My dog does not understand what I say!?

Are you rewarding him when he does a command but not the one you ask? I'm assuming you might be doing that and if you are then that's why. He would now have learned that he can do any of the above and get a treat and is not distinguishing which command is which.

Only reward him when he's done the exact command you've asked for.

Dogs don't understand the English language and they don't know what those words mean. You have to tell the dog to sit, repeat it while you push down on his rump until he's in the sitting position, then praise, praise, praise and give him the treat. If you keep doing this, he'll eventually sit when you tell him to without the treat. It's pretty much the same for laying down, only praise him when he lays down.

Since dogs don't understand our language, you have to show him what you want him to do. As far as rolling over and stuff, you'd better send him to a trainer because it gets a little more intense.

Dogs don't understand words. They don't have that language center of their brain. What they understand when you say "sit" or "down" is that when you make a certain noise they're supposed to do something. In the case of your dog, it seems that he knows that you want him to do something, but he doesn't know exactly what to do. So he takes various body positions you like (sitting, lying down, giving paw, etc) and tries them until he seems to get it right.

I would suggest doing what is called "going back to kindergarten." Pretend that you haven't taught him any of those commands yet and start from scratch. Lure him into the position you want a few times, and once he is assuming that position quickly try adding a verbal cue as he performs the action (not before). After maybe twenty repetitions of that, you can start giving him the cue. Give him a couple seconds to do the correct thing, and if he doesn't lure him.

If he's trying behaviors he's probably a quick learner, and you shouldn't have many problems getting him to understand this. Above all else, be consistant, in terms of the verbal command and any physical cues you might be giving.

Studies show that dogs have a language comprehension level of a 2 year-old. Think about a two year-old child and how little they understand and how they're learning to associate the action to the verbal command. Also, the tone of voice you use is VERY important.

It sounds like he understands when you say "Lay down" and he sits... he doesn't hear the praise, so he tries the next thing. It takes them time to catch on, and sometimes they simply don't feel like doing it if there's no incentive. I have one dog (my youngest) who will "shake" for praise alone, but my other two won't do it unless they know they'll get a treat. It really depends on their personality. My youngest listens well and is just eager to please. My older two won't do anything unless there's an incentive for them and have a defiant streak, but they do listen well when needed to if the tone of my voice conveys a threat (like rushing them in the house when a big stray dog wanders in the yard) or if they did something bad.

The only thing you're doing "wrong" is being frustrated.

No your dog doesn't understand your words. He should be taught how to perform a behavior like sit or drop then, ONLY when he can perform the task properly, should you introduce the name of the behavior.

For instance, if you are teaching your dog to sit, silently food lure the sit rewarding each correct attempt with a simple "Yes" followed by a food treat. When your dog can do this 10 times out of 10 it is time to introduce the word "Sit". Be sure to only use the word once. Do not fall into the habit of repeating the command

Hope this helps

Dogs do understand words (commands). Keep them simple - sit, stand, lie down, etc. If the dog doesn't do the action, then you do the action. For instance, say "sit." If the dog looks at you with that pitiful look, gently push his back end down and repeat the command sit. Then give a treat after he/she does it. It will take time, don't give up but you must be committed to doing it on a regular basis. Teach a second command after the dog has mastered the first.

Good luck!

You may be moving along too quickly. You shouldn't be moving along to the next command until he's succesful the majority of the time.

My dog does the same thing, just get the bag of treat out and spend a half hour reiterating it.