The challenges of training a dog are many, but when your four-legged friend comes with an extra dose of stubbornness, the task becomes even more daunting. It can feel like a constant battle of wills, where every training session is a tug of war between you and your pet, and as a pet parent? That stressful!<\/p>\n
They resist your commands, ignore their training cues, and at times, you wonder if they\u2019re just testing how far they can push you, and it\u2019s one of the things that pet owners complain about the most.<\/p>\n
However, a stubborn dog isn\u2019t necessarily a \u201cbad\u201d dog.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Oftentimes, this stubbornness is a sign of intelligence and strong will. With the correct approach and consistent methods, training your willful friend can become a rewarding endeavor. This guide is meant to equip you with the essential strategies, tips, and step-by-step instructions to overcome these challenges and establish a strong bond with your steadfast companion. Let\u2019s dive into the world of training a stubborn dog.<\/p>\n
I mean \u2013 Indie went through this phase as a teenager where he would flick at ear at me, which I read as \u201cI hear you, but I\u2019m still going to do this\u201d and it was so infuriating!!\u00a0<\/p>\n
So trust me\u2026 I get your pain.<\/p>\n
But you can learn to love your stubborn dog, and I\u2019m going to show you the best ways to ease the training process with a \u2018difficult dog\u2019.<\/p>\n
Some dogs get labelled stubborn from the get go. Some of the typically stubborn dog breeds or might be labelled as a \u2018hard-headed dog\u2019 are;<\/p>\n
Is your dog\u2019s breed in there? A lot of this is because they\u2019re bred to think for themselves unlike your labrador or german shepherd! Like my coonhounds, I had such a tough time figuring how to turn them into well-behaved dog \u2013 so much so that I was doubting everything I knew as a professional trainer! But I had to remember that they are bred to be 1-2 miles away from me and problem solve the best way to get the thing, and do it without my interference. And so\u2026 is it stubborn? Or is it independence?<\/p>\n
A Stubborn dog is still a good dog, you just have to show them your way is the most lucrative way, and that may take a long time and a lot of reinforcement (for me this was really good treats), but the long way will result in a very well-trained dog.<\/p>\n
The good news is that none of these dogs need a heavy hand, and we know, scientifically, that positive reinforcement is better than positive punishment or negative reinforcement! Positive reinforcement is always better int he long run!\u00a0<\/p>\n
Firstly, we need to recognise what stubborn is, in actuality.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Stubbornness is defined as \u201cunreasonably or perversely unyielding\u201d, and actually, when it comes to dogs? Stubborness is simply\u2026<\/p>\n
What your dog wants is more rewarding than what you want your dog to do.<\/p>\n
Some dogs are more stubborn than others due to a variety of factors, including breed-specific characteristics, environmental influences, and individual temperaments. Certain dog breeds are predisposed to exhibit higher levels of stubbornness due to their breeding history and intended purpose. For example, the Siberian Husky is known to be a stubborn breed, as they were bred to be independent thinkers and problem-solvers, making them more self-reliant.<\/p>\n
Improper training can also contribute to stubborn behavior in dogs. If a dog is not trained appropriately from a young age, they may develop aggressive or strong-willed behaviors. Additionally, environmental factors and the dog\u2019s upbringing may play a role in shaping their stubbornness. Exposure to various situations and experiences can influence a dog\u2019s willingness to comply with commands or exhibit certain behaviors.<\/p>\n
Note:<\/strong>\u00a0A lot of modern dog trainers hate the word stubborn because it\u2019s often an excuse to use aversives with a dog, but we do have to recognise that not all dogs are naturally people pleasers, and typically? The antithesis of people pleasing is deemed stubborn\u2026<\/p>\n Training stubborn dogs can pose a unique set of challenges, from potty training to crate training, or loose leash to recall. Your aloof dog just kind of wants to do their own thing! but we can break bad habits and improve your dog\u2019s behavior \u2013 though it may take a lot of work. However, utilizing the correct strategies can significantly improve the training process. Here are a few methods that could be beneficial:<\/p>\n And this doesn\u2019t matter whether you have young puppies, an adult dog, older dogs, a big dog or a dog with signs of aggression. You can remedy any unwanted behavior (and you don\u2019t need a shock collar!)<\/p>\n When training a stubborn dog, it\u2019s crucial to approach the process with patience, persistence, and a variety of techniques suited to your dog\u2019s unique needs. Transforming your training sessions into supportive and enjoyable experiences for both you and your dog can lead to a more satisfying outcome.<\/p>\n One of the key aspects of training a stubborn dog is to first\u00a0understand their motivations<\/strong>. Dogs respond differently to various stimuli like food, play, or praise. Determining what your dog loves the most and using it as positive reinforcement can create stronger connections between desired actions and rewards. Or even understand when you\u2019re going to need to up the ante! Strengthening these connections can make your dog more eager to learn and respond to your commands.<\/p>\n Use your tone<\/strong>. Independing\/stubborn dogs may need a lot more encouragement than the average dog. And your tone of voice can be mega important when you\u2019re learning and teaching new skills. One of the things I find with my hounds? Is that cheering them on while they recall is really powerful. And that means pure encouragement, my neighbours think I\u2019m nuts\u2026 but who cares?\u00a0<\/p>\n It\u2019s also good to note that even when they\u2019re showing bad behavior, we should moderate our tone of voice.<\/p>\n Maintaining\u00a0a consistent routine<\/strong>\u00a0is another essential factor in training stubborn dogs. Dogs thrive on stability and predictability, so establishing a consistent schedule for feeding, walking, and training helps in setting proper expectations. Adhering to this routine can minimize confusion and stubborn behaviors stemming from uncertainty.<\/p>\n In addition,\u00a0being consistent<\/strong>\u00a0in using specific cues, commands, and body language throughout the training sessions will provide clarity for your dog. Inconsistent signals can bewilder your furry friend, making the training less effective.<\/p>\n Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool<\/strong>\u00a0in dog training. Rewarding your dog for their good behavior, rather than punishing them for undesirable actions, can improve their response to the training process. This approach encourages your dog to repeat desired behaviors, fostering a strong bond between you and your pet.<\/p>\n Choosing a focused and quiet environment when training<\/strong>\u00a0your stubborn dog is also important. Limiting distractions allows your dog to concentrate more closely on your instructions. As a result, the likelihood of successful training sessions increases significantly.<\/p>\n Breaking complex commands into smaller steps<\/strong>\u00a0is another useful technique. Instead of attempting to teach challenging commands all at once, you can simplify the process by introducing core concepts gradually. This step-by-step approach can make it easier for your dog to grasp and execute complex commands over time.<\/p>\n Training sessions should be kept short<\/strong>, engaging, and entertaining. Long, tedious sessions may cause your dog to lose interest, making it harder for them to absorb your instructions. This approach ensures that your dog associates training with fun, increasing the chances of successful learning.<\/p>\n Socialization<\/strong>\u00a0is also an essential aspect of dog training. Introducing your pet to new people, other animals, and different environments can help reduce stubborn behaviors born from fear or anxiety. Proper socialization enables dogs to become more adaptable, making training sessions more productive.<\/p>\n Lastly, if you encounter persistent issues while training your stubborn dog, don\u2019t hesitate to\u00a0seek help from a professional dog trainer or behavior consultant<\/strong>. Their expertise and personalized guidance can provide invaluable insights and strategies to help you and your dog achieve successful training outcomes.<\/p>\n A lot of the time pet parents can feel like if they don\u2019t have a new dog or a new puppy, that changing their training method might not be a good idea, than an old puppy, or an adult dog won\u2019t learn new things. And positive training is the right thing with stubborn puppies, and there\u2019s no such thing as too late to make your first steps into positive training!<\/p>\n Training a stubborn dog is a journey that requires plenty of patience, perseverance, and understanding. The right approach can turn into a rewarding experience, strengthening the bond between you and your furry friend.\u00a0<\/p>\n You can overcome stubbornness and develop a well-mannered, responsive pet by tailoring training methods to your dog\u2019s unique needs, maintaining consistency, and offering positive reinforcement. Remember, celebrating small victories along the way is crucial; in challenging times, consider seeking guidance from a professional. Each dog has its own pace of learning, and with persistence, even the most stubborn dog can be trained.\u00a0<\/p>\n The goal is a happy, well-behaved pet, making the journey worth it.<\/p>\n And if you need help? Why not reach out and get professional help I love stubborn dogs and we can find the best wat to turn your stubborn muffin into a wonderful family member!\u00a0<\/p>\n The challenges of training a dog are many, but when your four-legged friend comes with an extra dose of stubbornness, the task becomes even more daunting. It can feel like a constant battle of wills, where every training session is a tug of war between you and your pet, and as a pet parent? That […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":360,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[21],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/flipsideviber.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/532"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/flipsideviber.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/flipsideviber.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/flipsideviber.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/flipsideviber.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=532"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"http:\/\/flipsideviber.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/532\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":533,"href":"http:\/\/flipsideviber.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/532\/revisions\/533"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/flipsideviber.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/360"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/flipsideviber.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=532"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/flipsideviber.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=532"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/flipsideviber.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=532"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Strategies for Training Stubborn Dogs<\/h2>\n
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Tips For Training A Stubborn Dog<\/h2>\n
Remember; It\u2019s Never Too Late.<\/h2>\n
Stubborn Is Not A Bad Thing<\/h2>\n
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