My Dog Does Not Listen To Me Unless I Yell: Here’s What To Do!

Isn’t it frustrating when your dog doesn’t listen to you unless you yell?

Dogs are loyal pets found in most homes across the globe.

Dogs are essential to humans for many reasons besides being a man’s companion.

They guarantee security, relieve depression, and ease loneliness.

However, the same dog will decide not to listen to you entirely or listen only when you yell.

Why is this so?

Most pet parents have yet to find a lasting solution to this issue.

But you are about to read all it takes to deal with a dog that doesn’t listen unless you yell.

Why My Dog Doesn’t Listen To Me Unless I Yell

The main reasons that make dogs act this way include the following:

Language Barrier

Know that dogs do not understand our language.

It takes practice to teach them.

As the owner/parent, you should always combine verbal cues and speaking.

Always use verbal cues that align with what you are telling the dog.

Age

An older dog that did not get the proper training early will not listen.

On the other hand, Puppies can be easy to train, and they will listen even without yelling.

Setting

The setting where the dog is determines if it will listen or not.

Dogs that spend time outdoors behave differently from dogs that are usually indoors.

The next time you are out with your dog and notice that she does not respond, this could be the reason.

Why Your Dog Doesn’t Listen Unless You Yell

If your dog starts to act strange inside the house and you find it hard to control him, you will probably shout at it.

Also, you might find yourself shouting at the dog when stressed.

This persistent conduct will make your dog only listen when you yell.

Here are a few reasons that make your dog not listen to you unless you yell.

Fear

Fear is an unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger, pain, or harm. Your dog will only listen because it fears you.

With time, the dog will know that shouting is another type of communication.

Confusion

Dogs are certainly not experts in the human language.

Shouting at your dog will only confuse him even more.

It will only do as you command when it notices you are angry.

The dog, once again, interprets the yelling as a form of communication.

Past Understanding

You probably brought your dog from the animal shelter or inherited it from a colleague.

And unfortunately, its previous owner could have communicated with the dog through shouting and yelling.

This means that your dog only responds when shouted to.

What To Do If Your Dog Only Listens When You Yell

To help you solve the problem, you should do a few things.

Here are five guidelines for you to try:

1. Go Back To Basics

First, you should go back to the basic commands every dog understands.

Train your dog on the seven basic commands:

• sit
• down
• stay
• come
• off
• don’t touch
• heel

You can also integrate the five golden training rules for effectiveness.

That includes playing the odds, resisting repetition, rewarding behavior, and the punishment depending on the dog (let the dog decide).

2. Use Body Language

Dogs sometimes find it difficult to understand verbal cues because they do not speak human language.

The combination of body language plus actions, and verbal commands will help your dog listen and understand more.

3. Be Consistent In Outlining The Rules.

It might confuse your dog when different family members start to train it.

However, if you are to decide together, you should agree on the rules, limitations, and treats.

This helps the dog understand what it needs to do and doesn’t.

4. Reward Good Behavior With Treats

Rewarding your dog when it does something good often encourages good behavior.

Using treats and praise will enable him to do what is right.

You will not need to yell anymore for him to understand you.

Dog treats can include your favorite homemade dog snacks like meatballs and dried fish.

5. Be Calm, Control Your Anger, And Master Your Emotions

Dogs usually notice your anger and respond either negatively or positively.

When you are calm, the dog will not feel nervous or angry.

But when you are mad, the dog will either be frightened or agitated.

So, if you are angry, take deep breaths and handle the situation more calmly and not aggravated.

How Yelling Affects Your Dog

Increase Misconduct

Sometimes your dog could be barking loudly, and you would want him to stop.

Shouting at it will only make it understand that shouting at it is a kind of positive encouragement (thinking you are joining in barking).

Dogs will not believe that barking loudly is gross misconduct.

Yelling Stresses Your Dog

Yelling at your dog can cause stress or make him feel unwanted.

In addition, it may cause a loss of appetite and aggression.

A loss in appetite often causes physical disorders.

Your Dog Will Always Fear You And Never Learn

You may automatically cultivate a negative attitude toward someone who yells at you.

The same case applies to dogs and other pets.

When your dog notices that you are continually shouting at him, he will forever live to fear and avoid meeting you.

How Yelling Affects You As The Pet Parent

Yelling also affects the pet parent’s relationship with the dog

• You may not want to be around the dog because you feel that the dog makes you always shout, affecting your relationship with the dog
• Shouting will always stress you
• Yelling can cause you chronic pain

Final Thoughts

For your dog to listen more, treat it with love, understanding, and patience.

For him to understand, guarantee consistent practice, rewards, and tactical punishment.

Never use “bribery” or yelling to try and teach your dog good behavior.

Shouting will only complicate the situation more and cannot be considered a positive teaching practice.

Moreover, shouting has adverse effects on you and the dog.