Your pet isn't being stubborn. They're just lost in the static of your signals. Here is how to fix the communication gap for good.
Dogs process visual signals faster than sounds. If you move your hands while you speak, they stop listening to your voice entirely. Scientists call this 'overshadowing.'
To teach a verbal word, say it first. Wait one second. Then give the hand signal. This brief pause forces their brain to anticipate the signal based on the sound.
"Sit" and "Stay" sound nearly identical to a dog. Choose words with distinct vowel shapes like "Down" (long 'ow') versus "Sit" (short 'i') to prevent confusion.
If you say "Okay" on the phone or to friends, your dog hears it as background noise. Use a unique release word like "Break" or "Free" that only applies to them.
If they sit without being asked, don't give a treat. You want them to wait for your specific input, not just spam behaviors hoping for a snack.
If you only say "Come" to end the fun at the park, that word now means "fun is over." The cue is officially associated with an unpleasant consequence.
If a command is broken, stop using it. Replace "Come" with "Here" or "Pronto." New word, high-value rewards, fresh start without the old baggage.
Give the cue once. If they don't move in 3 seconds, the deal is off. Walk away. This prevents you from 'nagging' and teaches them to listen the first time.
If your pet only listens in the kitchen with a treat pouch, they haven't learned the word—they've learned the room. This is called 'contextual binding.'
Practice with your back turned, while sitting on the floor, or in a new room. True mastery means the command works regardless of your posture or the location.
Clear communication isn't about being the boss. It's about designing a distinct vocabulary that respects how your pet's brain actually processes information.
See the full list of distinct phonetic cues and the step-by-step discrimination protocol used by pros.