How To Get Your Dog to Listen To You

Dogs are wonderful companions, full of personality, energy, and sometimes a bit of mischief. But if your dog isn’t listening to you, it can be frustrating—especially when you’re calling them for the tenth time, and they’re still ignoring you in favor of a squirrel. The good news? No dog is a lost cause. With the right approach, you can change that. You must build trust, set clear expectations, and make listening to you the most rewarding thing your dog can do.

So, if you’re ready to turn those selective hearing moments into reliable obedience, let’s explore the simple and effective methods that work to get your dog to listen.

Why Doesn’t My Dog Listen to Me?

If your dog isn’t listening, it’s not because they’re trying to be complicated. There are a few common reasons dogs ignore commands:

•         They don’t understand what you’re asking – If commands aren’t consistent, your dog may be confused.
•         The environment is too distracting – A park full of other dogs, smells, and noises is a tough place to focus.
•         You haven’t made listening rewarding – Dogs naturally do what benefits them. If ignoring you leads to more fun, they’ll keep doing it.
•         You’ve accidentally taught them not to listen – If calling their name happens only before something they dislike (like bath time), they might ignore it.

Understanding why your dog isn’t responding is the first step to improving their obedience. Now that we have covered that, here’s how to get your pup to pay attention and respond reliably.

How To Get Your Dog to Listen To You

A dog that trusts you is likelier to listen and follow your commands. You build trust over time by being consistent and patient. Every interaction, from playtime to training sessions, is an opportunity to strengthen your bond. Here is how to do it.

1.     Speak Your Dog’s Language

Your dog isn’t ignoring you because they don’t love you. They don’t naturally understand human words the way we do. While they can learn commands like “sit” or “stay,” they rely on your tone of voice, body language, and consistency to understand your instruction.

If you’ve ever said “Come here” in a frustrated or pleading voice, and your dog kept staring at you—or worse, running in the opposite direction—it’s not because they’re being stubborn. They might not associate that phrase with a positive outcome. Dogs respond best to clear, confident, and consistent communication. If you want them to listen, you have to make it worth their while.

2.     Make Listening a Rewarding Experience

Dogs are simple creatures. They do what works for them. If running off and ignoring you leads to more fun than coming when called, guess what they will choose? That’s why positive reinforcement is so effective. Instead of punishing your dog for ignoring you, reward them when they get it right.

Treats are a great motivator, but rewards don’t always have to be food. Some dogs love belly rubs; others are thrilled by a favorite toy or an enthusiastic “Good job!” Pay attention to what your dog values most and use that as motivation. The key is to reward them immediately when they respond to you so they make the connection between listening and good things happening.

3.     Be Consistent with Commands

Imagine if someone asked you to “sit down” one day, then “take a seat” the next, and “park it” the day after that. You’d be pretty confused, right? Dogs feel the same way when we’re inconsistent with our commands.

If you want your dog to listen, choose simple, one- or two-word commands and stick to them. If you’re using “down” to tell them to lie down, don’t switch to “lie down” the next day. Ensure everyone in your household is on the same page; if one person says “off” to stop jumping while another says “down,” your dog won’t know what to do.

Repetition and consistency build understanding. The more predictable your cues are, the faster your dog responds.

4.     Train in a Low-Distraction Environment First

Trying to get your dog to listen in a busy park full of exciting smells, other dogs, and distractions is like trying to focus on reading a book in the middle of a rock concert. Start training in a quiet, low-distraction environment, like your living room or backyard.

Gradually introduce distractions once your dog reliably responds to your commands in a calm setting. Try practicing “come” when they’re sniffing something interesting. Work on “stay” while there’s food nearby. If your dog learns to listen despite small temptations, they’ll be much more reliable when you need them to pay attention.

5.     Keep Training Fun and Engaging

No one enjoys a long, boring lecture—and your dog is no exception. Training should feel like a game, not a chore. The best training sessions are short, engaging, and full of positive reinforcement.

Instead of repeatedly drilling commands, mix training into everyday activities. Call your dog to “come” before feeding it dinner. Ask for a “sit” before going outside. Play hide-and-seek to reinforce recall. Your dog will be much more eager to listen when training feels like playtime.

6.     Use Your Body Language to Reinforce Commands

Dogs are experts at reading body language. Sometimes, they pay more attention to your physical cues than your words. If you say “stay” while leaning forward or waving your arms, your dog might think you’re inviting them to come closer.

Use precise, confident gestures that match your commands. A raised palm can signal “stay.” An open hand moving toward you can mean “come.” If your words and movements match up, your dog will understand you more easily.

And remember—eye contact matters! Before giving a command, make sure your dog is looking at you. If they’re too distracted, try calling their name first. Once they’re focused, they’ll be much more likely to respond.

7.     Be Patient and Realistic

No dog listens perfectly all the time—just like no human follows instructions flawlessly every moment of the day. Dogs have good and bad days, just like we do. If your pup is struggling, take a deep breath and be patient.

Training takes time, especially for behaviors against a dog’s instincts. If your dog doesn’t respond, resist the urge to repeat commands repeatedly. Instead, go back to basics, simplify the task, and reinforce small wins. If “come” isn’t working from across the yard, try it at a shorter distance with a treat as encouragement.

Consistency, patience, and a positive attitude will get you much farther than frustration ever will.

Why Does My Dog Listen at Home but Not in Public?

Many dogs seem perfectly trained at home but suddenly ignore commands outside. This happens because home is a familiar, low-distraction setting, while public spaces are full of new sights, smells, and sounds.

To help your dog listen everywhere, train in different environments. Start in the backyard, then move to the driveway, and eventually to a busier location like a park. Using a long leash during recall training allows your dog to explore while reinforcing the “come” command. Staying engaging and rewarding good behavior, even in exciting places, will also make a difference.

What If My Dog Only Listens When I Have Treats?

If your dog only listens when you have food, they’ve learned that commands aren’t worth following unless there’s a snack involved. To avoid this, gradually reduce the reliance on treats by phasing them out and introducing alternative rewards.

Try switching to intermittent reinforcement—sometimes using treats, praise, or play. Ask for two or three correct responses before rewarding. You can also incorporate real-life rewards, such as allowing your dog outside only after it sits calmly by the door. Over time, your dog will see listening as worthwhile, even without treats.

What If My Dog Still Won’t Listen?

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, training can feel overwhelming. That’s where professional help comes in. Whether your dog has a specific behavioral challenge or you want a little extra guidance, a certified dog trainer can make a world of difference.

At Anita’s Loving Pet Services, we offer expert dog training that’s fun, effective, and tailored to your dog’s needs. Whether you need help with basic commands, leash training, or more advanced obedience, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Our South Bay dog training programs focus on positive reinforcement, making training enjoyable for dogs and their owners. We also provide dog training in Rancho Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, and San Pedro.

Ready to Strengthen Your Bond with Your Dog?

A well-trained dog is happy, and training should always be a positive experience. It isn’t just about getting your dog to listen—it’s about building a deeper bond based on trust and communication. When your dog understands what you’re asking and sees listening as a rewarding experience, everything becomes easier—from daily walks to off-leash adventures.

If you’re ready to improve your dog’s listening skills and create a more harmonious relationship, Anita’s Loving Pet Services can help!

Call us today or visit our website to schedule a training session. Your dog has so much potential—let’s unlock it together!