So, you're a frustrated dog owner with a dog who just cannot

A dog may "know" their cue but fail to respond due to how stress, emotions, and environmental factors influence brain function. The limbic system, particularly the amygdala, processes emotions like fear and stress. If a dog is anxious, overstimulated, or fearful, the amygdala takes over, triggering a "fight, flight, or freeze" response. This can override learned behaviors, making it hard for them to follow cues—even ones they usually respond to in a calm environment.

The prefrontal cortex, responsible for problem-solving and impulse control, is less developed in dogs compared to humans. When a dog is stressed or distracted, their ability to access previously learned information is reduced, making it difficult for them to focus on a cue. Additionally, neurotransmitters play a key role in behavior. High levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, can flood a dog’s system, impairing their ability to process information and respond as they normally would. On the other hand, dopamine, which drives motivation and reward-seeking behavior, may not be high enough for the dog to prioritize the cue in that specific moment.

Another factor is context-dependent learning—dogs often associate cues with specific environments. A cue learned at home may not easily transfer to a more distracting setting unless the behavior is reinforced in multiple contexts. Additionally, the brain constantly prioritizes survival and immediate needs. If a dog perceives something in the environment as more important—such as sniffing, chasing, or avoiding something scary—their dopaminergic system may push them toward that action instead of listening to a cue.

Ultimately, a dog not responding to a cue isn’t about "stubbornness" but rather their emotional state, stress levels, environment, and reinforcement history. Understanding how their brain processes information can help us set them up for success by reducing stress, building motivation, and reinforcing behaviors in a variety of settings.

Dogs with a stressed nervous system often display behaviors that owners find frustrating or difficult to manage. Common complaints include jumping excessively, whether on people, furniture, or doors, often in an attempt to release pent-up energy. Many dogs will bark persistently, either at noises outside, visitors, or seemingly at nothing, making it hard for the household to relax. Pacing back and forth is another frequent issue, as some dogs struggle to settle even when the environment is calm. Owners may also report their dog whining constantly, either when left alone, when they want attention, or when they feel uncertain about a situation. Pulling on the leash during walks is a major frustration, as the dog may be hyperfocused on scanning the environment or reacting to every movement. Some dogs will chew destructively, tearing up furniture, doors, or even their own bedding, while others may dig at carpets or floors as an outlet for their stress. In multi-dog households, rough or inappropriate play that escalates too quickly is a frequent concern. Owners also report dogs zooming around the house uncontrollably, crashing into furniture or people, unable to calm themselves down. When overstimulated, some dogs may even mouth or nip at hands and clothing, making interactions stressful for the family. These behaviors aren’t signs of disobedience but rather an overwhelmed nervous system struggling to regulate itself in the moment.