How to Be Patient with Your Dog

Having a pet is a wonderful experience, but it can also lead to a lot of frustration. Getting your dog to do what you want, changing negative behaviors, or training them can cause you to get frustrated or angry. However, being patient is key when having a dog. To do this with your dog, remember that things take time, be consistent, be clear with your expectations, and stay kind and loving.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Training Your Dog

1
Be consistent. Losing patience with your dog can cause them to be confused. Your dog may not know what you want or how you will react if they do something. By being consistently patient, you help keep your dog from getting confused.^{[1]XResearch source}
- For example, if you are patient one day while doing something with them, but then yell and get frustrated the next day, the dog will be confused and not know how to act.
2
Introduce new things slowly. Dogs don’t always accept change easily. Sometimes they are resistant to new things or new commands. Don’t give up or get frustrated. Instead, introduce new things slowly. This can help get your dog adjusted to the new item or command.^{[2]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.Go to source}
- For example, if you want your dog to wear a collar, let the dog wear it for a few minutes if they resist it. If your dog doesn’t like you brushing their teeth, rub your finger along their teeth for a few seconds. After they get used to wearing the collar or having you rub their teeth, you can let them continue the activity longer.
- Just remember, your dog may not adjust overnight. Be patient and after a few weeks, your dog will be more accommodating.
Advertisement
3
Avoid getting angry with your dog. Dogs mostly want to do what their owners want them to do. However, they don’t automatically know what that is. You have to help your dog learn what they are expected to do. Since this takes time, you need to be patient as your dog figures out what you want from it.^{[3]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.Go to source}
- Don’t get mad if your dog does something wrong. Instead, calmly correct the behavior to help show the dog what is expected. Being patient helps your dog understand what you want from them instead of yelling at them or getting mad.
4
Focus on small tasks. Another way to help you remain patient with your dog is to keep the tasks you are working on small. You may also want to work on one thing at a time. This keeps you from trying to do too much, which can frustrate you. Sticking with short tasks or lessons helps you see improvement instead of just reasons to get frustrated.^{[4]XResearch source}
- For example, don’t try to house train your dog while teaching them to sit and stay off the furniture. Instead, work on all these things separately.
5
Show your dog exactly what you want. To teach your dog anything, you need to show them exactly what you want. This takes a lot of patience on your part. You may have to put your dog in a specific position, correct a behavior, or give them a treat when they do the right thing.^{[5]XResearch source}
- Taking the time to show your dog exactly what you want makes it clear for them.
Advertisement

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Developing the Right Mindset

1
Realize that changing behaviors can take months. As you train your dog or try to break bad habits, you must realize that behavior changes in dogs don’t happen overnight. However, if you are patient and continue training your dog, after a few weeks or months, your dog will begin to obey.
- Giving up after a few days or a week because you see no change won’t lead to your dog’s desired behavior. You need to keep calm and keep persisting.
Whether you have just adopted a dog or are trying to be patient with a long-time pet, make sure you have reasonable expectations from them. If you’ve just adopted a dog, be patient as they adjust to a new home. Give them plenty of love while giving them some space, and remain calm as they learn the rules of your home.^{[6]XTrustworthy SourceThe Humane Society of the United StatesNational organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfareGo to source}
Often, when we get frustrated, we give the dog negative attention. This may be in the form of yelling, swatting them, responding to them, or giving into their wants. You should be patient and ignore your dog during their unwanted the behavior. It may take a few weeks, but eventually, your patience will pay off and your dog will understand the behavior isn’t getting your attention.^{[7]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.Go to source}
4
Find a way to be calm. Being patient can be hard when your dog is engaging in unwanted behavior. You may need to deliberately calm yourself so you don't lose your temper or yell at your dog. Use your favorite calming technique to help keep yourself in check.
- Try going to a different room and ignoring your dog.
- Taking deep breaths to keep calm. Breathing in and counting to five can help you calm down before you get angry or upset.
Advertisement

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Remembering Your Feelings About Your Dog

1
Love your dog. One way to be remind yourself to be patient is to remember that you love your dog. Even if you get frustrated with them, be kind and loving. Don’t yell, hit, or act out against your dog. Take a deep breath and remember how much of a good companion your dog is.^{[8]XResearch source}
- You can be firm with your dog by correcting them with verbal commands. This takes patience. But losing your temper and yelling does not take patience.
2
Be mindful of your dog’s circumstances. One key to being patient with your dog is knowing their personality and limitations. This can help you keep the situation in perspective so you don’t get frustrated so easily. Think about your dog’s age, background, and personality before you get too frustrated.^{[9]XResearch source}
- For example, if your dog is young, they may not be able to completely understand what you are trying to teach them. If you have a senior dog, they may have cognitive difficulties that cause them to learn things slower. Dogs who have been abused may take longer to pick things up, and overly hyper or easily distracted dogs can take longer to train.
3
Be patient with your family as they learn to interact with the dog. You may not be the only person who will interact with and train your dog. If you live with roommates or family, they will be an influence on your dog. Be patient as you explain to them how to correct your dog’s behavior, what things are acceptable for the dog to do, and other rules for your dog.^{[10]XTrustworthy SourceThe Humane Society of the United StatesNational organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfareGo to source}
- For example, your family may not know how to correct a dog’s behavior or may not realize you don’t want the dog on the furniture. Stay calm as you work with your family to get on the same page about the dog.
Advertisement