Does Your Dog Understand What You’re Asking?

When your dog doesn’t do what you expect, it’s easy to assume they’re being stubborn or ignoring you. But in most cases, the problem isn’t the dog—it’s the communication. Do they actually understand what you want?

Training Starts with a Clear Message

Good training is built on clarity. It starts with a simple, physical cue—something your dog can see and react to. That might be a hand gesture, a shift in your posture, or guiding them with a treat. This is your first step in saying, “Try this.”

That cue is paired with motivation—usually food, toys, or praise—to encourage the behaviour. Once your dog begins to connect the action with the reward, you repeat it consistently. Clear cue, correct response, reward. Over and over.

Verbal commands come later—only after your dog understands the behaviour. Words mean nothing at first. They’re just sounds until they’re linked to something your dog already knows how to do.

Build It Step by Step

Complex behaviours have to be broken down. If you want your dog to roll over, they first need to know how to lie down. You can’t teach the full trick in one go. It’s not fair or realistic to expect the finished product before the foundations are there.

It’s the same with everyday routines. If you want your dog to wait at the door before a walk, they need to have some idea of “wait” or “stay” in a calm, low-distraction setting first. Only then can you ask for that behaviour when there’s more going on—like the lead coming out or the door opening.

Dogs Want to Work With You

The truth is, dogs want to do the right thing. They’re not trying to get it wrong—they’re trying to understand. Our job is to make the message simple, consistent, and fair from the start. If we’re clear, they’re more than willing to learn.

Dogs love to learn