Is My Dog Just Untrainable?

“My dog doesn't listen. I've tried and tried and tried, and my dog just doesn't get it. Is my dog stupid? Is my dog not able to learn something as simple as sit, down, or potty training?”

At one time or another, we've all likely asked ourselves this very question. “Why doesn't my dog get it?” I want you to take a moment, if you will, and think of this. Maybe it's not the dog. Maybe it's you. The owner, the trainer, the pack leader.

There is a lot of truth to how "trainable" a dog is. Certain dogs are more trainable than others. This can be based on breed, genetics, the dog’s personality, etc. Some dogs just pick up on things more quickly than others, and it may have nothing to do with your ability.

Having said that, a lot of time it's not the dog’s fault. It’s the owner/handlers fault the dog isn’t getting it.

I'm going to touch on a few sensitive topics of conversation.

I'm a dog trainer. I LOVE dogs. I've been around thousands of dogs throughout my dog training career. There has only been one dog in my entire life I haven't liked, and it was for good reason. If I come to your home or a class and I pet and interact with your dog, it's because I love them, and I love the interaction.

However, let’s pretend for a moment I'm a friend of yours, not your dog trainer. You've invited me over for a game of poker, or a movie night. I like dogs, but I don't care to have one. I knock on your door and hear your dog barking up a storm. I hear what sounds like a thunderstorm behind the door as you try to gain control.

You open the door, your hair in disarray, your face flushed, and I can hear your spouse or significant other still trying to put the dog in a back room. Your dog isn't aggressive, he's just over-friendly and likes to jump on people, or bark at them, or run around in excitement.

As your friend, I might laugh and brush it off. As your dog trainer, I'm going to tell you everything about that scenario is wrong. It's not cute or cuddly, even in small breeds. It's not okay to allow the dog to do it either. It isn't something you say "oh it's just the way my dog is" or "it's okay, it's in his breed to bark and play." It's a big word. This is UNACCEPTABLE.

But, as your dog trainer, I'm going to tell you it's not the dog’s fault. It's your fault. You have failed the dog. I know that sounds harsh, and I don't mean it to. But how can we expect a dog to act with manners and appropriately, if we aren't willing to take the time to teach them what's acceptable?

Now, I'm not saying you're a failure. I'm simply saying you have failed to teach your dog what's okay behavior. You have avoided the problem either because you don't care, you think people should understand or, most likely, you don't really know how to fix it. That's why I'm here. I fail my own dogs on a daily basis. Whether it's praising them at the wrong time, or not praising them when I should, or letting them get away with something and then being angry when they don't listen, it's my fault. I'm trying to be better and I'm trying to be the best pack leader I can for my dog.

I know this is what you want, too. I can see it in the care you show for your dogs and how badly you want to learn. It's not your fault you don't know how to teach the dog something. It's only your fault if you know how to teach them, or you know it should be fixed, and you fail to do so.

I want you to know, your dog is not stupid and neither are you. Dogs learn in different ways. They learn at different paces, and what works so well for one dog may not work the same or as well for your dog. However, with most dogs there is hope. You just have to find out what motivates your dog and use that to your advantage. Whether the motivation be to get a pat on the head, or a treat or simply to avoid getting a correction, they need to be motivated in order to do the task.

Your dog CAN be trained to be polite, and to be obedient to your command. It doesn't matter the dog, the age, the sex, the breed, or even their living conditions. You just have to be consistent with your training and simply do the best you can.

We at Maligator Kennels are here to help you with nearly every dog training need. We will never abandon you in your quest with your dog, unless you were to employ harsh or illegal measures to try and get your dog to behave a certain way. Your dog is trainable, as are you as the owner. That's why we are here. To give you quality training, for a fair price, in a personal yet professional atmosphere.

We encourage everyone, even if your dog is a master at simple obedience, to attend basic obedience or behavioral classes. My dogs go through some rigorous training and certification. However, every single week, I spend time doing some form of simple obedience, and they still don't always get it right. I would come to all the classes you can, based on your circumstances. What’s the best way to make sure the pack is healthy and the house doesn't fall? By keeping a safe, sound, well-maintained foundation.

Thanks everyone.