Why dogs do it
Why does my dog regress in training?
The recall was solid in spring. Now it is a coin toss. Training regression is maddening because it feels like the work vanished. It rarely does. Something about the dog, the routine or the payoff has shifted, and the behaviour is following it. Figuring out which one tells you whether you need a vet, a refresher or a fresh look at how the skill was built.
Last reviewed October 4, 2026
Common causes
Teenagers, moving house and the quiet loss of pay.
Adolescence is a frequent culprit. Somewhere between puppyhood and adulthood, many dogs get bolder, more distractible and more interested in the world than in you. A move, a new baby, a new pet, a schedule change or a stretch of house guests can also unsettle a dog enough that well-known cues wobble. In both cases the skill is often still there; the dog's attention and confidence are what changed.
Under-reinforcement is the slow one. Rewards were generous during training, then quietly stopped, and the behaviour gradually lost value. Skills taught mainly in the kitchen may also never have been proofed at the park. To tell these apart, ask when it started, whether it happened overnight or crept in, whether it shows up everywhere or only in new places, and what has changed in your dog's life or your routine recently.
- Sudden or gradual onset
- Everywhere or only somewhere
- Recent change at home
- Rewards still being given
First steps
Pain before patience, then rebuild what slipped.
Pain belongs at the top of the list. A dog that stops sitting, resists a down, slows on stairs, snaps when touched or loses interest in moving may be uncomfortable, and that is a vet question first. Sudden fear, growling or reactivity that was not there before also deserves a professional assessment. Do not correct a growl. Once health is cleared, behaviour may temporarily increase as you rebuild, and persistent or escalating trouble is a reason to reassess with a professional.
Our how-to guide on fixing training regression covers the rebuild itself. Private Training at $150 per session looks at what slipped and gives you a written weekly plan. Day Training at $650 per week runs Monday to Friday, with drop-off 8 to 10 am and pick-up 5 to 7 pm, plus a weekly go-home lesson. Graduates can also add refresher work during graduate boarding at $65 per night. The consultation suggests the smallest program that covers it.
Asked and answered
The questions people ask us.
Why is my dog suddenly not listening anymore?
Common reasons include adolescence, a recent change at home, rewards fading out, or discomfort. If it happened overnight or comes with physical signs, start with your vet.
Do dogs go through a teenage phase?
Many do. Adolescent dogs often become more distractible and test familiar cues, which can look like forgotten training even when the skill is still there.
Can pain make a dog forget its training?
Pain can make a dog reluctant to perform certain positions or movements, which can look like disobedience. A dog that resists sitting or lying down is worth a vet check.
Is training regression normal after moving house?
Moves often unsettle dogs, and familiar cues may wobble in a new place. Keeping routines steady and practicing in the new setting tends to help; ongoing distress warrants professional advice.
Keep reading
Find what slipped
Tell us when the backslide started and what changed. We will help you sort cause from symptom. Book a consultation.
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