Dogs are not “stubborn” animals – rather they are often misunderstandings caused by uncertain communication between humans and dogs. If your dog does not obey, this can have different causes that need to be understood. In this article we get the causes of the contradictory behavior of dogs to the bottom and show how you can improve your dog relationship.
Misunderstandings in communication between dog and owner
Dogs act for various reasons and often not from a conscious resistance to the owner. For example, if a dog does not follow a command, this can have different causes. One of the main causes is an unclear or contradictory communication. Dogs understand us not only through words, but also through body language, tone and facial expressions. If a dog is unsure whether he shows the right behavior, he can fall back on his own intuition and make a decision that does not meet the expectations of the owner. You can find out what the best dog owners are here.
The role of motivation in dog education
A dog that does not feel motivated may not be based on the owners' commands. There are two main types of motivation: the extrinsic and the intrinsic. Extrinsic motivation is based on external rewards such as treats or games, while intrinsic motivation is based on the experience and positive associations of a dog. A dog that feels safe and linked positive experiences with the desired behavior will cooperate on its own drive.
The two types of motivation
- Extrinsic motivation: Dog is motivated to behavior by external rewards (e.g. treats or games).
- Intrinsic motivation: dog is motivated on its own drive because he has had positive experiences with behavior or it has proven to be pleasant in the past.
Build trust – the key to successful dog keeping
Trust is the foundation of every relationship – including that between man and dog. If a dog has the certainty that it always receives clear and fair signals, it is more willing to cooperate. In many cases it is up to the holder how trust in the dog is built up. Unclear or contradictory signals can affect the dog's trust and lead to behavioral problems. Here you can read whether your dog is really happy with you.
Build tips on trust
- Be consistent in your rules and commands.
- Show patience and understanding, even if your dog does not react immediately.
- Control positive experiences in everyday life (play, cuddle, training units).