Have you ever wondered if your dog has selective hearing when it comes to listening to you? Sometimes they do exactly what you asked, while at other times it seems that the information simply passes through one ear and goes out the other without encountering anything in between.
The simple answer is your dog is most likely confused. Once we grasp that dogs are born blind and deaf, use only their nose to navigate their surroundings during the first 2 weeks of their lives and only have their ears open after 21 days, then we quickly realize that, maybe, the way we are choosing to communicate with them is not the smartest choice.
If you want to get your dog’s attention engage their nose instead of calling out to them. If you have a hard time getting your dog to listen to you, then try simplifying the ask and helping them understand by first seizing their attention not with sound, but with scent. Since 60% of a dog’s brain is controlled by the nose, chances of your pup minding you by attracting their olfactory senses instead of their auditory one greatly increases.To get your dog’s attention and encourage them to come to you:
- Use an enticing scent: Choose a strong-smelling item like cheese or bacon.
- Guide with motion: Move the item in a circular motion near their nose, leading them toward you.
- Encourage them to follow: Walk away slowly while calling their name as they start to sniff.
- Lead them gently: As they follow, lower the scented item beside you and continue walking casually, using a “come” or praise.
- Reward their effort: Upon reaching your destination, pet them or offer a treat.
This method leverages your dog’s keen sense of smell to pique their curiosity. Engaging their nose encourages exploration, while relying solely on their ears and eyes can lead to tension. The next time you seek your dog’s attention, try stimulating their sense of smell first, then guide them. This approach transforms selective hearing into clearer communication.
