Disciplining a puppy that won’t listen can be frustrating, but it’s important to be patient and consistent. Here are some tips on how to effectively train a stubborn puppy.
Use Positive Reinforcement
Focus on rewarding good behavior, rather than punishing bad behavior. Give your puppy treats and praise when they follow commands or behave properly. This will reinforce the behaviors you want to see.
Keep Training Sessions Short
Puppies have short attention spans. Keep training sessions to 10-15 minutes, several times per day. Trying to do too much at once will overwhelm them.
Be Consistent
Use the same commands and techniques every time. Everyone in the household should use the same rules and cues. Consistency is key for puppies to learn.
Use Proper Tools
Use a collar and leash for training. A 6 foot leash gives your puppy a bit of independence while still giving you control. Head collars are also great for stubborn puppies.
Ignore Unwanted Behaviors
When your puppy misbehaves for attention, ignore them until they are calm. Then reward them with attention for good behavior. This teaches them calm behavior gets rewarded.
Interrupt and Redirect
If your pup is getting into trouble, make a loud noise to interrupt the behavior. Immediately give them a toy to redirect their energy into an appropriate activity.
Use Crates
Crates give puppies a space of their own where they can settle down. Use the crate when you can’t actively supervise your puppy to keep them out of trouble.
Enroll in Training Classes
Group classes allow your puppy to socialize and learn around other dogs. Professional trainers can give you advice tailored to your puppy’s specific problems.
Be Patient!
Raising a puppy takes time and commitment. Go at your puppy’s pace during training sessions. With consistent techniques and lots of praise over time, even stubborn puppies will come around!
Conclusion
The key to training a stubborn puppy is being consistent, using positive reinforcement, and being patient. Keep training sessions short and fun, use proper tools, and interrupt unwanted behaviors. Over time, your puppy will learn to listen and behave with the proper discipline techniques. The reward will be a happy, well-trained dog.