funny behavior

Question
I have a dog that is lab and St. Bernard mix.  He is a very smart and protective dog.  My question is, why does he come into a room and turn his back towards me and act as if he is trying to get me to respond in a certain way.  I don't know what he is trying to tell me but he does this often.  Thanx, Michael

Answer
Hi Michael,

I'm not sure I understand your question. Do you mean your dog physically turns his back towards you when you're commanding your dog to do something?

It's easier than you think to teach your dog the wrong thing. Well-meaning owners do it all the time. We've all seen owners yell and yell for a dog to come as the dog blissfully ignores the command, madly chasing squirrels instead. When finally the dog comes, the frustrated owner may pop the dog on the nose and yell some more. The message? Would you go to somebody who might hit and yell at you?

Not knowing you or your dog, (and I'm not sure I understand your question) my best guess is that your dog is ignoring you.

Consistent training and positive reinforcement with treats and praise work a lot better to enforce the right message.

Feel free to write back to me if you'd like to explain your question in more depth.

Best of luck,
Patti