03/29/2025
Are We Giving Our Dogs Conflicting Messages?
One of the most common mistakes dog owners make—often without even realizing it—is sending mixed signals to their dogs. In a recent coaching call, we saw a perfect example of this in action.
a dog owner shared that she has a little Vizsla-mix puppy named Molly. As we chatted, Molly was running around the house, and the owner's reactions shifted quickly:
Calling Jolly Over: "Jolly, come here."
Then immediately redirecting: "Go sit down."
Reinforcing Again: "Come here."
and ...
Correcting: "Go lay down."
These rapid shifts in commands can be confusing for a dog, especially a young puppy who is still learning what is expected of her. AND -- especially with no reward or ntification Let’s break down what’s happening and how we can improve our communication.
The Problem with Mixed Messages
Dogs thrive on clarity and consistency. When we rapidly change commands, they struggle to understand what we actually want. In Molly’s case:
🤛First, she is invited to come.
When she comes over, there is zero aknowledgement for the correct behavior.
🪑Then, she is asked to sit.
When she sits, there is zero aknowledgement for the correct behavior.
🤛Next, she’s invited to come again.
When she comes over, there is zero aknowledgement for the correct behavior.
🤚Finally, she’s told to go lay down.
Again, sent away immediately after being called close, and with no reward for any of the correct answers (coming or going).
From Molly’s perspective, she is trying to follow directions, but each new command contradicts the last one. There is no clear indication of where and when the correct answer occurs. This creates confusion, frustration, and even anxiety over time. ⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️
How to Fix This🤔
Here are a few key ways to avoid giving conflicting messages:
👓Decide on the Command Before Speaking – Instead of reacting in the moment, take a second to decide what you actually want your dog to do.
🎯Use Clear, Simple Commands – Stick to one directive at a time. If you say “Come,” follow through with that command before introducing a new one.
🟰 Be Consistent – Ensure that everyone in the household uses the same words and expectations for behaviors.
🏆Reward the Right Behavior – If you say “Lay Down,” don’t suddenly reward your dog for coming over instead.
🔇🔕Practice in Low-Distraction Environments – If your dog is still learning, practice commands in a quiet, distraction-free area before expecting them to listen in a high-energy setting.
The Takeaway
Our dogs are eager to please, but they need us to be clear and consistent. The next time you find yourself correcting or redirecting your dog, ask yourself: “Am I being clear, or am I sending mixed messages?” By improving our communication, we can create a better training experience and a stronger bond with our dogs.
Have you ever caught yourself sending mixed signals to your dog? Share your experiences in the comments!
