Imagine: you repeat “Sit!” ten times, and your dog looks at you like you’re a squirrel in the park.
The secret is that dogs don't respond to words, but to energy and body language.
Dog trainers have revealed a trick - instead of shouting, use a pause and a look. Freeze abruptly, lower yourself to your pet's eye level and give a short command: "Sit", accompanying the command with a firm fixation of your gaze.
If that doesn't work, apply gentle pressure on the rump, but release immediately as soon as the dog follows the command.
The main thing is to reward with a treat even for the slightest success. This is not training, but a dialogue where you are the leader, not the screamer.
Why does it work? Dogs read emotions through microgestures. If you are nervous or fidgety, your pet perceives this as weakness.
Professional trainers advise to “put on” a mask of calmness on your face before training – relaxed eyebrows, even breathing, slow movements. Try practicing in front of a mirror: the command “Lie down” should sound like an order, not a request.
Another mistake is to repeat commands. Say "Come!" once, and if the dog ignores it, go up to it and gently guide it with the leash.
Otherwise, she will understand that she can obey only after the second or third time.
For difficult cases, such as if the dog is pulling on the leash, use the "tree" method.
Stop and stand still until he releases the tension. As soon as the leash goes slack, praise him and move on.
This teaches that movement is only possible with calm behavior.
For aggressive dogs, a "focus switch" can help: throw a treat on the ground as soon as they start growling. This breaks the aggression pattern.
The main rule is to never punish for disobedience. Fear destroys trust, and without it, even the coolest life hack won't work.
