5 Signs Your Dog Isn’t Being Naughty—They’re Just Confused
Understanding Your Dog’s Behavior with Compassion
Every dog owner has been there—you ask your dog to sit, and they stare at you blankly. Or they chew up your favorite shoes even after you told them not to. It’s easy to feel frustrated and think, “They’re just being naughty.”
As dog owners, it’s easy to assume our dogs “know better.” When they don’t listen, chew something they shouldn’t, or act out in ways that frustrate us, we often label it as “naughty” behavior.
But here’s the truth: most dogs aren’t being disobedient. They’re confused. They’re trying to figure out our human rules in a world where nothing comes naturally to them. What looks like stubbornness is often a sign of miscommunication, unclear expectations, or stress.
When I first started my own dog training journey, I used to think my dog was being stubborn too. It wasn’t until I dug deeper—speaking with trainers, working with my vet, and dedicating myself to learning—that I realized: dogs aren’t giving us a hard time, they’re having a hard time.
Recognizing the difference between “bad” behavior and simple confusion can transform how you see your dog—and how your dog responds to you. And once you see the difference, everything changes.
In this article, I’ll walk you through 5 signs your dog isn’t misbehaving—they simply don’t understand what you’re asking. I’ll also give you practical strategies to help, so you can stop the cycle of frustration and build a calmer, more connected bond with your pup.
1. Inconsistent Responses to Commands
Does your dog sit perfectly in the kitchen but ignore the same command outside?
Does your dog sit perfectly for you one day but ignore the same command the next?
That’s not stubbornness—it’s a classic case of inconsistency and generalization challenges.
Dogs don’t automatically understand that “sit” means the same thing everywhere. If you train in one room, they may not realize the cue still applies at the park, on the sidewalk, or in your friend’s backyard. Add to that family members using different cues (“sit” vs. “sit down”), and you’ve got a confused pup.
Why it’s not naughty: Your dog isn’t defying you—they just don’t fully understand what you’re asking yet.
👉 Training Tip: Use the same words consistently, and practice in different environments. Start in quiet spaces, then slowly introduce distractions so your dog learns that the command means the same thing no matter where they are. Repetition and clarity build true reliability.
Dog not understanding sit command outdoors
Dog performs sit command in home
2. Freezing or Looking Away When You Ask for Something
Many owners think a dog who turns away, yawns, or freezes is “ignoring” them. In reality, these are stress signals.
Your dog may not understand what you’re asking—or they’re worried about making the wrong choice. This is their way of saying: “I’m lost here. Can you help me out?”
Why it’s not naughty: Freezing or avoiding eye contact isn’t disobedience. It’s your dog’s way of saying, “I don’t know what you mean.”
👉 Training Tip: Break tasks into smaller steps. If you’re working on “down,” reward your dog for partial movements (like crouching) before expecting the full behavior. Building confidence step by step is far more effective than demanding perfection.
Dog is confused
Dog looking away
3. Repeating “Bad” Behaviors Even After Corrections
Chewing shoes. Counter-surfing. Pulling on leash.
When these behaviors happen again and again, it’s tempting to label your dog “bad.” But the truth is, your dog is simply choosing the behavior that works for them. If chewing relieves stress, or jumping on counters sometimes gets them food, they’ll keep doing it—unless they’re given an alternative outlet and taught what you do want them to do.
Why it’s not naughty: Dogs don’t understand “don’t do that” unless it’s paired with “do this instead.” Punishment without teaching leads to confusion, not clarity.
👉 Training Tip: Don’t just punish what you don’t want. Redirect to what you do want. Offer chew toys, puzzle feeders, or structured leash games. Reward your dog for choosing the better outlet, so they learn what earns them praise and keeps them out of trouble.
Chewing shows - undesired behavior
Chewing on chew toy - desired behavior
4. Forgetting Training in New Environments
At home, your dog heels beautifully. At the park? It’s like they’ve never heard the word “heel” in their life.
This isn’t disobedience—it’s distraction overload. Dogs don’t automatically transfer skills to new places. Squirrels, joggers, kids on bikes—all these distractions raise the difficulty level.
Dogs learn behaviors in contexts. Sitting quietly at home doesn’t automatically translate to sitting calmly in a busy park. When the environment changes, the difficulty level skyrockets.
Why it’s not naughty: Your dog isn’t ignoring training—they simply can’t yet perform under that much distraction.
👉 Training Tip: Think of training like school. Start with “kindergarten” (quiet settings), move to “middle school” (moderate distractions), then gradually work toward “university-level” focus in busy environments. Gradual proofing builds reliability without setting your dog up to fail.
Understanding of commands in doors
Overstimulated - dog’s reaction is to pull on the leash
5. Showing Anxiety or Frustration During Training
Does your dog whine, lick their lips, bark, or pace during training sessions? These aren’t signs of being “difficult”—they’re signs of anxiety or frustration.
If your dog doesn’t understand the reward system, or if the task is too challenging, they may act out—not to annoy you, but because they’re struggling.
Just like people, dogs shut down when they’re stressed or overwhelmed. Expecting calm obedience in those moments is like asking a nervous student to ace a test without preparation.
Why it’s not naughty: Anxiety and frustration are emotional states, not choices. Expecting calm obedience when your dog is overwhelmed is like asking a stressed student to ace a test without studying.
👉 Training Tip: Keep sessions short, positive, and achievable. Watch for stress signals, celebrate small wins, and end before your dog loses focus or gets stressed. Training should feel like a fun game, not a pressure test.
Barking suring training
Dog licking lips during training
Why This Matters - Reframing “Naughty” Into “Needs Help”
When we change our perspective from “my dog is misbehaving” to “my dog doesn’t understand yet”, everything shifts. Instead of frustration, we bring patience. Instead of punishment, we focus on teaching. And instead of breaking trust, we build a deeper bond.
Our dogs want to get it right; they thrive when they understand the rules clearly and consistently. Our job is to provide them with clear, consistent communication and guidance, not to scold or punish for lack of understanding.
A dog’s understanding of commands outside of the home
Consistency is key
When to Seek Extra Support
Sometimes confusion runs deeper than training hiccups. Fear, anxiety, past experiences, or miscommunication can make it harder for your dog to learn. That’s where professional support can make all the difference.
At NayNays Puppers, I offer Behavior Consultations designed to uncover the why behind your dog’s struggles. Together, we’ll examine what your dog is truly trying to communicate and develop a plan that fosters clarity, alleviates stress, and supports your dog's overall well-being. Providing a clear communication plan will give you both the tools to succeed,
Because your dog isn’t naughty—they’re simply waiting for someone to listen, guide, and help them feel understood.
🐾 Ready to turn confusion into clarity?
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✅ Takeaway: Dogs don’t need blame—they need guidance. With patience, empathy, and the right tools, you can transform frustration into understanding and build a bond that lasts a lifetime.
Next time your dog “misbehaves,” pause and ask yourself: Are they really being bad—or are they just confused?
That small shift in mindset could be the first step toward lasting change.