Stubborn Dogs Breeds and How to Train Them

Training a stubborn dog breed requires patience and persistence. Some breeds are more resistant to training due to their independent nature, such as the Bulldog, which can be challenging to housebreak.

A Bulldog's strong will can be attributed to its history as a fighting dog, where stubbornness was a valuable trait. This breed's short attention span also makes training sessions need to be short and engaging.

The Shetland Sheepdog is another breed known for its strong will, often requiring more time and effort to train. With consistent and positive reinforcement, however, even the most stubborn dogs can learn to obey basic commands.

Some breeds are notoriously difficult to train, and it's not just about being stubborn. The Bull Terrier, for example, is known for its strong personality and determination, requiring firm and consistent training.

The Jack Russell Terrier is often cited as one of the most difficult breeds to housetrain, with some owners describing them as "stubborn dogs out there."

If this caught your attention, see: Training a Stubborn Dog

English Bulldogs, on the other hand, are known for their independent nature and can be slow to pick up toilet training, requiring consistency, vigilance, and positive reinforcement.

Here are some of the most stubborn dog breeds:

These breeds require a patient and consistent approach to training, and owners should be prepared to put in the time and effort to help them learn.

Chow Chows are strong-willed and aloof, making them wary of strangers.

They require extensive socialization to feel comfortable around new people.

Chow Chows need firmness, consistency, and reinforcement when training.

Early socialization and obedience training are crucial for this breed.

Chow Chows can be stubborn to train if they're not properly socialized and trained from an early age.

Dalmatians are energetic and intelligent dogs, but they can also be headstrong and stubborn.

Consistent training is a must for Dalmatians, and early socialization is just as important to help them develop good behavior.

Positive reinforcement combined with mental stimulation will help keep them focused and engaged.

Shiba Inus are known for their strong-willed nature and independent thinking.

Training a Shiba Inu requires reinforcement, consistency, and firmness.

The Bull Terrier is a robust breed that can be one of the hardest dogs to train. They have a strong personality and determination, making them stubborn and willful.

Their egg-shaped head and small, triangular eyes give them a good-humored appearance, but don't let that fool you - they require firm and consistent training. Positive reinforcement methods, such as using rewards and praise, are crucial for their development.

Early socialization and obedience training are essential to mold their behavior positively, and it's not uncommon for them to test boundaries. But with patience and persistence, you can shape their behavior and create a strong bond with your Bull Terrier.

Here are some key characteristics of the Bull Terrier breed:

If you're considering bringing a Bull Terrier into your family, be prepared for a challenge - but also be rewarded with a loyal and loving companion.

The Norwich Terrier is a breed that can be quite challenging to potty train. They're eager to please, but toilet training can be tough when they're not motivated.

These little dogs require consistent and patient training, as they can be easily distracted. Their independent nature doesn't make them the most receptive to commands.

Their small size belies their strong will, making them a handful for inexperienced dog owners. Consistent reinforcement and positive reinforcement techniques can help overcome their stubbornness.

Some breeds are more challenging to train than others. The Norfolk Terrier can be stubborn and difficult to housetrain.

Crate training is recommended for these dogs. Norwich Terriers are also known to be finicky, making training difficult when not properly motivated.

With patience and positive reinforcement, even the most stubborn breeds can learn to behave.

Afghan Hounds can be a bit stubborn when it comes to training due to their independent nature and aloof demeanor.

Their strong hunting instincts make them require dedicated training and a gentle, reinforcement-based approach. Consistency is key to a successful training process.

Afghan Hounds can be difficult to potty train, but positive methods always have the best results.

Building a strong bond with your Afghan Hound is crucial for a successful and properly trained dog.

Norfolk Terriers can be stubborn and difficult to housetrain, which is why crate training is recommended to help with this process.

They're eager to please, but training can be challenging if they're not properly motivated.

You'll need to find ways to keep them engaged and interested in the training process.

With patience and consistency, you can overcome their independent nature and help them learn good habits.

It's essential to remember that Norfolk Terriers mature slowly, and they may not take training seriously until they're a bit older.

Crate training can be a helpful tool in this process, as it provides a safe and comfortable space for them to learn and grow.

By using positive reinforcement and gentle guidance, you can help your Norfolk Terrier become a well-behaved and well-trained companion.

American Foxhounds are notoriously independent and can be wayward, making this pup one of the hardest breeds to potty train.

They require a lot of patience and consistency, especially during housebreaking. Training and housebreaking these independent souls can be a steep challenge for novice owners.

Additional motivation, such as high-value treats or toys, may be necessary to keep them engaged and motivated during training.

A structured training routine is essential to help them stay focused and on track.

Pomeranians are known for being people pleasers, but their independent personalities can make training a challenge. Their small bladders can't hold it for long, making accidents a common issue.

Housebreaking a Pomeranian requires consistency and patience. It's essential to establish a routine and stick to it to help them learn.

Their small size means they can't hold it for long periods, so frequent potty breaks are a must. This can be tiring for owners, but it's crucial for successful housebreaking.

Some dog breeds are harder to potty train due to their stubborn and lazy nature, making them seem more challenging than others. Companion breeds, in particular, can be more difficult to train.

Consistency is key when training a stubborn dog. Using a consistent set of cues or commands and offering consistent rewards makes it more likely that your dog will do what he's asked to do. This can help prevent confusion and misbehavior.

Punishment is not an effective training method, as it increases anxiety and undermines your dog's trust in you. Instead, opt for reward-based training tactics that focus on giving your dog things he desires, such as treats, petting, and play, when he responds to a command in the desired manner.

Age makes a difference in dog training, and it's essential to consider this when teaching your furry friend. Puppies between 10-12 weeks old can be a huge success or disaster in training, depending on the training regime and owner's expectations.

A puppy's short attention span at this age means they need a training program that takes into account their limitations. For example, a program that requires focus for longer than they can handle will be more likely to end in frustration.

Puppies also have concentration problems when they're teething, usually between 4 1/2 and 5 months old. This can make training a bit more challenging, but it doesn't mean they can't be trained.

Teenage dogs, typically between 9-14 months old, can be tough to train due to their transition from puppyhood to adulthood. Some may have a harder time than others, just like human teenagers.

However, training is still possible during this stage, and guidance is essential. Adult dogs, on the other hand, are usually easy to train, especially if they were introduced to training early in their lives.

The owner makes the biggest difference in a dog's training. Consistency is key, so make sure everyone who interacts with your dog uses the same cues and rewards.

Punishment can actually increase anxiety and undermine trust, making training more challenging. Instead, focus on reward-based training tactics that give your dog things they desire, like treats and praise.

The type of rewards you use matters too. Different dogs value different things, so figure out what your dog loves most and offer that in return for good behavior. For example, some dogs go crazy for special treats like Covetrus NutriSential Lean Treats for Dogs, which are only seven calories per piece.

Training should be a habit, not a once-a-day event. Engage your dog in short training sessions throughout the day to reinforce wanted behavior. This can be as simple as asking your dog to sit or down and rewarding their success with treats, play, or petting.

If you're struggling with training or notice signs of aggression or excessive fear, don't hesitate to get help. Talk to your veterinarian for guidance on finding a reward-based trainer or veterinary behaviorist in your area.

Here are some key takeaways to remember:

Some dog breeds are notoriously hard to train, and it's essential to know what to expect. The 24 Hardest Dog Breeds To Potty Train list is a great resource for pet owners.

Every puppy is different, and some breeds are more challenging than others. Companion breeds, in particular, can be stubborn and lazy, making potty training more difficult.

Punishment is never the answer when training a dog, as it increases anxiety and undermines trust. Instead, opt for reward-based training tactics that focus on giving the dog things he desires.

Consistency is key when training a stubborn dog. Make sure everyone who spends time with your dog uses the same set of cues or commands and offers consistent rewards.

Some dogs value different things, so it's crucial to figure out what your dog loves most and offer that in return for good behavior. Low-calorie treats like Covetrus NutriSential Lean Treats for Dogs can be a great option.

Here are some dog breeds that are commonly known to be challenging to train:

Some dog breeds are notoriously hard to train, and it's not just because they're stubborn or lazy. Companion breeds, in particular, can be challenging to potty train due to their independent nature.

Potty training requires patience, sympathy, and kindness, and every puppy is different, so it's essential to use positive reinforcement training methods. No puppy is born already potty trained, and quite a bit of training is required regardless of the pup's breed.

Some dog breeds, like the Havanese, can be particularly difficult to potty train, especially when they're young. A 3-month-old Havanese puppy may require extra attention and training to learn good habits.

Companion breeds, including the Sheltie and Pomeranian mix, can be stubborn and lazy, making them harder to potty train. An owner of a Sheltie/Pomeranian mix dog mentioned that their dog has an attitude and is difficult to train.

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It's not just about the breed; individual personalities and temperaments play a significant role in training. A 3-year-old Yellow American Lab named Ella Rose, for example, is food-motivated and can be challenging to train, but she's made great progress with positive reinforcement.

Here are some common characteristics of hard-to-train breeds:

Every dog is unique, and what works for one breed may not work for another. By understanding the characteristics of your breed and being patient, sympathetic, and kind, you can develop a successful training plan that suits your dog's needs.