Training a dog requires patience, consistency, and understanding. While some breeds quickly pick up commands, others are more independent, stubborn, or easily distracted. If you have a strong-willed dog, don’t worry—there are effective ways to train even the most difficult breeds.
In this guide, we’ll explore why some dogs are harder to train and provide practical tips to help you successfully teach commands and improve obedience.
1. Why Are Some Breeds More Stubborn?
Certain dog breeds were developed for specific tasks that required independence, problem-solving, or guarding instincts. As a result, these dogs may be less eager to obey commands than breeds bred for companionship or service work.
Breeds that are considered harder to train:
🐕 Afghan Hound – Independent and less motivated by praise.
🐕 Chow Chow – Strong-willed and not always eager to please.
🐕 Basenji – Highly intelligent but prefers to do things their own way.
🐕 Bulldog – Can be lazy and resistant to training.
🐕 Dachshund – Originally bred for hunting, making them independent and persistent.
🐕 Beagle – Easily distracted by scents and prone to stubbornness.
🐕 Jack Russell Terrier – Energetic and strong-willed, often challenging for first-time owners.
Stubborn dogs aren’t less intelligent—they simply have different motivations and learning styles. Understanding their mindset is key to successful training.
2. Use Positive Reinforcement (But Find the Right Reward!)
Dogs respond best to training when they associate it with something positive. However, stubborn breeds may not always be motivated by treats alone.
Find what motivates your dog:
✔️ Food-driven dogs: Use high-value treats like chicken or cheese.
✔️ Toy-loving dogs: Reward with a favorite toy or game of fetch.
✔️ Affection-seeking dogs: Offer belly rubs or verbal praise.
If your dog isn’t responding to training, try different rewards to find what excites them the most.
3. Keep Training Sessions Short and Engaging
Stubborn dogs can quickly lose interest in long training sessions. To keep them engaged:
🐶 Train for 5–10 minutes at a time instead of long sessions.
🐶 Use high-energy, enthusiastic praise to maintain interest.
🐶 Stop training before your dog gets bored—end on a high note!
Frequent, short training sessions are much more effective than one long, frustrating session.
4. Be Consistent with Rules and Commands
Dogs thrive on consistency. If you let them get away with bad behavior sometimes, they will become confused and ignore your commands.
How to stay consistent:
✔️ Use the same words and hand signals for each command.
✔️ Ensure everyone in the household follows the same rules.
✔️ Reward good behavior immediately so your dog makes the right connection.
If your dog learns that ignoring you sometimes works, they will keep testing your limits!
5. Avoid Punishment—Use Redirection Instead
Stubborn dogs don’t respond well to punishment. Harsh corrections can make them fearful or even more defiant.
Instead, use redirection:
🐾 If your dog is chewing furniture → Give them a chew toy instead.
🐾 If your dog jumps on guests → Ask them to “sit” and reward them for calm behavior.
🐾 If your dog ignores “come” → Use a treat or toy to make returning to you more rewarding.
By focusing on positive alternatives, your dog learns what they should do instead of what they shouldn’t.
6. Make Training Part of Daily Life
Instead of setting aside specific “training sessions,” incorporate commands into your daily routine.
Examples:
🐕 Ask your dog to “sit” before getting food or going outside.
🐕 Practice “stay” while you prepare their meal.
🐕 Reward quiet behavior when they don’t bark at strangers.
The more your dog practices commands in real-life situations, the more naturally they will obey.
7. Use a Firm But Friendly Tone
Stubborn dogs don’t respond well to harsh commands, but they also won’t listen if you sound uncertain.
✔️ Use a clear, confident voice when giving commands.
✔️ Avoid repeating commands too often—say it once and wait for a response.
✔️ Always reward obedience to reinforce good behavior.
Your dog should respect you as a leader, but not fear you.
8. Socialization Helps Stubborn Dogs Learn Faster
Well-socialized dogs are generally more responsive to training. Exposing your dog to different environments, people, and other dogs helps them develop better behavior.
🐾 Take your dog to parks, pet-friendly stores, or training classes.
🐾 Introduce them to new people and animals in a controlled way.
🐾 Reward calm and friendly interactions with treats or praise.
Socialization reduces fear-based stubbornness and makes dogs more adaptable.
9. Teach Commands in a Low-Distraction Area First
If your dog is easily distracted, start training in a quiet place before moving to more challenging environments.
Step-by-Step Approach:
1️⃣ Start training inside the house where there are no distractions.
2️⃣ Once they obey, practice in a quiet backyard.
3️⃣ Slowly introduce more distractions, like other dogs or noises.
4️⃣ Train in public areas once your dog is consistent at home.
Gradually increasing distractions helps reinforce commands in different settings.
10. Be Patient—Some Breeds Take Longer to Learn
If you have a stubborn dog, remember that training takes time. Some breeds take longer to learn commands, but consistency will pay off.
Encouraging Progress:
✔️ Celebrate small improvements.
✔️ Never compare your dog to other breeds—each dog learns at their own pace.
✔️ Stay calm and patient, even when training gets frustrating.
Persistence is key! Even the most stubborn dog can become well-trained with time and effort.
Final Thoughts
Stubborn dogs are not impossible to train—they just require a little extra patience and creativity. By using positive reinforcement, keeping training sessions short, staying consistent, and making learning fun, you can successfully teach even the most independent breeds.
Every dog is different, but with love, encouragement, and persistence, your furry friend will learn to follow commands while still maintaining their unique personality. 🐶✨