Why is my puppy stubborn, won't obey commands, and won't recall?

Hi there. It sounds like Bea is having some trouble with her focus. While much of that is just being young and full of energy, I feel you would benefit from clicker training (a treat and reward system) as well as a well organized puppy class. Puppy classes are often offered at your local pet smart as well as through several trainers as help puppies to develop a sense of ability to socialize without being distracted enough by their surrounds that they ignore their owner. To many puppies-they see this as an exciting time to meet new friends and play with their owners. For us it is a wonderful area to help the puppies feel safe and bond with us over respect and learn boundaries. She is likely just reacting to stimuli (things she doesn't often get to see) and doesn't realize she's being "bad" as well as being full of energy. This will take a lot of patience and treats on your part when she performs or listens to you. She will get there, it is just a learning process.

Consistency is key. I would also use treats and/or a clicker to elk with training. You could also get a training to come in just a couple of times to help pin point what is keeping him from listening. It sounds like he is young and probably has a lot of energy therefore, doesn’t want to listen and sit still. You can also try a calmin chew like composure or composure pro. Keep working on training everyday. I would try to take 10-20 minutes everyday to work on commands without any distractions. Use small chewy training treats so he doesn’t get distracted by the process it takes to chew up a large crunchy treat. I hope this helps.

That is quite tricky. What you need to do it work on developing a "bullet proof" recall ("come" command) first instead the house, then inside the gate, then outside the gate on a leash, then outside the gate without a leash. At the same time, you need to work on impulse control and general attentiveness, again starting inside and taking it outside. I would highly highly recommend working with a qualified trainer on this, it's possible to do on your own, but will be hard enough with an experienced helper. Good luck!

Sometimes dogs Conan's age start to test their boundaries with their owners. I recommend that you start work again with a trainer who uses positive reinforcement to help reinforce/ teach some basic commands. Conan may be running away because he associates you calling him with you trying to stop him from doing something else that he wants to do, in which case positive reinforcement training can help. See the links below for more information: https://avsab.org/resources/ clickertraining.com/node/309 drsophiayin.com/blog/entry/become-more-exciting-than-a-squirrel-teaching-a-reliable-come-when-called/ I also recommend speaking to your veterinarian about having Conan neutered, as this can help reduce unwanted behaviours associated with the instinct to mate (such as humping, urine marking, aggression and roaming away from home) and help prevent them from becoming habits.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! These types of behavior can improve though this does require in person training with the help of a qualified dog trainer. I would encourage you to contact a dog trainer that can work with you and her in person to really take care of this behavior. The sooner these behaviors are dealt with, the more likely it is that you can improve and resolve them. Good luck and have a great day!

Do not allow Phoenix off leash until she is coming back consistently. Use a long lead (not a retractable one) and practice recall. Allow her to go a very short distance from you initially then recall her. If she returns, praise and reward her. If she does not return, prompt her with a gentle tug while calling her name. Gradually increase the distance as she progresses. Always carry treats/rewards in your pockets. A treat/reward should take her no more than a second or two to eat. Be firm and be consistent in training. Praise and reward compliance, correct non compliance immediately. For house training, reinforce crate training (again if necessary). The crate should only be big enough for Phoenix to stand, turn around and lay down. Put her on a consistent schedule for elimination. Dogs thrive on routine. Going out every half hour does not teach her bladder control. She should go out FIRST thing in the morning. Pick a spot outside and wait. No walks until she goes. Praise and reward her when she goes. Place her back in the crate or on a leash attached to your hip so you can watch for her cues to go. Do not leave her unsupervised inside, even if confined to a room, until she is house trained. She should go out once or twice more during the day. Take up the water 2 hours before bedtime and take her out right before bedtime. Be patient. Be consistent.

That is great that you are working on training! It will not get better, only worse without consistent training. I would highly recommend only calling his name once. I would also use AMAZING treats- like small amounts of baked chicken ONLY when training- to ensure that he takes you seriously when you call his name. I would also consider having a special command - more than just 'come'- that you reserve for emergencies and reward him copiously with treats and attention when you do use the 'code' word. To really make any of this stick you need to work on it everyday for months, and the reinforce often. A trainer can help a lot, if nothing else to make sure you stick to your goals! Good luck and I hope this helps!