Tips for Training a Stubborn Dog
Training a dog is a frustrating process, often greatly, but it’s important to know that you aren’t on your own and there is help for you if and when you need it.
Owners that don’t seek or refuse to seek help are the ones who often end up giving up their dogs. This is why it is so important not to give up. Even the most challenging dogs can be turned into good pets. It just might take seeking help or a change in your training style and routine.
It’s also important to remember that dogs who don’t listen also aren’t necessarily bad dogs. Dog behavior is just different than human behavior. And your expectations for how you think your dog should act may not immediately come to fruition. Changing your dog’s behavior as well as your expectations will take time and effort.
And when things are going poorly, you don’t necessarily have to abandon every training strategy you’ve been using. Sometimes a small tweak can make a huge difference. This is where the help of a professional can be especially handy.
Below are a few things you can do to help with training your stubborn dog.
Baby steps are key. Your expectations as a dog owner will often determine how well the training will go. When it comes to difficult dogs, make sure you stick with the things that seem to work, and begin to reward even small improvements or successes. Really drill into your dog that training is good, and only change your training routine one item at a time. If your training is too hard, your dog will give up, and so will you, so take it slow!
Do what you can to help your dog focus when you are training. You don’t want to start training out in the dog park surrounded by other dogs. Rather, try a quiet area in your home. Put away toys or anything else that may distract your dog. If you do go outside, keep your dog on a leash or in a fenced-in area.
This goes along with not changing too much of your dog’s routine. Keeping a consistent training regimen is what really drills in what you’re trying to teach to your dog. If you are constantly switching up your training techniques and cues, you will only confuse the animal. If you have other family members, make sure everyone is training the dog in the exact same way. Confusion will only lead to stubbornness!
We understand that a dog who doesn’t listen to your training can be frustrating, but punishing your dog will only make things worse. Punishment can increase anxiety and lead to a higher risk of aggression, as well as make your dog lose trust in you. You should instead go with training that is reward based, and focus on positive reinforcement. Rather than punish your dog when he does something wrong, redirect him to a good behavior and then reward him for that.
Make sure your dog actually enjoys the rewards you are giving him. This means tasty treats that your dog craves and the attention he desires. You shouldn’t feel like you are rewarding your dog too much during training, positive reinforcement is the way to go! Just choose healthy and small portions if you are constantly feeding him treats.
You shouldn’t think of training as something you do every now and again. It should become a part of you and your dog’s daily routine. Engage your dog in training sessions as much as you can throughout a day. Give your dog frequent attention, and training should go more smoothly.
The best way to ensure you’re giving your dog the best possible training program is to seek the help of an expert. This is especially true if your dog is displaying aggressive behavior or showing excessive signs of fear. A canine behavior professional will be able to help you come up with a training program suited to your particular breed of dog.
The 20 Hardest Dog Breeds to Train:
The Alaskan Malamute is famous for being one of the oldest known sled dogs used in the Arctic for maybe as long as 4,000 years ago. They are known for being playful, devoted, and affectionate dogs but their intelligence and stubbornness might interfere with training. Malamutes have a mind of their own, so persistent and patient training will work best for these beautiful dogs.
George Washington had a hand in creating the American Foxhound, an easygoing, sweet-natured, and low-maintenance dog. However, they are also independent and stubborn dogs and might do best for you to enroll them in obedience classes. They are also high-energy dogs that will become destructive and quite vocal if bored and not exercised enough. Patience and persistence are necessary components for training the American Foxhound.