Does Your Dog Ignore You on Walks? Here's What’s Really Going On.

As we move through the Fall season, you may notice your dog seems more distracted and “ignores” you on walks. 🍂 Fall especially brings new challenges: rustling leaves, squirrels gathering nuts, strong smells from decaying vegetation, and spooky decorations that pop up overnight.

It’s easy to feel frustrated and assume your dog is being stubborn or naughty. However, it's far more likely your dog is struggling within themself, not ignoring you.

Why Your Dog Isn’t Actually Ignoring You

What looks like defiance is usually distress. A dog that seems calm and “just standing there” might actually be experiencing an emotional storm inside. Instead of labeling their behavior as "bad," it helps to see it as communication.

Every time your dog doesn’t respond—or does the opposite of what you asked—they’re giving you valuable feedback about how they’re feeling and how they’ve learned to interpret your behavior. (Yes, dogs make assumptions about us, just like we do about them!)

Miscommunication vs. Misbehavior

When you reframe these moments as miscommunication rather than misbehavior, everything changes. Suddenly, the “stubborn” moments make sense. With this new perspective, you’ll be in a much better position to reduce stress for both of you and enjoy calmer, happier walks.

The Role of Learning History

If your dog “refuses” a behavior they usually know, the answer often lies in their learning history—not in defiance.

• Coming when called: If responding has sometimes meant the fun ends (like being crated right away), they may hesitate.

• Drop it: If this cue has always meant losing a treasure forever without replacement, your dog may bolt instead.

From your perspective, these cues are simple requests. From your dog’s perspective, they may have learned those words predict disappointment. In the case of a reactive dog, your request may have a history of worsening their fear by making them move closer to a trigger.

Real-Life Example

Having a "stubborn" dog is a common reason clients come to work with me. Sometimes the issues is learning history or a low value treat and the fix is easy.

Other times, the cause of the behavior lies deeper and is rooted in fear or trauma. In either case, my client feels stressed and even disrespected by their dog because they don't know how to solve the problem on their own.

In both cases, the solution begins by shifting routines, reinforcing wanted behaviors, and addressing the root cause of the behavior.

“I'd thought my dog just had a stubborn personality,” one client shared. “It makes me sad she was afraid all this time and I didn't know. I'm proud to be helping her become a brave and trusting girl.”

How to Help Your Dog Respond Better

Next time your dog seems to ignore you, try this approach:

1. Pause and observe – Are they distracted, overwhelmed, or stressed?

2. Consider their learning history – What has this cue meant to them in the past?

3. Reframe the moment – Instead of asking, “Why won’t they listen?” ask, “What are they trying to tell me?”

4. Make it worth their while – Ensure responding to you predicts safety and good things, not pressure or the end of fun.

Final Thoughts

Your dog isn’t out to give you a hard time. They’re being driven by their thoughts and beliefs. By seeing these moments as miscommunication instead of misbehavior, you’ll unlock new ways to support your dog and strengthen your bond—on walks and beyond.

✨ Remember: every “ignored” cue is really valuable information. When you listen, your dog will feel heard, and you’ll both enjoy calmer, more connected adventures together.

Download my free guide to helping your dog overcome reactivity: From Raging to Relaxed: Transform Life with Your Reactive Dog using The CHARM Approach guide.