Use patience, persistence to train stubborn dogs

Although lovable, just like any dog on the planet, there are a few dogs that are a handful when it comes to obedience and behaving around other people. Stubborn dogs might take a bit of hard work to train, but have no fear; it is not impossible.  

With the right training and patience, even the most headstrong dogs can learn from their masters.

Stubborn dog breeds

Shiba Inu 

Known for their curly tails and fox-like appearance, Shibas are also recognized as very independent, born with natural aggression, and often the one in charge. The bottom line, these dogs think for themselves, which may conflict obedience training. However, dedicated owners can accomplish training this dog. All it takes is time and patience. In the end, your Shiba will respect your dedication.

Jack Russell Terrier 

Brilliant dogs, but that could be a double-edged sword for owners. Russell Terriers are known to have a mind of their own, and are notorious for acting “diva-ish.” Most terriers have independent and picky characteristics. These little dogs need a lot of training. But according to the Happy Jack Russell community, these dogs love hearing positive reinforcement. With much praise and accomplished training, a Russell would be an excellent companion.

Most Jack Russell terriers have independent and picky characteristics. These little dogs need a lot of training.

Rottweiler

Like a lot of willful breeds, Rottweilers are very intelligent. They also are powerful and often used as guard dogs. According to a dog bite study by Max Sparwasser Law Firm LLC, a Rotty is one of the top five breeds with the strongest bite. But don’t let the statistics turn you away. As tough as they may seem on the outside, a well-trained Rottweiler can be one of the most loyal friends you can have. It may take a bit of patience with their independent temperament. But once trained, people will see these fierce dogs, as a sweet and charismatic pooch.

Training stubborn dogs

Realize that with all dogs (young, old, big, and small), obedience training doesn’t just happen overnight. With the most stubborn dogs, you will need to set time aside to teach your dog new things, and you will need to practice it over and over again.

When beginning your training, start with the most basic commands that get your dog’s attention. Simple commands such as “sit” and “come” are some of the most basic control commands your dog can learn. Keep note of what kind of commands your dog is the most familiar with and the most responsive.

When your dog completes a command, always reward them with both verbal and physical praise. Dogs respond well to verbal praise, and positive reinforcement encourages them to learn. Remember, the training experience is a fun bonding time for you and your dog. Don’t make it feel like a chore.

Be patient

Dog owners wonder how long it will take to teach their dog control and good behavior. The question isn’t, “how long does it take,” but instead, “how much time you are willing to commit?” Just like your dog, you got to train yourself to be consistent, patient, and smart with the time you spend with your companion.

Every dog is different. Luckily, some are well-behaved by nature and require minimal training. But that’s kind of rare. Most dogs, especially puppies, need a fair amount of training. About 15 – 20 min a day is recommended. All doggie owners must think about how much time and how much travel they’ll need to set aside to accompany their companion for training dates.

Remember, dogs must be trained in other environments to understand how to behave in unfamiliar places. So be sure to find a few locations for good environmental training.

Just like us humans, every dog has a different learning pace. Your dog can quickly learn new skills and techniques when you are clear, consistent, and patient when it comes to your training. Keep a steady pace that is comfortable for you and your dog, and let time do its thing.

Common training mistakes

Inconsistent training

Inconsistent training is a big pitfall to success, especially for stubborn dogs. It’s recommended that obedience training should be given at least once or twice a week for about 15 minutes. Be consistent, but don’t overdo it. Overtraining can lead to learning fatigue.

Keep in mind, after you finally taught your dog new commands, don’t forget to practice. Just like us, dogs can get rusty with their skills after a while. Once a dog has successfully mastered a command, only a couple of minutes of practice is needed.

Only training in one environment

It’s good that you find time in the day to train with your dog in the comfort of your own home. But have you been training them in other environments? Does your dog behave at home, but not at the park or on walks?

When training, it’s important to immerse your dog in different environments. Find places your dog is unfamiliar with, and continue your training schedule at those locations to make them accustomed to it. Train them in areas with distractions or lots of people. Eventually, they will learn how to behave in these places.

Nagging commands

Don’t be “naggy” with your commands. A command should only be given once to get your dog’s attention. Repeating a command several times is going to confuse your dog. Command repetition will eventually turn into a habit when getting their attention.

It’s also easy to get frustrated when training a dog with stubborn behaviors. Avoid raising your voice or using aggressive tones in your speech when your dog fails to follow your cue. Don’t resort to punishment during training. Verbal punishment has the potential to increase a dog’s fear and can completely switch them off from learning.

Depending on treats

An essential part of training is reinforcements or rewards for accomplishments.  But relying on the use of treats can make your dog think there will be a treat every time you tell them to “sit” or “lay down.” Stick to positive verbal reinforcement and petting when your dog does a good job.

Training help

If you require a little professional service with training, there are many places you can go to find companion training schools and personal dog training instructors. These programs are a fun and easy way to train your dog and meet new friends.

*DogsBestLife.com participates in the Chewy Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to let our site earn fees by linking to Chewy.com. 

Puppy training 101: 10 tips to prepare your dog for success