How To Train A Stubborn Dog: Proven Tips To Make Your Furry Friend Obey

Do you have a furry friend at home that seems to have a mind of their own? Are they stubborn and refuse to listen to your commands no matter how much you try to train them?

If this sounds familiar, don’t worry. You’re not alone.

Training a stubborn dog can be challenging, but with some proven tips and techniques, you can make your four-legged friend obey and become a well-behaved companion.

In this article, we’ll share various strategies that have worked for many pet owners struggling with disobedient dogs just like yours. These tips are backed by research and professional trainers who have years of experience in handling stubborn pooches.

“A well-trained dog will make every activity more enjoyable – walks, runs or car rides.” – Cesar Millan

Whether you’re dealing with a puppy or an older dog, our suggestions can help you establish authority and create a positive relationship with your pet without resorting to punishment or negative reinforcement.

So if you’re ready to put an end to the frustration and embarrassment caused by a misbehaving dog, keep reading! Our ultimate guide on how to train a stubborn dog is here to help you turn things around and create a happy family dynamic with your beloved pet.

Understand Your Dog’s Personality

If you have a stubborn dog, the first step towards training them is to understand their personality. Different dogs have different personalities and characteristics, which affects the way they learn and respond to training.

It is important to approach your dog with patience and understanding instead of getting frustrated by their behavior. Here are some tips to help you understand your dog’s personality:

• Observe your dog’s body language and vocalizations. This will give you an idea of what they may be feeling or trying to communicate.
• Spent time playing with your dog and bonding with them.
• Talk to other pet owners or seek advice from a professional trainer for insight into certain breeds’ personalities.

Determine Your Dog’s Breed Characteristics

Breed plays a significant role in establishing your dog’s traits, exercise requirements, and attention-seeking habits. Knowing your dog’s breed tendencies can help you design a more suitable training regime.

Certain breeds are known to display stubbornness. Understanding this trait may contribute to the right means to train them effectively. For example, one may get better communication results through positive reinforcement and treats than punishment-based methods.

“When working with extremely stubborn dogs, it is crucial to keep the sessions frequent yet short in duration. Fifteen minutes two times daily at standard intervals can prove beneficial”- Pet MD-

Observe Your Dog’s Behavior Patterns

The next step in identifying the root of stubbornness in your dog is observing its specific behavioral patterns. Certain behaviors that seem irrational could signify underlying issues such as anxiety or fear aggression.

To train a stubborn dog successfully involves tackling these challenges individually by practicing basic commands in isolation and seeking advice from a trained professional. Understanding your dog’s temperament will help you modify their behavior in more appropriate ways that are beneficial to both yourself and the animal.

“In training, it is vital to accentuate real-life situations. If one discovers the dog has selective hearing outside, then set up similar scenarios during training sessions. Distraction can affect even the most obedient pets’ ability to listen.”- American Kennel Club-

Knowing how to deal with stubborn dogs is indeed challenging for every pet parent. However, with patience, consistency, and attention to detail, these animals’ bad habits can be corrected, resulting in healthier relationships between them and their owners.

Positive Reinforcement Techniques

If you have a stubborn dog, then training may seem like an uphill battle. However, with positive reinforcement techniques, you can train your pet effectively and without resorting to punishment or negative reinforcement methods. By rewarding good behavior, teaching commands and tricks, ignoring bad behavior, and redirecting negative actions with positive alternatives, you can help your dog learn how to behave appropriately.

Use Treats and Praise to Reward Good Behavior

Rewarding your dog’s good behavior with treats and praise is one of the most effective ways to train them. Positive reinforcement will motivate your furry friend and encourage them to repeat their good behavior long-term. Every time your dog does something right, offer them a treat and verbal praise, such as “Good job,” “Yes,” or “Great work.” Over time, they will start understanding what truly pleases you in terms of obedience and respect for proper boundaries.

“Dogs do speak, but only to those who know how to listen.”—Orhan Pamuk

To make this method more effective, ensure that the reward comes immediately after the good behavior. For instance, if you are trying to get your dog to stop jumping on people, give them a treat when they stay down rather than waiting until the end of the day. Positive reinforcement has been proven to be the best way to reinforce new behaviors, and it goes a long way in ensuring lasting results.

Teach Commands and Tricks with Positive Reinforcement

Dog training involves teaching various commands and tricks through repetition, patience, and encouragement. When using positive reinforcement techniques, break down each command or trick into small steps to avoid frustration. Start with simple tasks, gradually increasing complexity as your dog progresses, learning over time.

Commands like “come,” and “stay” are among the most common that every dog must learn, with consistency being crucial in their training. To encourage your dog to keep learning how to stay focused on the task, reward them whenever they respond correctly or follow through step by step.

While teaching more complicated tricks such as “roll over” or “shake hands,” find a way of stimulating excitement as well, for example through toys and playtime to help motivate your pooch to cooperate without getting bored or overwhelmed.

Ignore Bad Behavior Instead of Punishing

Sometimes it seems easier to punish your dog for bad behavior than ignore them for doing something wrong. However, negative reinforcement methods can be harmful and traumatizing to your pet. Instead, ignoring bad behavior will teach your dog that there is no reward or attention to be earned from unsuitable conduct.

“The greatest pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, but he will also make fun of you.” — Samuel Butler

If your dog is barking excessively, do not yell at them; rather, walk away or turn around when they engage in the misbehavior. Avoiding eye contact is equally helpful, making sure to show neither love nor anger towards them when they misbehave. With time, your dog will understand that silence works better than punishment because certain behaviors deprive them of attention.

Redirect Negative Behavior with Positive Alternatives

Dogs sometimes exhibit negative behavior out of boredom, fear, anxiety, or frustration. Through redirecting this negative energy into positive activities, you can train them to choose constructive options instead of resorting to unwanted actions. For instance, if your dog likes chewing everything within reach, cordoning off items that could harm them while supplying chew toys can help solve the problem.

Alternatively, if your dog is prone to chasing after cars or other dogs, redirect their energy by engaging them in a new activity like running up and down the stairs or playing with you indoors. Presenting positive alternatives will help keep your pet stimulated and trained without losing interest.

“The better I get to know men, the more I find myself loving dogs.” — Charles de Gaulle

Using positive reinforcement techniques when training your stubborn dog can produce amazing results over time. Commending good behavior with treats and offering verbal praise, teaching commands, and tricks, ignoring negative behavior, and redirecting unwanted actions are all surefire ways of creating long-lasting behavioral changes that enrich both your lives.

Consistency Is Key

Establish Consistent Rules and Routines

If your dog is stubborn, it can be frustrating to train them. However, the key is consistency. Establishing clear rules and routines is crucial in training a stubborn dog. Decide on what you want your dog to do and stick with it.

You should start by setting boundaries such as where your dog is allowed to go or sleep. Make sure both you and other members of your household are consistent with these rules. For example, if you don’t allow your dog on the couch, make sure everyone enforces this rule. If one person allows the dog on the couch, it will send mixed signals to your furry friend.

• Take baby steps – give new commands one at a time starting with basic ones like “sit” or “stay.”
• When introducing a new command, ensure that it’s simple and easy to follow.
• Reward good behavior consistently for maximum results.

Use the Same Commands and Signals Every Time

Your dog may not understand each word you say, but they can pick up on cues such as tone of voice, gestures, and facial expressions. This means that every single member of your family must use the same words and signals while giving commands. It’s recommended to choose one word for each command and use it consistently so your furry friend can quickly recognize which action they need to take.

When creating signals for commands, keep it simple and consistent. Dogs learn best when given precise and understandable cues that are identical each and every time.

“Dogs have an innate ability to learn verbal and nonverbal language,” according to Training Director Al Waldman of Canine Dimensions. “They can read our body language and voice cues to know where we want them to go, what behaviors we find acceptable or not.”

Another useful strategy is to use hand signals that compliment verbal commands. Teach your dog when you say a word, it’s associated with a particular gesture. Once they’ve learned the basic command, slowly decrease saying the word out loud, so eventually just the signal will be enough for their response.

Consistency in both rules and routines combined with unified words plus gestures creates an unambiguous pat formula to achieve success while working on training your stubborn companion’s behavior.

Patience Is A Virtue

Training a stubborn dog can be frustrating, but it’s important to remember that patience is key. Stubborn dogs require more time and effort to train, so don’t get discouraged if progress seems slow.

Allow Your Dog Time to Learn and Adjust

Dogs are creatures of habit, so when you’re trying to train them to do something new or different, it can take some time for them to adjust. Be patient and give your pup time to learn what you want from them.

Start small with basic commands like ‘sit’ and ‘stay’, and gradually increase difficulty once your pooch has mastered each task. This approach helps extend their learning curve, ultimately leading to better results in the long run.

Be Patient During Training Sessions

Your furry friend needs positive reinforcement during training; yelling or getting frustrated will only lead to confusion or anxiety. Instead, try approaching obedience lessons with a calm and gentle demeanor while providing treats as rewards after each successful attempt.

If your pet doesn’t seem to be responding to your efforts, consider reviewing how effective your training techniques have been thus far. There may need to be adjustments in order to suit the temperament and personality of your animal companion.

Acknowledge Small Improvements and Progress

Your pet isn’t going to become an obedient canine overnight, which means recognizing even small successes along the way will help boost your pup’s confidence and motivate him/her to continue working on meeting your expectations. Rewards play a big role here, especially since they offer visual cues of progression. It won’t just make your pet happy, but also keep you motivated too!

“Success in grooming behavioral changes in pets can bring about tremendous emotional satisfaction and fulfillment.” -Dr. Myrna Milani

Stubbornness is a trait that could put a damper in the progress of your pet’s training journey, but with consistency and time comes improvement. Be patient though there may be some challenges along this quest, you’d find that with hard work, focus, and determination on both ends, it’s possible to turn things around for the better!

Avoid Punishment-Based Training

Training a stubborn dog can be frustrating, but punishment-based training is not the solution. Resorting to physical or verbal abuse only fosters fear and insecurity in your furry friend. Instead, opt for positive reinforcement methods that encourage good behavior through rewards and praise.

Research shows that dogs trained with positive reinforcement methods are more confident, resilient, and well-behaved than those subjected to punishment-based techniques. Positive training also strengthens the bond between you and your pet by promoting trust and communication.

Avoid Physical or Verbal Punishment

Physical or verbal punishment may provide instant results, but it comes at a high price. Inflicting pain or causing emotional distress damages the relationship between you and your dog while instilling anxiety and aggression.

If you find yourself getting frustrated during training, take a break instead of resorting to abusive tactics. Walk away, breathe deeply, and regroup before resuming training. Also, remember that progress takes time, and every successful training session should be celebrated with treats and affection.

Do Not Use Fear or Intimidation to Control Behavior

“Using fear as a means of teaching is like trying to make an omelet without any eggs.” -KPA CTP Certified Dog Trainer Mikkel Becker

Fear and intimidation are never effective ways to control behavior. When fearful, dogs enter survival mode, shutting off their ability to learn from instruction or experience. Additionally, forced compliance creates distrust between you and your pet and increases the risk of bites and other aggressive behaviors.

Teach commands using positive reinforcement techniques such as clicker training and target stick training. These methods make learning fun and engage your dog’s enthusiasm for reward-based success. Focus on reinforcing desirable actions rather than punishing undesirable ones. Your dog should view training as a positive experience, not one to be feared and avoided.

Avoid Using Devices Such as Shock Collars

“Like all aversive training methods, shock collars frequently create additional behavior problems.” -The Humane Society of the United States

Devices such as shock collars are not only cruel but also ineffective in promoting long-term obedience and good behavior. Research shows that these devices can cause physical pain, emotional stress, and lead to exacerbating underlying behavioral issues or even harm your pet’s health in some cases.

Rather than resorting to harsh techniques, use positive reinforcement and reward-based systems such as clicker training, treats, toys, and verbal praise. These rewards strengthen the bond between you and your pet while encouraging obedience and confidence.

Focus on Positive Reinforcement Instead

“Dogs do what works for them; if it feels rewarding, they’re likely to repeat it.” -KPA CTP Certified Dog Trainer Karen Pryor

Positive reinforcement is the most effective way to train a stubborn dog. Rewarding desirable behaviors with affection, treats, or playtime encourages repetition and fosters healthy habits. Conversely, avoid giving attention to unwelcome behaviors as this can encourage unwanted actions.

Remember always to incorporate fun, interactive games into your training routine when possible. By making learning enjoyable, your dog will become more engaged, motivated, and enthusiastic about following commands. It’s essential to tailor your training approach to suit your dog’s individual personality, motivation, breed, and past experiences.

• Instead of punishment, use positive reinforcement
• Avoid physical or verbal abuse
• Do not use fear or intimidation to control behavior
• Avoid using harsh devices such as shock collars
• Focus on positive reinforcement and reward-based training methods

Stubborn dogs can be trained to be well-behaved and obedient without resorting to punishment or abusive practices. Instead, focus on a positive-reinforcement based approach that fosters good behavior through praise, affection, treats, and interactive games.

Get Professional Help If Necessary

If you have a stubborn dog that is difficult to train, it may be time to consider seeking professional help. While some dogs respond well to basic training techniques, others require more specialized attention from trained professionals.

If your dog has behavioral problems or simply refuses to follow commands, consulting with a professional trainer or behaviorist can be the best way to resolve these issues. These experts will provide personalized solutions and tips for your specific dog’s needs.

Consult with a Professional Trainer or Behaviorist

A professional trainer or behaviorist will evaluate your dog’s personality, temperament, and behaviors in order to create a tailored training plan. They can also help owners understand their dog’s behavior and provide guidance on how to correct any undesirable habits.

Trainers use positive reinforcement methods such as clicker training, rewards-based training, and teaching using treats. The aim of positive reinforcement training is to encourage good behavior by providing incentives. This reduces destructive behavior while promoting obedience.

“The chief cause of failure and unhappiness is trading what we want most for what we want at the moment.” – Zig Ziglar

Additionally, trainers utilize various leash-training techniques which can help control excessive barking, jumping up, and tugging during walks. It is important to remain consistent throughout the training process to achieve desired results.

Consider Group Training Classes for Socialization

Group training classes are highly recommended as they allow your furry friends to interact with other dogs and learn new things. Participating in group dog training classes provides an opportunity for socialization which is essential for dogs to cope with different environments, situations, and people.

In group training classes, owners learn necessary skills to effectively communicate and connect with their pets. Positive feedback provides motivation and builds trust between the owner and their pet.

Additionally, group training classes can assist in eliminating unwanted behavior from a dog’s temperament. Instructing obedience essentials such as ‘sit’, ‘stay’ and ‘down’ along with teaching tricks and agility is valuable for stimulating your furry best friend’s mental stimulation.

Ask Your Vet for Referrals to Qualified Professionals

If selecting a professional trainer or behaviorist sounds like an option to you, then it would be helpful to gain recommendations from your veterinarian. Your vet has experience dealing with animals including troubled ones and he/she will likely have encountered patients who have had similar issues to your pet. They may also provide advice on how to tackle any behavioral difficulties which arise.

If you want to find more qualified professionals, seek out licensed canine organizations that offer certifications and testing programs for trainers, sample courses include CCPDT (Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers) and KPA (Karen Pryor Academy).

“It doesn’t matter if it’s a puppy or an old dog; they still need exercise.” – Taryn Manning

Training a stubborn dog is not impossible. It takes patience, consistency, and maybe some professional intervention. However, with time and practice, your pup can learn to become obedient and well-behaved while maintaining his/her unique personality. So invest enough time and energy into good methods of dog training so that you can get results that affirm your effort.

Frequently Asked Questions