You tell your dog to “come.” They stare at you. You say it again, a little louder. Still nothing.
It's tempting to think they're ignoring you. But here's a question worth asking first: Does your dog understand what you're asking in that moment?
Dogs don't arrive in our homes understanding English. They learn what certain sounds, movements, and routines predict. They also pay attention to things we're doing even when we don't realize we're sending a message.
That's why one of the first steps toward better training is learning to communicate in a way your dog can actually understand.
Your dog is paying attention to more than your words
Think about what happens when you pick up the leash. Your dog may head straight to the door before you've said a word.
Or consider the sound of a treat bag, the way you reach for your shoes, or where you stand when it's time for dinner. Dogs become very good at noticing patterns.
Your movement, posture, timing, and consistency all matter. But so does their body language. Good communication goes both ways.
Learn to read the whole dog
A dog's tail is only one part of the story. A wagging tail doesn't automatically mean a dog is relaxed or wants to be approached.
Instead, look at the whole picture:
Body: Loose and wiggly, or stiff and frozen?
Face: Soft eyes and a relaxed mouth, or hard staring and tension?
Movement: Moving toward something freely, turning away, or trying to create distance?
Context: Is the dog playing with someone familiar, or surrounded by unfamiliar people and noise?
Yawning, lip licking, turning the head, or moving away can sometimes signal discomfort, especially when several signs appear together. No single gesture tells the entire story, so look for patterns rather than treating one signal as a universal translation.
When your dog seems uncomfortable, the helpful response is often to give them more space and reduce the pressure—not insist they push through.
Make your own signals easier to understand
You don't need a complicated vocabulary to start communicating better. You need clarity.
Choose a cue and use it consistently
If one family member says “come,” another says “over here,” and someone else repeats the dog's name ten times, it's harder to create a dependable pattern.
Agree on simple cues and what each one means. Then practice them in situations where your dog can succeed.
Notice your timing
When your dog makes a choice you like—looking toward you on a walk, settling calmly, or moving away from the counter—acknowledge it promptly. A timely reward helps make the connection clear.
Pay attention to the environment
A skill that works perfectly in the living room may disappear on a busy sidewalk. That doesn't mean your dog has forgotten everything. The surroundings may simply be more challenging.
Start in a calmer place, then gradually build up to more distractions.
Communication is a two-way street
Here's what I want dog owners to remember: training isn't just about getting your dog to listen. It's about learning to listen to your dog, too.
When you recognize what they're expressing and make your own signals clearer, everyday life becomes easier for both of you. That's what it means to be fair to your dog.
And it's at the heart of my approach: I train humans, not dogs.
Want to better understand what your dog is telling you?
Book The Game Plan™ for personalized, private in-home coaching with Coach Jeff.
