Do you find it difficult to train your dog? Do you repeat commands multiple times without a response? It might seem like your dog isn’t listening or is deliberately disobeying. But is your dog really stubborn?
Understanding “Stubbornness” in Dogs
Often, what we interpret as stubbornness in dogs can be due to other factors. A dog labeled as stubborn might be displaying behaviors such as ignoring commands, refusing to come when called, or only responding after repeated cues. This behavior can appear deliberate, but it’s rarely a sign of willful disobedience.
Dogs don’t act out of stubbornness; they act based on their understanding of the situation and their experiences. If your dog doesn’t respond to a command, it could be due to a lack of understanding or motivation. For example, if coming when called means leaving a fun environment like a dog park, your dog might choose to ignore the command because the alternative is more rewarding.
In essence, your dog’s behavior is guided by what is most beneficial or enjoyable to them. They need clear incentives to follow commands, much like how people need compensation for their work. Training should focus on teaching your dog not only what to do but why it’s worth their effort.
Which Breeds Are Considered “Stubborn”?
Certain breeds are often labeled as stubborn, such as the Afghan Hound, Parson Russell Terrier, Siberian Husky, and American Bulldog. These breeds are sometimes more challenging to train, but it’s not about stubbornness. Instead, these dogs might be more independent or easily distracted. For example, Bloodhounds are driven by their sense of smell, while terriers are known for their strong-willed nature due to their historical roles.
This perceived stubbornness is often a reflection of a breed’s trainability rather than a true inclination to disobey. Studies have shown that breeds developed for herding or sporting tend to be more trainable because they’ve been bred to work closely with humans. On the other hand, breeds developed for independent tasks may require more effort and patience in training.
If you’re struggling with a less trainable breed, it doesn’t mean you’re out of options. It just means you may need to put in extra work to motivate and teach your dog effectively.
Troubleshooting Training Challenges
1. Are Your Expectations Realistic?
Make sure your dog understands what you’re asking before expecting perfect responses. Just like learning a new language, dogs need time and clear instructions to grasp commands. Repeated cues can lose their meaning if they’re not consistently rewarded or if the dog has learned to wait for several repetitions.
2. Is Your Dog Engaged?
Ensure your dog is paying attention and motivated. Use a “watch me” cue to focus their attention and adjust the frequency and quality of rewards. If your dog finds more excitement in the environment than in your rewards, you need to increase the value and frequency of your reinforcement. Additionally, ensure the training environment matches the level of distraction your dog can handle.
3. Is Your Dog Distracted?
Training in a controlled environment and gradually increasing distractions can help your dog focus better. If your dog struggles with distractions, start with minimal interruptions and build up to more challenging situations.
4. Are You or Your Dog Frustrated?
Frustration can impact both you and your dog’s ability to train effectively. Ensure interactions remain positive and enjoyable. If you’re feeling stressed or your dog seems frustrated, take a break and return to training with a fresh mindset.
By addressing these factors, you can improve your dog’s responsiveness and create a more effective training experience for both of you.
