Working with a stubborn puppy that doesn’t seem to want to listen to you can be frustrating.
Sometimes, it feels like a disobedient puppy is testing your patience.
But with some work, you can train your dog to behave and prevent bad habits.
So, try this helpful advice if you struggle to manage your stubborn dog’s behavior.
Consistent training
Consistent training is one of the most important things to remember when working with any stubborn puppy.
Be consistent with commands and expectations, and ensure everyone in the household follows the same rules.
Having children or other pets can be challenging, but setting clear boundaries is essential to achieve the desired behavior. If your puppy knows they can get away with certain behaviors sometimes, they’ll continue to test the limits.
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Training collars help dogs understand when they are doing something wrong by emitting a sound or vibration.
Keep training sessions short—15 minutes or less is best. Mix training sessions with playtime to keep your puppy from getting frustrated or bored.
Positive reinforcement
It’s also essential to use positive reinforcement when training your puppy.
Dogs respond better to rewards than punishment, so focus on rewarding good behavior rather than scolding them for bad behavior. This could include treats, petting, and verbal praise.
Avoid physical punishment, which can worsen the problem and damage your relationship with your pup. Never hit your dog.
For example, if your puppy jumps on you, don’t push it away or yell at it. Instead, turn your back and ignore it until it calms down. Once it is calm, you can give it a treat or praise.
Practice walking
Another issue many puppies have is pulling on the leash while being walked.
This can be frustrating and even dangerous, so nipping this behavior in the bud with leash training is essential. Start teaching your puppy to walk calmly by your side using a leash.
First, practice in your yard or house, then take them for short walks around the block. If they start to pull, stop walking and make them sit until they calm down.
Once they’re calm, you can start walking again.
With time and patience, your puppy will learn that they need to walk calmly next to you.
Choose the right leash
The type of leash you use can also impact your puppy’s behavior.
For example, if you use a retractable leash, your dog may think wandering off and exploring is OK. This can be dangerous, as it could get lost or hurt.
Instead, use a standard leash attached to your belt loop or waistband. This will give them less freedom to roam and help you keep them close by.
Also, consider using a leash with a harness rather than attaching a leash to your puppy’s collar. Using a harness reduces the risk of choking your puppy and causing pain.
Exercise, exercise, exercise
Many puppies are hyperactive and energetic, which can lead to disobedience and bad behavior. To help calm them down, ensure they get plenty of exercise daily.
An excellent way to do this is to take them for a walk or run in the morning and evening. You can also play fetch or other games in your yard.
If they get plenty of exercise, they’ll be less likely to act out and misbehave.
Obedience training
One of the best ways to train your puppy is through obedience training. This training will teach your dog to follow commands such as sit, stay, come, and down.
It’s essential to start with basic commands and move on to more difficult ones. You can find obedience training classes at your local pet store or online.
These classes will help you learn how to train your puppy effectively and allow you to socialize them with other dogs.
Training camp
If you struggle to train your puppy, you might consider sending them to a training camp.
This is an intensive type of training that will teach your stubborn puppy everything they need to know.
It’s an excellent option for those who don’t have the time or patience to train a puppy.
Training camps can be expensive but worth it if you have trouble working with a disobedient puppy.
Crate training
Crate training a stubborn puppy can be challenging, but achieving success is possible with patience and consistency.
Start by choosing the right crate; it should be big enough for your puppy to stand, turn around, and lie comfortably.
Make the crate inviting by adding soft bedding, favorite toys, and items that smell like you for added comfort. Introduce the crate gradually by leaving the door open and allowing your puppy to explore it at their own pace.
Use treats to encourage positive associations. Positive reinforcement is important—praise your puppy and give treats whenever it approaches or enters the crate.
Establish a routine by setting regular crate times for meals, naps, and bedtime, which will help them adjust. Begin with short periods, closing the door briefly while you’re nearby, and progressively increasing the time as they become more comfortable.
Avoid using the crate as a punishment, as this will create negative associations with it. Stay calm and patient if your puppy resists; distract them with toys if needed.
Encourage your puppy to spend time in the crate even when you’re home, using chew toys to keep them entertained.
Using crate training can help make potty training, even with a stubborn puppy, easier.
Potty training
Successful potty training for a stubborn puppy requires a combination of consistency, positive reinforcement, and patience.
Establishing a routine is crucial, as taking your puppy outside at the same times every day—such as after meals, after they wake up, and before bed—helps them develop a healthy habit.
Schedule naps, playtime, meals, and bedtime. Use regular bathroom breaks to get your puppy outside. A consistent schedule and frequent potty breaks are vital for the potty training process.
Choose a designated spot outdoors for your puppy to relieve themselves; the familiarity of the scent will encourage them to go in that area.
When they do potty outside, reward them immediately with treats, praise, or playtime.
For successful house-training, it’s essential to supervise your puppy closely indoors. If you cannot watch them, consider using a crate, a puppy playpen, or a confined space to prevent accidents.
Learn to recognize your puppy’s signals for needing to go out, like sniffing, circling, or whining, and respond promptly by taking them outside.
If an accident happens, handle it calmly—clean the area thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner to eliminate any lingering odors, ensuring your puppy doesn’t return to that spot.
Patience is essential, as potty training can take time, particularly with stubborn pups.
Limiting their water intake a couple of hours before bedtime can help reduce the likelihood of nighttime accidents.
Socialize your stubborn puppy
Socializing a stubborn puppy can be a rewarding yet challenging experience.
It’s essential to start this process early, ideally before they reach 16 weeks, as this period is critical for their development.
Begin by introducing your puppy to various environments, people, and other animals in a controlled and positive manner.
Use high-value treats to encourage them to explore new situations, gradually easing them into experiences that may initially seem overwhelming.
Patience is vital; stubborn puppies may resist new experiences, so it’s important to avoid forcing them into situations that make them anxious.
Instead, reward calm behavior and gradually increase the difficulty of the scenarios they encounter, creating a positive association with socialization.
Consistency and repetition are vital—frequent, short sessions will help reinforce good behavior and build confidence over time.
Engaging in puppy classes can also provide structured socialization experiences while allowing you to work with trained professionals to address stubborn behaviors.
Fostering a positive and calm environment will nurture your puppy’s confidence and willingness to engage with the world.
Mental stimulation for a stubborn puppy
Mental stimulation is crucial for stubborn puppies as it helps engage their minds and curbs undesired behaviors that can stem from boredom.
Puppies thrive on variety and challenges, especially those with an independent streak. Incorporating puzzle toys, where treats are hidden and must be worked for, can offer an enticing way to keep their attention and encourage problem-solving skills.
Interactive games such as hide-and-seek, where you hide and call your puppy, can make learning fun while promoting bonding.
Basic training sessions introducing new commands or tricks also serve dual purposes: They reinforce good behavior while stimulating dogs’ brains.
Socialization with other dogs can provide mental challenges as they learn to navigate interactions and play styles.
A well-rounded approach combining physical activity with engaging mental exercises can turn even the most stubborn puppy into a well-behaved companion.
Understand the importance of training treats
When working with a stubborn puppy, it’s important to remember that treats can be your best friend. Dogs are food-motivated, so using treats is a great way to get them to listen to you.
Use high-value treats occasionally. You don’t want your pup to become reliant on the treats. Instead, use treats to reward good dog behaviors or progress in training.
This will help keep your pup motivated and encourage them to continue learning.
For successful stubborn puppy training, use treats your pup will find irresistible! For best results, only give them during training sessions.
Be patient
It’s vital to remember that puppies are still learning and growing. They make mistakes and continue to test the limits as they try to understand what you expect.
It’s essential to be patient when training a stubborn dog.
With time and patience, you can teach your puppy how to behave however you want.
And soon enough, you’ll enjoy spending time with a well-behaved puppy.
Understand your puppy’s breed traits
Understanding a puppy’s breed traits is crucial for effective training, especially when dealing with stubborn puppies.
Dog breeds come with their own genetics and characteristics, including temperament, energy levels, and instinctual behaviors, which can significantly influence how a puppy learns and responds to training.
For instance, breeds known for their intelligence and problem-solving abilities, like Border Collies, may require more mental stimulation and varied training techniques to keep them engaged.
Conversely, some breeds with a more independent and strong-willed nature, such as Bulldogs, may resist commands, necessitating a patient and consistent approach.
Familiarizing yourself with these traits allows owners to tailor their training methods to suit the puppy’s needs, using positive reinforcement and setting realistic expectations.
Leveraging your understanding of breed-specific behaviors can cultivate a more productive training environment, leading to a more obedient and well-adjusted dog.
This knowledge helps overcome stubbornness and strengthens the bond between you and the puppy through a shared understanding of each other’s capabilities and limits.
Set realistic expectations
Setting realistic expectations when training a stubborn puppy is crucial.
Puppies need time to understand what is being asked of them.
By acknowledging stubbornness, puppy parents can cultivate a more compassionate approach, essential for building a positive and trusting relationship.
Recognizing that every puppy learns at their own pace helps prevent frustration and discouragement for you and the dog.
Understanding a puppy’s behavior allows you to adapt your methods to provide consistency and patience, which are vital to successful training.
Celebrating small victories along the way fosters a positive training environment, ultimately leading to more effective and rewarding interactions as the puppy matures.
Seek professional help if needed
When dealing with a stubborn puppy, seeking professional dog training help can be invaluable.
Many owners are overwhelmed by their puppy’s persistent disobedience, leading to frustration and uncertainty about the best training methods.
A professional dog trainer possesses the expertise and experience to address specific behavioral issues and provide tailored guidance based on the puppy’s unique temperament and needs.
They can offer effective techniques that may not be intuitive for new pet owners, ensuring that training is successful and enjoyable for both the puppy and the owner.
Moreover, professional training often includes socialization opportunities with other dogs, which can significantly enhance a puppy’s adaptability and overall behavior.
By investing in professional help, owners can establish a solid training foundation, promote a positive relationship with their dog, and foster a well-behaved companion.
This support can save time, reduce stress, and prevent developing bad habits that can be difficult to correct later.
You can also contact your veterinarian and schedule a checkup to ensure nothing is physically wrong with your puppy.
Final thoughts on training your stubborn puppy
As you can see, there are several things you can do to train your stubborn pup.
Be patient and consistent with your training; this is the best way to get your pup to behave.
You can teach your stubborn puppy everything they need to know with time and effort.
In the meantime, consider using tools like dog training collars or obedience training classes.
You need consistent rules and expectations, and everyone in the household needs to follow them.
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