There are lots of ‘strange’ behaviours that dogs do which we (as humans) can struggle to understand or (often) misread. Here are some:

Not being able to sit at the side of the road with passing traffic

There are lots of reasons a dog wont sit by the roadside –

• You havent taught them wait to do – so they dont understand your ‘wait’ cue
• The traffic is too noisy – too close – too intense (loud motor bikes – buses – tractors etc)
• They have seen something which has caught their attention (another dog the other side of the road)
• They initially sit and then get up – could be any of the above, or you have asked them to be still too long

Your dog is not being ‘disobedient’ – they are trying to tell you something

Your dog cant take treats or toys when you are out/or when distracted

This one is so common!

A dog who cannot take food – they look past the offered treat (or toy), or you give it to them and it falls from their mouth – or they are snatchy (and you feel their teeth) is overwhelmed emotionally – excited, alert, anxious, scared – could be any reason. The inability to take the treat is what tells you and so its a sign to look for – move your dog further away if needs be.

You dog ‘ignore you’ – fails to engage or respond to anything

A dog that cannot engage with you – regardless of what you ask for e.g not responsive or very slow responses – is feeling overwhelmed emotionally – excited, alert, anxious, scared – could be any reason. The ‘thinking’ part of the brain has turned down the switch and the fight/flight part of the brain (which acts to keep them safe) is turned up. This is also known as “the lights are on and no-one is home”!

Again this gives you information. This situation is too intense – move the dog away and try with more distance.