Back to Back Issues Page

Coton Connection: Why Your Coton Doesn’t Listen to You – And How to Change That - Issue# 120
February 25, 2025

Welcome Coton Lovers:

3 Reasons Why Your Coton Doesn’t Listen to You – And How to Fix It

Ever wonder why your Coton seems to ignore you, even when you think you’re doing everything right?

This past week, I witnessed two very different sides of dog behavior. At a local art show, I saw so many happy, calm dogs soaking up the sunshine with their families - the perfect picture of what we all dream of. But just days before, at the shelter where I volunteer, I saw several dogs being surrendered due to behavior issues.

That first scenario - the calm, well-behaved dog by your side is what we all want. But let’s be honest, when our dogs don’t listen, it can be exhausting and frustrating. Here’s the good news: those well-behaved dogs weren’t born that way. They learned. With the right approach, any dog can learn.

Why doesn’t my dog listen?

Over the years, I’ve heard plenty of common complaints:

Leash pulling

Stealing & chewing socks

Excessive barking

Jumping on visitors

Nipping & biting

Counter surfing or begging for food

Darting out the front door

Sound familiar? If so, you’re not alone! Many dog owners get stuck in a frustrating cycle: their dog misbehaves, they react (yelling No!, scolding, or using time-outs), the behavior stops for a moment - but then it happens again.

It doesn’t have to be this way!

I’d like to share some life-changing training tips I learned from Spirit Dog Training. They teach that there are 3 root causes why your dog doesn’t listen to you.

I’ll use the example of a dog trying to run out the front door.

3 root causes of unwanted behavior

Mistake No. 1: You enable and reinforce unwanted behavior

Sometimes, we unknowingly make a bad habit worse. When we chase after a dog or repeatedly yell No!, they may see it as a fun game. And if something feels like a game, why would they stop?

Solution: Prevent the behavior before it happens. Use a baby gate near the door or keep your dog on a leash when guests arrive. These small adjustments set them up for success - without the chaos.

Mistake No 2: You don’t reinforce and reward good behavior

Saying No! isn’t enough. We have to actively teach and reinforce what we do want. Too often, we take good behavior for granted instead of rewarding it.

Solution: Teach a boundary stay command so your dog knows that when the door opens, they should wait. It’s important to reward them when they follow through! Also, train them to go to their bed on command, and don’t forget to celebrate when they do. Ask yourself: Do I reward my dog when they stay calmly near the door or in their bed instead of trying to run out? Small reinforcement food rewards make a huge difference!

Mistake No. 3: Your dog’s needs are not being met

Dogs aren’t misbehaving just to frustrate you - they often act out because they have unmet physical and mental needs.

Solution: Be proactive instead of reactive. If your dog has too much pent-up energy, they’re more likely to misbehave. Instead of correcting a problem after it happens, prevent it.

Take them for a walk BEFORE they start zooming around the house or try to escape out the door.
Provide chew toys BEFORE they start chewing your furniture.
Use mental stimulation activities to keep their mind engaged.

Want More Step-by-Step Help?

Spirit Dog Training helped me so much when Lucy was a very stubborn Coton puppy. If you’re ready to break the frustrating cycle and enjoy a calm, happy, well-behaved Coton, check them out to get more detailed step-by-step guidance!