What you may notice
Cues work at home but disappear around visitors, traffic, other dogs, exciting smells, or unfamiliar places.
What it can mean
The skill may not be ready for that context yet, or excitement and worry may be competing with the dog’s ability to respond. This is useful information—not proof of stubbornness.
What to try
- Return to a place or distance where your dog can succeed.
- Change one variable at a time instead of adding duration, distance, and distraction together.
- Reinforce check-ins, recovery, and useful choices—not only formal commands.
Get more help when
If your dog panics, shuts down, or cannot recover, stop increasing exposure. An individualized plan is safer and more productive than pushing through.
These guides offer general information. For sudden behavior changes, suspected pain, or health concerns, begin with your veterinarian.