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.

A dog training troubleshooting checklist

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.

Work through it at The Barn

If your dog isn't responding and you can't tell which step is breaking down, bring it to a group session or a semi-private session at The Barn in Valparaiso. Check this week's schedule or get signed up.