Has your dog ever seemed to forget what they’ve learned? Maybe they sit in the house when told, but at the vet’s office, it’s like they don’t understand what you’re saying.

In this article, we’ll talk about what generalization is, why dogs struggle with it, and how big emotions can prevent a dog from listening to cues they know well. We’ll also explore some other possibilities for your dog’s forgetfulness!

7 Reasons That Dogs “Forget” Their Training

1. Changes in Environment

Dogs don’t generalize well. This means that just because they know how to sit on carpets doesn’t mean they’ll know what you’re asking when they’re outside on the grass. They may have the perfect “stay” when you’re facing them, but won’t know to continue to hold their place after you turn your back.

New cues need to be practiced in various environments and circumstances, without distractions and with them. At first, you should approach each new situation like your dog is learning the command for the first time. Go slowly and offer big rewards.

Over time, your dog will get better at generalizing, and it’ll come more quickly to them.

2. They’re Distracted

Are you competing with bigger distractions for your dog’s attention? It’s easy to be your dog’s #1 in an empty living room with tasty treats in your hand. It’s much harder for them to focus when a squirrel runs across the sidewalk in front of them!

With time and effort, your dog can build up to ignoring those bigger distractions, especially if you’re asking for something they find simple, like a sit. Right now, it’s possible that they can’t help themselves!

Try training in “boring” environments until your dog knows the cue like the back of their paw, and then slowly move into more distracting locations.

3. You Stopped Paying

Eventually, many people phase out their dog’s treats during training. While you won’t need to reward every “sit” for the rest of their lives, it’s important to fade out rewards slowly and strategically.

A common mistake is to phase out rewards just as you’re getting to the hard part: adding in distractions and venturing out in public. These steps should come with heavy rewards to keep your dog engaged and focused!

When it’s time to phase out treats, the best way is to implement a variable system where your dog is rewarded randomly. This way, your dog will always know that a treat might be coming their way, incentivizing them to behave… Much like a human at a slot machine!

4. They Don’t Understand

Maybe your dog doesn’t understand the cue as it’s been taught and needs more practice. Or, you’ve taught two cues that sound or look similar (like hand gestures).

It’s also possible that your dog hasn’t heard or seen you correctly. You may need to adjust your position, speak more clearly, or make more exaggerated motions with your hands.

5. Your Dog is Stressed

When your dog is stressed or afraid, it is no longer in its “thinking brain.” It’s not that it is choosing to disobey, but that it cannot listen right now.

If possible, remove your dog from the situation and give it time to calm down. When you can’t leave, such as during a vet visit, do what you can to calm your dog. Be patient with them, give them some grace, and keep your expectations realistic to their current mindset.

6. Puppy Puberty

If your dog is between seven months and two years old, they may be going through puberty or adolescence. During this time, you might see some rebellion, including not listening to cues they previously found simple!

This phase will pass. In the meantime, stay consistent and teach your pup that listening to you comes with high-value rewards that they want to earn. Work on building a relationship of trust and positivity, as this will serve you long after the puberty stage ends.

7. You’re Asking for Too Much

Especially when it comes to puppies, we sometimes ask for more than they’re currently capable of. Remember your pup’s developmental stage before asking for something new.

An example of asking too much is asking a puppy to sit and stay for long stretches of time. The puppy will get antsy and impatient!

Or, perhaps you’ve asked them to hold their potty for longer than is possible or comfortable, and they’ve had an accident.

Consider taking a step back if your dog is “failing” at their training. Whenever possible, set your dog up for success, and be sure to celebrate their wins with them after!

Need More Help?

At Where Sit Happens, we provide training for your puppy or dog at home or in our group classes. We also offer training for reactivity, which can make it especially difficult for dogs to focus and behave.

Contact us today to get started!