What are we doing wrong?

When a dog isn't responding, it is almost always a breakdown in human communication rather than a failure on the dog's part.

Here is a quick summary of a troubleshooting checklist:

• Clarity: Is the cue distinct, or is it getting lost in translation?

• Repetition: Has the dog actually reached the point of muscle memory, or are we expecting too much too soon?

• Mechanics: Are physical cues (like leash positioning or body language) sending mixed signals?

• Motivation: Did the reward actually match the effort the dog put in?

The most critical takeaway for any dog owner: clear communication, consistency, and patience are what bridge the gap, especially with puppies.