How to Train a Dog That Seems Untrainable

What do you do with a dog that seems completely untrainable? You give a command and get nothing. You offer treats, and the dog does not care. Toys do not work. Praise does not work. Eventually, you start wondering whether the dog simply cannot be trained. In this episode of Dog Works Radio, Nicole Forto challenges that assumption. Some dogs are confused or distracted. Others have learned that if they ignore their owner long enough, the owner eventually gives up. And then there are genuinely difficult dogs that are highly independent, defensive, reactive, or willing to make their own decisions.  The conversation becomes even more important when those decisions create a safety problem. If a dog has a history of biting people or other dogs, owners cannot simply continue allowing unrestricted interactions and hope the next encounter goes better. Management, boundaries, and controlled access become part of responsible training.  Nicole also explores what happens when food is not motivating. Treats, toys, and praise can all be useful training tools, but they are not the only things a dog values. Movement, sniffing, freedom, exploring, interaction, and access to the environment can become meaningful parts of training. Other Episodes You Will Love ·     How to Get the Best Results out of Dog Training  Support the Show This episode was recorded on the Shure SM7B and a Rodecaster Pro II Like this episode? Share it with your dog training friends! Love this episode? Say thanks in true dog training podcasting style by leaving a review. FREE! Grab our 7-Day Real-World Dog Training Plan Take our Understanding Drive Behaviors quiz to see exactly what drive your dog is in and how to begin to train for it. Join the On-Air Dog Training Coaching waitlist for a chance to be coached on the air by Dr. Robert or Michele Forto and get your dog training questions answered in real time. Sign up now for 20% off our Group Coaching Program and learn how to build the best relationship possible for your dog. Take your dog training to the next level by enrolling in our Peak Performance membership. Follow Dog Works Radio for more dog training tips: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn   ©2009-2026 by Dog Works Training Company® All Rights Reserved.