How to Train Stubborn Dogs and Strong-Willed Puppies

The dog may be inclined to be in the owner’s service or may have a mind of its own. There is no doubt that if you own a dog in the latter category, you may wonder how to train such a dog. You have a very good point, and this article was written specifically to address your question.

Let’s start with this: if you’re having trouble training your pet, don’t worry. It is not unusual for dogs to be a bit reluctant at first and require a little more effort than they would. 

If you are patient and persistent, there is no doubt that you will eventually figure out how to train a stubborn dog.

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Despite the challenges of training a stubborn puppy, you may build a relationship with your dog that will last a lifetime by being patient and consistent. 

Dogs have various personalities and character traits, and certain breeds are more high-strung.

Depending on your dog’s personality, you may need to start with one approach, then try another until you find one that works.

Training Strategies for Stubborn Dogs

The method you employ to overcome stubborn behavior should be essentially the same whether you are training a puppy or an adult dog. 

Several dogs may need additional time to unlearn long-term behavior, such as a hunting dog may require long training sessions to break a behavior pattern. 

Here are the strategies that can help you with stubborn dog training:

1. Choosing the Most Appropriate Reward

Let’s be honest: When it comes to training your dog, bribery can go a long way in getting the job done. The reward must, however, be appropriate for your dog’s effort for it to be effective. How food-motivated is your dog? In that case, get your dog some high-quality treats.

You may want to offer an additional game of catch if your dog is not enthusiastic about food. In this case, the goal is to find out what motivates your dog and use that to train it to perform desired behaviors.

2. Start with the Simplest Command

Initially, “sit” is the most straightforward command to teach. Once they learn this, most of the other commands will become easier to teach. 

After a while, they will start to see that they will get praise and a treat if they can understand what you are saying.

It is important to use both visual and audible commands. In addition to saying “sit,” you should also make some sort of gesture. Always do the same thing each time, or the dog will become confused, and the process will be prolonged.

3. Decide on the Right Location

To ensure maximum success for your dog in training, you need to create the ideal environment. In the same way, you would not instruct a child how to read at an amusement park; you should not expect your dog to listen to you at their favorite dog park.

Try to pick a calm, quiet indoor space free from distractions. Over time, you can gradually introduce distractions to your dog as he progresses in his training.

4. Don’t Rush Things

Don’t apply excessive pressure to the situation, yourself or your dog, or you’ll end up in a rut. Progress does not always occur overnight.

Consider taking things step-by-step and rewarding even the smallest achievements. Don’t forget about those yummy treats, too. This progress can translate into large gains in some dogs, even if it is only a small amount at the start.

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5. Avoid using Negative Reinforcement or Punishing your Dog

Negative reinforcement and punishment have been proven to worsen a dog’s behavior and well-being for a long time. 

You should refrain from punishing your pup despite his attempts to test your patience. You should bear in mind that he is just trying to learn your rules and regulations.

As an alternative, reward your dog only when he follows instructions and take him back to a previous step where it was successful. It is possible to reinforce your confidence and understanding by taking a few steps backward.

6. Maintain Consistency in your training

Training any dog requires Consistency, but it is especially necessary when dealing with aggressive dogs like Chow Chow, Jack Russell, Husky, and Dalmatian.

Certain family members may reinforce contrasting behaviors, which can give your dog an entirely legitimate reason for being confused rather than stubborn. 

Ensure that everyone in your family is on the same page regarding training and command usage. Furthermore, it is important to train regularly and with a consistent amount of intensity.

It is unrealistic to expect your dog to become proficient at a behavior after only one lesson. If you wish to see any real improvement, provide many consistent repetitions of the same training. 

You must incorporate the practice into your daily routine and reward it appropriately to be effective.

7. Consult a Professional when Necessary

Some dogs seem stubborn at first, but with time and consistent repetitions of the same training, they will learn. However, this may not always be the most appropriate solution. 

The idea of assertiveness being contrary to aggression is very important to understand, especially when training an adult dog.

You should be concerned if your dog exhibits signs of aggression or extreme fear. You should call a professional dog trainer to assist you with this sensitive process and provide any essential behavioral training.

8. Become Familiar with their Language

Dogs and puppies communicate using body language. When you train your pup, you need to understand their LanguageLanguage to effectively communicate with them. Consider the dog’s posture, behavior, and facial expressions while determining his attitude.

For example, the varying wags of his tail indicate how he feels, such as a high, rigidly moving tail indicating he is feeling tense. On the other hand, a relaxed, gentle tail denotes happiness. This distinguishing factor simplifies the process of communicating effectively.

We found some articles on We Love doodles website with a lot of information and knowledge regarding different breeds, their behaviors, and a buying guide. 

Conclusion for Training Stubborn Dogs and Strong-Willed Puppies

These tips should provide some assistance in helping you train a stubborn dog and a strong-willed puppy. Keep in mind that clear communication and considerable patience will ensure success in the long run.

Also, remember to choose the right reward and place to practice, then repeat the activity as often as possible to reinforce the desired behavior.

Teaching your dog requires patience, and refrain from using any type of punishment. If your dog becomes aggressive at any time during the training process, you should seek immediate assistance from a professional trainer.

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