Your pet isn't being stubborn. They're genuinely confused by your "muddy" signals. Here is how to fix the static.
Dogs process movement much faster than sound. If you wave your arms and yell at the same time, they won't even hear your voice.
Say the word first. Pause for a split second. Then give the hand signal. This teaches the brain that the sound predicts the action.
"Sit" and "Settle" sound nearly identical to a pet. Use hard consonants like the 'K' in 'Come' to cut through background wind and traffic.
Using Te Reo Māori cues like 'E noho' (Sit) cuts through everyday English chatter. It's a unique sound they'll never mistake for small talk.
Small finger twitches get lost at a regional park. Use big, high-contrast signals that your pet can read from 20 metres away.
Signals often change over time until they look like a puzzle. Practise in front of a mirror to ensure your gestures remain crisp and consistent.
If you only say "Come" to end the fun at the beach, the word becomes a warning, not a command. They'll start avoiding the sound.
If a cue is consistently ignored, stop using it. Switch to a brand new word like "Here" and reward heavily to build a clean slate.
A "Stay" at home isn't the same as a "Stay" at a busy Ponsonby cafe. You must train Distance, Duration, and Distraction separately.
In a new place? Make it easy. Ask for a 2-second stay instead of 10. Success in small steps builds long-term reliability.
You aren't just "bossing" your pet around; you are building a distinct language. When the signals are clear, the stubbornness vanishes.
Get the full guide on cue selection and the exact Te Reo Māori commands to use for a reliable pet.