Why is my dog so stubborn?
Some dogs are naturally more stubborn than others due to their breed characteristics. However, most stubborn dog behavior is a result of inconsistent training and reinforcement. Dogs want to please their owners, but if they are not sure what is expected of them, they will act out and seem “stubborn.” Teaching a stubborn dog to obey takes time, patience, and consistency from their human.
Common reasons for stubborn dog behavior
- Lack of proper socialization as a puppy
- Inadequate exercise or mental stimulation
- Inconsistent rules and routines
- Unclear or delayed commands
- Insufficient rewards for good behavior
- Breed tendencies toward independence
The key to dealing with a stubborn dog is identifying the reasons behind the behavior and addressing those root causes through proper training techniques.
How to Train a Stubborn Dog
Training a stubborn dog requires an investment of time, consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement. Here are some of the most effective techniques:
Establish yourself as the pack leader
Dogs are pack animals and naturally follow a hierarchy. As the human, you need to establish yourself as the calm, assertive leader. This gives your dog a sense of security and clarity about their position. Display leadership by:
- Initiating training sessions
- Setting household rules and routines
- Remaining calm and assertive when giving commands
- Making your dog work for rewards through obedience
Use reward-based training
Stubborn dogs respond best to positive reinforcement training where they are rewarded for good behavior. Reward desired actions with treats, praise, playtime, and affection. Be enthusiastic and reward often in initial training sessions. Reward-based training is more effective for stubborn dogs than traditional disciplinarian methods.
Be consistent
Consistency is key when training a stubborn dog. Use the same verbal cues and commands every time you ask for a behavior. Maintain a regular schedule for feeding, walking, training, and playtime. Dogs thrive on predictability and consistency establishes you as a trusted leader.
Keep training sessions short but frequent
Stubborn dogs have shorter attention spans when learning new things. Keep initial training sessions to 10-15 minutes, but do them frequently throughout the day. End each session on a positive note with a reward so your dog is always left wanting more.
Use a leash and collar/harness in training
Keeping your stubborn dog on a leash during training enables you to reinforce commands and correct misbehavior. A collar or slip lead gives you more control. As your dog progresses, a harness can be introduced so you can steer him into proper positions. Always remove leashes during crate and break times.
Avoid anger and frustration
It can be maddening dealing with a stubborn dog, but it is imperative that you remain calm and patient during training. Dogs feed off human emotion, so yelling or anger will only make your dog shut down or act out more. Stay neutral in your responses to maintain your leadership role.
Use hand signals and luring
Incorporating hand motions and luring with treats can help communicate commands clearly to a stubborn dog. For example, hold a treat at their nose level then lift your hand in an arc over their head to lure them into a sit position. The more ways you communicate the better!
Be prepared for testing behavior
Expect your stubborn dog to test their boundaries and act out during training. This is normal, especially for more dominant dog personalities. When your dog pushes limits, redirect to a command they know well and reward for compliance. Remain calm and be consistent in reinforceing rules.
Enforce the “nothing in life is free” approach
This technique requires your dog to perform a basic command (such as “sit”) before getting anything they want – food, play, access to furniture, going outside, etc. It establishes you as the leader who controls resources. With stubborn dogs, this technique is very effective at inhibiting pushy behavior.
Practice obedience training
Formal obedience training is incredibly valuable for stubborn dogs. A good class will work on focus, impulse control, and basic cues like sit, stay, down, come, heel, and place. Obedience training will mentally stimulate your stubborn dog and strengthen your communication and bond. Be sure to continue reinforcing training at home.
Effective Training for Specific Stubborn Behaviors
In addition to your core training program, you may need to target specific unwanted behaviors in a stubborn dog. Here are some common issues and how to address them:
Jumping Up
- Ignore your dog when he jumps, do not push him off or give attention
- Reward with treats and praise when all four paws are on the ground
- Teach an alternative behavior such as “sit” for attention
- Keep leash attached indoors to control access to you
Pulling on Leash
- Use no-pull harness and proper leash holding technique
- Stop walking when he pulls and reward for slack leash
- Teach heel command and reinforce constantly
- Change directions frequently so your dog has to refocus on you
Barking
- Determine cause (fear, boredom, attention seeking) and address it
- Teach “quiet” command and use treat rewards
- Interrupt excessive barking with correction like squirt bottles and audible deterrents
- Manage environment to reduce triggers
Chewing/Destructiveness
- Puppy-proof house and crate when unsupervised
- Provide plenty of chew toys and rotate frequently to keep interesting
- Use bitter apple spray deterrent on off-limit items
- Teach “leave it” command
- Ensure dog gets adequate physical and mental exercise
Begging/Counter-Surfing
- Never feed from table or counter
- Reinforce “off” and “place” commands for mealtimes
- Keep counters and table cleared when unsupervised
- Use baby gates to keep dog out of kitchen during meals
- Teach dog to go to their bed or crate during meal prep
Digging in Yard
- Provide approved digging pit with buried toys/treats to reward using it
- Interrupt digging and redirect to obedience commands
- Keep dog indoors when unsupervised
- Address root causes like boredom, separation anxiety
- Use physical barriers like fencing off areas
Conclusion
Training a stubborn dog presents unique challenges, but it can be accomplished using positive, consistent techniques tailored to your dog’s specific issues. The keys are establishing leadership, rewarding desired behavior, preventing opportunities for disobedience, and addressing root causes like boredom that can contribute to stubbornness. With time, patience, and persistence even the most defiant pups can become well-trained members of the family! Consistency and compassion go a long way in motivating dogs. If you find yourself becoming too frustrated, take a break and consider hiring a certified dog trainer for additional guidance on managing stubborn dog behavior issues.