Why does my dog ignore me?
‘Hi, my name is Jennifer – and my dog ignores me’.
Support Group: ‘Hi Jennifer!
Almost every dog parent has spoken these words – Why does my dog ignore me – at some point or another, and have even asked their dog trainer during their dog’s training.
It is indeed common for dogs to ignore their pet parent and the reasons can vary from situation to situation and dog to dog.
So let us find out all common reasons why your dog might ignore you.
Why Does my Dog Ignore Me?
According to dog trainers, here are some classic reasons why dogs ignore their pet parents:
1. You may be talking too much
Dogs have simple brains. Sure, they are intelligent creatures but they can only understand so much. Even high IQ dogs like Border Collies will train better when the dog owner gives few commands and is clear in his/her communication.
2. Not keeping training sessions short and sweet
Many dog owners try to get too much done all at once. They might keep the training sessions for hours. Dogs always work better when you keep the training short and sweet. Even smart dogs will tire and start ignoring you if you overload them with commands.
So, try to keep the dog’s training periods short. You can divide them in smaller sessions through the day.
3. Positive reinforcement
Yes, you might have even ‘trained’ your dog to ignore you! You may have treated your furry friend when s/he ignored you. The dog might think: Ok, so to get a treat, I must ignore this man/woman.
Never treat your dog when you want its attention. Treating will give a wrong message: continue this behavior; whereas it is the opposite you’re trying to achieve.
4. Not giving your pet attention
Dogs learn from us humans. You may have ignored your dog at some point and while your dog certainly isn’t one for ‘tit for tat’, it might just be mirroring your actions.
5. Not ending the sessions on a high note
For every successful dog training, dog owners must end the session when their dog does something right. They must also keep the end of the session very positive – lots of praise, hugs, and treats to encourage positive behavior. That will persuade your pet to do better each time.
6. Not repeating commands more often
Another answer to ‘why does my dog ignore me’ is when you do not repeat the commands more often. A dog needs to hear the same commands over and over at least 50-60 times before it can understand the same. If your dog understands you, it won’t ignore you.
7. It is all about the timing
Dogs that are sleepy, hungry, or tired will mostly ignore you. Make sure to time the session right. Do not train when you or the dog is tired. Always ensure that your dog has napped well and is fed. Avoid scheduling sessions immediately after or before meals.
8. Not keeping commands simple
Dogs will learn faster when you use single word commands instead of long strings or words or sentences. So, keep the command word/verbal cue short and sweet. This will help you get your pet’s attention.
What to Do When Your Dog Ignores You?
Here are some steps to take when your pet ignores you:
1. Go back a bit in training
This is the best way to deal with a dog that ignores training commands. Repeat some of the commands even if they are basic. Basic obedience training will help your pup regain confidence and you will also treat and praise it. This will help bring the lessons back on track.
2. Change the environment
Sometimes, carrying out training sessions in busy areas filled with sights and sounds can also distract your pet. Try conducting the training in quieter areas where your puppy won’t be distracted.
3. Use toys
Get your young pet’s attention by bringing out new toys. You can also tray using interesting treats as that is sure to get your puppy to pay attention.
4. Repeat often
Repeat the command several times in a single session while remembering to keep each session short. Long sessions will tire your pet out and you won’t be getting results simply by prolonging them. Repeat one command several times a day and then repeat it again the next day while also teaching something new.
5. Say your pet’s name
Get your pup to look at you by saying its name out loud. You can also use hand signal like these. This will help your pet make eye contact with you. You can also hold a toy or a treat near dog’s nose when you want your fur buddy’s attention.
6. Prevent boredom with play time
Young dogs tend to get distracted and bored easily. Get your puppy to pay attention to your verbal cue by playing with him. Use games, toys, puzzles, agility courses, and other methods to engage your pet. You can also play with rope toys, balls, discs, etc. Use playtime in-between the training sessions so your pet looks forward to bonding with you.
7. Avoid yelling at/punishing your dog
Never use means like hitting, slapping, spanking, etc. to get your pet to listen. Always keep the training positive with plenty of love and affection. This is very important to prevent aggression and other unwanted behaviors.
8. Enroll your pet in obedience classes
You can also enroll your pet in puppy obedience class. This way, it will learn to interact with other dogs and also get trained with professional dog trainer. A puppy school also provides a better learning environment than you might provide at home. It can also mold your dog’s behavior and prevent issues like separation anxiety at a later stage.
Why Does My Dog Ignore Me When I Cry?
Often, we think that our dogs think like humans do. That isn’t the case.
While dogs are capable of human emotions like jealousy, love, etc., they may not really understand when you are sad or depressed.
Certainly, there are therapy dogs that are trained to sense sadness and depression and make the individual feel better by pressing down on certain points of their body.
But many domesticated dogs do not understand crying, tears, or sorrow. So, if your dog ignores you when you cry, it is simply because it does not know that you are sad.
Why Does My Dog Ignore Me When I Have Visitors?
My dog does this. Every time my parents visit, she sits by their feet, sleeps in their room, and even refuses to go on walks with me. It is frustrating and hurtful.
But again: we mustn’t think that dogs think like humans. They DON’T! Your dog is simply too distracted by the newcomers and may want to spend time with them and even keep them safe.
Even if you have visitors for a short period, your dog will want to keep an eye on them to make sure they are not misusing the property or territory. Your dog always thinks of your safety and is still very much loyal to you.
Also Read: Why Does My Dog Ignore Me When I Have Visitors
Why Does My Dog Ignore Me At The Dog Park?
Your pet is likely ignoring you at the Dog Park because it is too distracted by the sights, sounds, and smells.
Chances are it is processing a lot of information from other dog’s poop, or simply busy barking at other dogs.
Un-spayed or unneutered dogs will also be looking for potential mates and might be busy marking their territory or leaving important messages through pheromones for other dogs.
Try teaching your pet recall training and always keep your pet on leash while at the park.
Why is My Dog Suddenly Ignoring Me?
In a senior dog, sudden ignoring or avoidance behavior can mean health issues, illness, and/or pain.
An older dog might lose its sense of hearing, eyesight, and may start avoiding family members.
Dogs that are very frail and old will sleep more and more and might avoid all activities.
Find out all other reasons behind this dog behavior in ‘Why is My Dog Avoiding Me’
Why Does My Dog Ignore Me at Night?
Dogs often ignore the dog owner at night time because they may be tired, distracted, or even anxious.
Some dogs cannot see very well in the dark, especially an older dog with failing eyesight. You might not think of it, but some dogs are even scared of the dark.
Try some verbal commands and see if you can get your pet’s attention with treats, toys, etc. If your dog continues its strange behavior, please see a veterinarian to rule out health issues.
Why is My Dog Suddenly Ignoring Me?
Dogs might suddenly start ignoring their pet parent when the training isn’t adequate. The dog owner also might have trained it too harshly or not used the same command each time.
- Inconsistency in training is the number one reason why dogs might ignore their pet parent.
- Secondly, a health issue can also result in sudden behavioral changes like ignoring/avoiding. As mentioned earlier, a senior dog might develop hearing loss or health issue which could cause it to avoid you. Even younger dogs with ear infections might ignore verbal commands and verbal cue.
- A lazy, sleepy, or hungry dog might want these basic needs fulfilled before it can pay attention and get trained.
- Some dogs with fear or anxiety issues – loud noises, other dogs, kids in the house – may be too distracted or scared to pay attention to your verbal commands. Even if pet owners shout or hit their pet during dog training, it could permanently result in a shy, timid, or frightened dog that won’t pay attention to anything.
How Can You Tell if Your Dog Does Not Respect You?
Dogs can show disrespect to their pet parents in numerous ways:
1. It won’t consider you its pack leader
Your pet might actually show passive aggression and even think it is the ‘alpha’. It might demand food before you eat, jump on your bed, lay sprawled in the middle of the path so you have to step over it, and even enter or exit through the doorways before you.
2. It wakes you up
Your dog does not respect you if it wakes you up. Of course, sometimes, there might be unavoidable circumstances which might prompt your dog to wake you up for. However, a dog will never wake the alpha of the pack.
3. You have to reward it constantly
This is another sign that your dog does not respect you and listen to you. If you have to use treats to get your dog to do something or even come for its walks, then you simply haven’t trained it well.
Unfortunately, many pet parents reward their dogs for ‘wrong behavior’ which only triggers the dog to behave that way every time.
4. Jumping on you
If your dog jumps on you, then it isn’t to play; it is a sign of disrespect. It is a clear sign that it is asserting its dominance over you. You must curb this behavior from its puppyhood.
5. Your dog has the run of the house
Is your dog allowed to go all over the house? Is it allowed in the bedrooms, and on the bed? Then clearly it does not have any boundaries, so it won’t respect you.
6. It consider you its playmate and not its leader
Inadvertently many dog parents become a source of excitement for their dogs. You just indicate to your dog that you are its litter-mate. It might even sleep over you. All this is an indication of a lack of respect.
Conclusion – Why Does My Dog Ignore Me?
Dogs might ignore you during training if the training is not fun, not repetitive, and/or you give too many commands. A dog might also ignore you when it is distracted, anxious, or in a distracting environment.
Even simple things like boring treats and lack of playtime can cause a dog to ignore you. In old dog or senior dog, health issues can result in avoidance behavior as well.
We hope this guide helps decode your dog’s behavior.
