08/20/2025
Courtesy ABC Dogs NZ
They do hear you.
They may just not respond.
What looks like ignoring is often your dog prioritising what feels the most safe or important in that very moment.
They may be processing other information first... a sound, smell, or a movement that caught their attention.
They need time to process what it is they just experienced.
They might be uncertain about what you’re asking or lack enough practice/history with the cue in that situation.
Stress, excitement or even fear can override their ability to focus on you.
Sometimes it’s about what their brain decides matters most right now.
