As a rewards-based dog trainer, I often hear pet owners ask, “should I reward the behaviours I like and ignore the behaviours I don’t?” 

If you’ve been attempting this well-intentioned approach, and it isn’t working quite as you’d expected, this one’s for you! Simply ignoring behaviour is often quite ineffective, especially with our high-energy, emotionally intense dogs! Let’s take a closer look at why ignoring unwanted behaviour can sometimes backfire, and what you can do instead to create lasting change.

Understanding Why Ignoring Behaviour Doesn’t Always Work

At first glance, the idea of ignoring unwanted behaviours seems simple enough. However, all behaviour serves a function. Your dog engages in a behaviour to get an outcome. If your dog’s undesirable behaviour continues or even escalates, it’s likely being reinforced in some way—whether intentionally or not. The reinforcers we control, like food or toys, are just a small part of the picture.

For example, a dog that paces and whines before a walk might learn that pacing and whining gets them access to that walk. So, when the human doesn’t immediately oblige with the outing, the dog may escalate to barking to get the outcome they desire. This is annoying for the human, who may then say “well, I better walk the dog to make this barking stop!” The dog has learned that escalating their behaviour will get them what they want, and the human has little hope of being able to ignore barking: it’s easy to get stuck in a cycle where the behaviour gets stronger the more you try to ignore it.

The Challenges of “Ignoring” Behaviour

What does it really mean to “ignore” your dog’s behaviour? Does it mean no talking? No eye contact? Just complete stillness? 

For most of us, the concept of ignoring can feel pretty tricky, especially when your dog’s behaviour is loud, persistent, and demanding of your attention.

When you’re trying to ignore a behaviour, you might inadvertently be reinforcing it – even the attention of telling your dog to stop it might be reinforcing for some dogs (because: attention). Ignoring is often much harder than it seems!

So, What Should You Do Instead?

If ignoring undesirable behaviour isn’t the answer, what can you do to help your dog succeed? Here are three strategies that can be more effective:

1. Predict and Prevent

Look for patterns in your dog’s behaviour. Are there specific situations or triggers that set off the unwanted behaviour? For instance, does your dog bark when they’re bored or overstimulated? Identifying these conditions allows you to manipulate the environment to reduce the chances of the behaviour occurring in the first place.

For example, if your dog tends to bark when left alone in the garden, consider providing them with a chew or a puzzle to keep them busy. Or, if your dog gets mouthy when playing, use more structured toy games to redirect their energy into more appropriate activities.

2. Build Skills

Instead of focusing solely on what you don’t want, take the time to teach your dog what you do want them to do. This is especially important for high-energy breeds, who often thrive on structure and mental stimulation.

For example, if your dog barks at you for attention, teach them that lying peacefully on a bed can get them access to attention. This gives them something productive to focus on instead of barking, and you can reward them when they choose the right behaviour.

3. Respond Unexpectedly (kindly!)

Sometimes, dogs engage in behaviours because they’re trying to get something they want—whether it’s your attention, a walk, or playtime. Instead of ignoring the behaviour, respond in a way that your dog does not expect! 

For instance, my young border collie might bark at me because he wants to train. I do not want him to bark at me to ask for training! So, when he barks, I might take this as a cue to take him for a leashed toilet trip. Or to put him in his pen with a chew. Neither of these alternatives are scary or painful; they’re simply not what he was after. I also, of course, put time and effort into teaching him that being quiet and calm will get him access to training; not barking at me!

Wrapping Up: Ignoring is Often Ineffective—There’s a Better Way

If you’ve been trying the “ignore the bad behaviour” approach with limited success, you’re not alone. Many owners of high-energy, emotionally intense dogs find that ignoring unwanted behaviours isn’t enough to change behaviour in the long run.

Instead, focusing on prevention, teaching alternative behaviours, and responding unexpectedly will help your dog learn how to behave in more productive ways, without creating frustration for both of you.

If you’re struggling to understand your dog’s motivations or need help figuring out the best way to address unwanted behaviours, don’t hesitate to reach out. A qualified and ethical trainer can work with you and your dog to develop a plan that leads to lasting change—without using fear or harsh methods.

Ready to get started? Contact me today to schedule a consultation. Together, we can create a training plan that works for both you and your energetic, big-feelings dog!