How To Train A Dog To Listen: 8 Steps

Of the myriad aspects of canine training that you will take on as a pet parent, the most crucial perhaps is to train a dog to listen. Not just during training sessions or in controlled environments but in every conceivable setting. Without it, any amount of effort, time, and resources you invest in dog training are futile. 

After all, if your dog doesn’t heed your recall command when they’re chasing after a squirrel or doesn’t “sit and stay” in a public area like a cafe or a beach, despite being told repeatedly, what’s the point of training them? To make sure that doesn’t happen to you, I’ve put together this guide on steps to get a dog to listen to you. 

Easy 8-Step Guide On How To Train A Dog To Listen  

It’s important to invest in dog listening training from the get-go because our canine companions are extremely smart and quickly catch on following which command is in their interest and which isn’t. My 2-year-old brat, Drogon, for instance, responds to a snap of my fingers when he knows it’s time for him to go for a walk but the “Come” command falls on deaf ears when it’s time for him to move indoors, even on hot, sunny days.  

In contrast, one whistle from my husband, who is my dog’s chosen Alpha, is enough to get him to set aside everything in the world—including his beloved ball—to be by his side. Now, that’s the level of obedience you should aim for. Since I have been privy to how this bond of unconditional devotion came about, allow me to share some insights into how to train a dog to listen: 

1. Establish yourself as the pack leader

As I just mentioned, my pet follows my partner’s lead, without doubt or hesitation because he sees him as his alpha. Where he leads, my pupper follows. It’s important to tap into this instinct early on because dogs are pack animals by nature, and they respect a clear leader. 

If you don’t establish yourself as the leader, your dog might assume that role, leading to behavioral issues. Then you’ll find yourself wondering how to train a stubborn dog. So, one of the first and perhaps most crucial steps to improve dog obedience is to establish yourself as the pack leader. Here are some dog training methods for better listening you can try to achieve that:

• Feed your dog after you’ve eaten to assert leadership.
• Walk through doorways first during walks.
• Avoid giving attention when your dog demands it—wait until they are calm.

2. Use positive reinforcement

In my experience, there is no better way to train a dog than using positive reinforcement to drill in the correct behavior, whether you’re working on dog listening training, obedience training, or even something as specific as training your dog to be a service dog. Use treats, praise, or affection to get your dog to pay attention and listen to you. You can do this by, 

• Using a treat to make sure your dog’s attention is focused on you. Do this enough, coupled with a hand gesture or verbal cue like “look at me”, and your dog will instinctively start turning to you for direction 
• Always reward your dog with a treat immediately after they follow a command like “sit”. If you’re using a clicker for training, mark the exact moment the desired behavior happens and then follow it up with a treat and praise. 
• Do this for as long as following your lead doesn’t start coming naturally to your dog. For most furry babies, it’s just a matter of a few week 

Emphasizing on the importance of positive reinforcement, the American Kennel Club (AKC) says that it helps build a strong bond between the dog and the owner, making the dog eager to listen and follow commands. So, don’t miss out on this key piece of the puzzle when trying to figure out how to get your dog to focus on you. 

3. Start with basic commands (sit, stay, come)

We once agreed to foster a hyperactive Beagle, Joy, who had trouble focusing. At the first opportunity, he would make a dash for the front gate, jump over fences and railings, and oh, the leash pulling. Before him, I never could have imagined how much a small dog can tire an adult. 

Since he was going to stay with us for three months, we decided to put this time to good use and work on basic commands like sit, stay, and come. We started in the quiet of our living room, gradually transitioning to busier environments like the park. This gradual approach helped Joy understand that he needs to focus and listen to us, no matter how challenging or enticing the situation.

Even the ASPCA recommends starting training in a distraction-free environment so your dog can focus. Gradually introduce more distractions as your dog becomes proficient. Here are some dog training methods for better listening you can try: 

• Before moving to advanced training, make sure your dog understands basic commands. These form the foundation of communication
• Practice the “sit” command by holding a treat above their nose and moving it toward their back, so they naturally sit
• Teach “stay” by having them sit, showing your palm, and stepping back. Reward when they stay still
• Use a leash for “come” training: call your dog’s name, say “come,” and gently guide them to you with the leash.

Suggested Reading: 30 Dog Training Commands: Basic, Essential Advanced

4. Practice consistency

The secret to how to train a dog to listen to commands is consistency. If commands and rewards are inconsistent, your dog will become confused and may not respond reliably. Dog trainer Zak George stresses the importance of using the same commands and tone every time, and says, “Dogs thrive on routine, so maintaining consistency helps reinforce behaviors.” Here are some ways you can make training routine consistent: 

• Always use the same word for commands — for examples, don’t switch between “come” and “here” as recall commands 
• If multiple people train the dog, ensure everyone follows the same cues and rules
• Stick to the same reward system, whether it’s treats or praise, so your dog understands what to expect

5. Use short, clear commands

As much as we love talking to our pets, they cannot comprehend long-winding sentences. Dogs process language differently from humans. That’s why one of the most basic steps to get a dog to listen, recommended by animal behaviorists, is to keep commands one or two syllables long. 

It makes it easier for them to understand what you want. 

• Say “sit” instead of “can you sit down?”
• Use a firm, consistent tone to convey clarity
• Avoid repeating commands more than once—teach the dog to respond to the first prompt

Suggested Reading: How to Train a Dog Off Leash

6. Train in different environments

When you set out to train a dog to listen, the end goal is that they respond to your cues and commands no matter what the situation. To achieve that, you need to mix up the training settings. This is crucial because your pet may listen and respond well at home but may  become distracted in public spaces. Sometimes, the situation can get out of hand, putting you, your dog, and others at risk. To prevent that from happening, try the following steps to get a dog to listen:

• Start with training at home, then move to the backyard, and finally, public places like parks
• Gradually introduce distractions (e.g., other dogs, people walking by) as your dog progresses
• Practice recall in safe, enclosed areas like a dog park or a fenced yard before trying in open spaces

Trainers often recommend exposing dogs to various situations, from parks to busy streets, to ensure they generalize commands across environments. 

Suggested Reading: Dog Training Toolkit: 18 Essentials

7. Incorporate hand signals along with verbal cues

If you’re wondering how to get your dog to focus on you, this can be a game-changer. According to  animal behaviorist Patricia McConnell, hand signals are particularly effective when combined with positive reinforcement. Dogs often pick up on visual cues faster than verbal ones and respond better to them, especially in noisy environments. Hand signals can reinforce verbal commands, making it easier for your dog to listen. Here is how to combine hand gestures with verbal cues to train a dog to listen:

• Pair hand signals with commands like “sit” (move your hand down) or “come” (beckon with your hand).
• Use visual gestures when teaching a deaf or hearing-impaired dog.
• Over time, alternate between verbal cues and hand signals to keep your dog engaged.

This can also be a great way to train dogs with disabilities or impairments. My friend’s rescue dog, Rex, was deaf, and he trained him using hand signals exclusively. He taught him to “sit” by showing the palm of her hand facing down. Within weeks, Rex was responding perfectly to multiple hand signals, proving that visual communication can be just as effective as verbal.

Watch this video to execute it better:

8. Be patient and persistent

This is pertinent to all sorts of canine training routines but even more so if you’re wondering how to train a stubborn dog to listen. Remember that dog training takes time and effort. Frustration or impatience can hinder progress. A calm, patient approach ensures that your dog feels safe and encouraged to learn. Here is how you can approach the puzzle of how to train a dog to listen to commands with patience: 

• Set aside 5-10 minutes each day for training sessions to prevent overwhelming your dog
• If your dog struggles with a command, break it down into smaller steps or give them a break before trying again
• Celebrate small wins—praise any sign of progress, even if it’s not perfect

Suggested Reading: Can You Train a Dog at Any Age? The Answer May Surprise You

Takeaway

Whether you’re wondering how to train a stubborn dog or looking for steps to improve dog obedience, bear in mind that training a dog to listen requires a blend of techniques tailored to your dog’s personality and temperament. Each step should be adapted to your dog’s learning speed, keeping in mind that success often comes from a combination of clear communication, positive reinforcement, and environmental exposure. Whether you have a young puppy or a rescue dog with behavioral issues, following these steps will help build a strong, trusting relationship where your dog listens consistently.