready. No sudden grabs, no shouting.
Would you listen to someone who yells your name every five minutes while you’re trying to nap? Didn’t think so.
Keep Commands Simple And Consistent
If one day you say “down” and the next you say “off,” your pup’s gonna be looking at you like, “Make up your mind, mate.”
Pick one word per command and stick to it. Same tone. Same body language. Keep it boringly consistent.
That’s how they learn. Confused puppies aren’t stubborn, they’re just getting mixed signals.
And don’t forget your face and hands. Dogs are little body language experts. They notice way more than we think. So throwing your arms up or making a frustrated sigh might just confuse the heck out of them.
Praise Like You Mean It
If your pup actually stops mid-zoomie to come when you call, even if it took three tries, that’s a win. Big praise. Treats. Happy dance. Go full-on cheerleader. You want them thinking, “Wow, listening to my human is awesome.”
Use whatever motivates them most. Treats work for loads of dogs. Others might respond better to play or silly praise voices. You know the ones, the kind you’d be embarrassed to use around anyone but your dog.
Don’t wait five seconds before you say good job. Timing is everything. That moment they do the right thing? Boom, praise them right then. Not after you walk over and grab their collar.
Start Small, Keep It Easy
Trying to train your puppy in the middle of the park with kids running past and squirrels doing laps around the trees? That’s a losing battle, my friend.
Start in your kitchen. Living room. Somewhere boring. Fewer distractions, more focus. Puppies are like toddlers. If there’s a butterfly nearby, you’re gonna lose them.
Once they’ve nailed the command in a calm spot, then you can slowly up the ante. Backyard, front porch, quiet street. Baby steps.
One dog owner I know made the mistake of thinking her pup had nailed recall just because he listened in the hallway. She took him to a family BBQ. Let’s just say he ended up stealing three burgers and playing chase with the neighbor’s cat. We’ve all been there.
Keep Sessions Short And Sweet
Ten minutes of good practice beats thirty minutes of frustration. Always.
Stop before your puppy gets bored. Before you get annoyed. Leave them wanting more. That way they’re excited for next time instead of running the other way when they see the treat pouch come out.
And let them play after. Ending on a fun note keeps things positive. Dogs don’t need long lessons. They need short, fun ones where they feel like a champ.
Patience Isn’t Just Nice, It’s Necessary
Some days your puppy will sit perfectly the first time. Other days, they’ll act like they’ve never heard the word “sit” in their life. It’s normal. Really.
Learning takes time. And sometimes life gets in the way, teething, growth spurts, thunderstorms, too much excitement. Puppies are trying to figure it all out.
If they’re not listening, don’t take it personally. Reset. Take a break. Try again later. The worst thing you can do is get into a tug of war or turn it into a power struggle. That never works.
Avoid Scolding Or “Tough Love” Stuff
Yelling or scolding when your puppy doesn’t listen might feel like you’re being firm, but all it really does is make them nervous or confused. And nervous dogs aren’t better listeners, they just shut down.
Also, chuck the idea of “alpha” stuff out the window. Dogs don’t need to be dominated. They need guidance and kindness. That’s how you build trust. That’s how you get them to want to listen.
Mistakes Happen, It’s Not The End Of The World
If your puppy ignores you and runs off with your sock again, take a breath. Getting angry isn’t gonna help. Just think of it as a chance to figure out what’s missing.
Were they too distracted? Did they even understand the cue? Were they overtired or overstimulated? There’s always a reason behind the behavior. You just gotta sniff it out.
Make Listening Fun, Not A Chore
Your puppy should look forward to listening, not dread it. Keep training playful. Use silly voices. Be unpredictable in a fun way. Make them guess what reward’s coming next, treat, toy, belly rub?
The more fun you make it, the more your puppy will tune in. You’ll go from repeating yourself fifty times to just a little “Come here!” and boom, they’re right there, tail wagging like mad.
One Last Thing Before You Grab The Treat Bag
No dog listens 100 percent of the time. Not even the best-trained pups. Life’s full of distractions. That’s just the way it is. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s communication, trust, and mutual understanding.
If you stick with it, stay patient, and make training part of your everyday routine, your pup will get there. And you’ll both be better for it.
Besides, isn’t the real fun in figuring it all out together?