Your Dog Isn't Disrespecting You

Your dog is not plotting against you. On this episode of The Daily Dog, Nicole Forto draws the line most owners miss: understanding a behavior is not the same as tolerating it. Jumping, leash pulling, counter surfing, and a stolen sock are not revenge. They are patterns that paid off. Nicole walks through the third option between "he's disrespecting me" and "he's just being a dog": teach the behavior you want, set the boundary, and follow through every time. Key points Disrespect is a human word. Dogs learn by what happens next. The useful question is not "why is he defying me?" It is "what is he getting out of this?" A growl is communication. Take it seriously. Do not punish the signal and leave the situation in place. A boundary is not a punishment. It is the rule of the house, and it only exists if it holds when you are tired. Repeating come, or swapping in "come here" and "come on, buddy," teaches the dog the first word does not count. Official cue: COME. Release is BREAK. A solid sit in the living room is not a solid sit at the trailhead. That is a training gap, not stubbornness. You can have expectations without being angry. This episode's question Before you say "my dog is disrespecting me," ask: does my dog actually understand what I am asking, in this place, right now? Other Episodes You Will Love · How to Get the Best Results out of Dog Training Support the Show This episode was recorded on the Shure SM7B and a Rodecaster Pro II Like this episode? Share it with your dog training friends! Love this episode? Say thanks in true dog training podcasting style by leaving a review. FREE! Grab our 7-Day Real-World Dog Training Plan Take our Understanding Drive Behaviors quiz to see exactly what drive your dog is in and how to begin to train for it. Join the On-Air Dog Training Coaching waitlist for a chance to be coached on the air by Dr. Robert or Michele Forto and get your dog training questions answered in real time. Sign up now for 20% off our Group Coaching Program and learn how to build the best relationship possible for your dog. Take your dog training to the next level by enrolling in our Peak Performance membership. Follow Dog Works Radio for more dog training tips: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn ©2009-2026 by Dog Works Training Company® All Rights Reserved.