Owning a dog is a deeply rewarding experience, but it can come with its share of challenges—especially when your furry companion happens to be one of the more stubborn breeds. While some dogs are naturally eager to please, others seem to enjoy pushing boundaries or pretending they didn’t hear your commands. But make no mistake: stubbornness in dogs is not a sign of low intelligence. In fact, many of the most “hard-headed” breeds are highly intelligent and simply more independent-minded.
Whether you’re working with a Bulldog, a Shiba Inu, a Dachshund, or a Basset Hound, this guide will help you better understand your dog’s behavior and offer effective, patience-preserving techniques to encourage cooperation and build trust.
Understanding Stubbornness in Dogs
The term “stubborn” is often misunderstood. Dogs aren’t being defiant out of spite—they’re responding to instincts, past experiences, or simply have a different motivation style than more compliant breeds.
Why Some Dogs Appear Stubborn
- Independent Working Background: Some breeds were bred to make decisions without human direction (e.g., hunting or guarding alone).
- Low Food Drive: Many dogs respond best to treats, but stubborn breeds may be picky or not motivated by food.
- Strong-Willed Temperament: Certain breeds have a dominant or self-reliant personality.
- Inconsistent Training: Mixed signals from humans cause confusion and non-compliance.
- Lack of Engagement: Intelligent dogs get bored with repetition or low-level challenges.
Understanding the why behind your dog’s resistance is the first step to solving the behavior.
Breeds Commonly Seen as Stubborn
Some of the most well-known stubborn breeds include:
- Bulldogs – Calm but often ignore commands unless highly motivated.
- Shiba Inus – Independent and cat-like; they resist control.
- Dachshunds – Bred to hunt solo; they don’t rely on human approval.
- Basset Hounds – Laid-back but easily distracted by scents.
- Akitas – Confident and dominant, but extremely loyal when respected.
- Chow Chows – Proud, aloof, and selective in their obedience.
Each of these breeds can be well-behaved, but they require a custom approach.
Rule #1: Don’t Take It Personally
Stubborn dogs aren’t being “bad” on purpose. If you get angry or impatient, your dog will pick up on your frustration, making the problem worse.
Instead of reacting emotionally:
- Take a deep breath.
- End the session calmly and try again later.
- Avoid yelling, yanking the leash, or using punishment-based tools.
Your patience and consistency will always be more effective than force.
Rule #2: Find the Right Motivation
Stubborn breeds often require higher-value rewards than typical dogs.
Experiment With Rewards:
- Food: Try meat-based treats, cheese, or peanut butter (in moderation).
- Toys: Some dogs will respond better to tug-of-war or squeaky toys than snacks.
- Praise and Play: Use excitement and affection when they get it right.
- Freedom: Reward with a walk, playtime, or off-leash time in a secure area.
Use your dog’s preferences to make training something they want to participate in.
Rule #3: Keep Sessions Short and Sweet
Many stubborn breeds also have short attention spans or get bored with repetition.
Make Training Fun:
- Train for 5–10 minutes at a time.
- End on a high note—after a success.
- Incorporate games like hide-and-seek or fetch with commands.
- Use real-life rewards: “Sit” before meals, “Wait” before going outside.
Training should feel like play—not work.
Rule #4: Be Consistent (Seriously)
Mixed signals confuse dogs and delay progress. Every family member must use the same commands, rules, and expectations.
Tips for Consistency:
- Create a list of approved commands and share it with everyone.
- Avoid changing the tone or phrasing.
- Stick to routine: same mealtimes, walk times, and training blocks.
- Don’t give in after your dog resists—they’ll learn persistence wins.
Consistency builds clarity—and clarity builds trust.
Rule #5: Avoid Power Struggles
Trying to dominate a strong-willed breed often leads to conflict, not respect. Alpha-based methods are outdated and can damage your relationship.
Instead:
- Use positive reinforcement to encourage cooperation.
- Avoid physical corrections or intimidation tactics.
- Build trust by rewarding calm, appropriate behavior.
- Be confident, not forceful.
A cooperative bond outperforms a dominant one every time.
Rule #6: Set Boundaries With Structure
Stubborn dogs often thrive in homes with clear structure. They feel more secure when they know what to expect.
Ideas to Build Structure:
- Establish house rules (no jumping on furniture, sit before going outside).
- Use crates or playpens when supervision isn’t possible.
- Feed and walk at consistent times.
- Teach impulse control games like “Leave it” or “Wait.”
Boundaries aren’t punishments—they’re pathways to calm, predictable behavior.
Rule #7: Practice Mental Stimulation
A bored dog is often a disobedient dog. Many stubborn breeds are also incredibly intelligent, which means they need brain workouts, not just walks.
Enrichment Ideas:
- Puzzle toys and feeders
- Scent work or nose games
- Learning new tricks regularly
- Interactive games like “Which hand?” or shell games
- Dog sports like agility, rally, or tracking
Stimulating the mind helps reduce frustration and encourages cooperation.
Rule #8: Know When to Ask for Help
Some dogs need professional guidance, and that’s okay. If your dog’s behavior is escalating or training is going nowhere, consider:
- Working with a certified positive reinforcement trainer
- Booking private lessons tailored to your dog’s breed and personality
- Joining a group class to add structure and distractions
- Consulting a veterinary behaviorist if medical or emotional issues may be involved
Training is a journey—sometimes you just need a guide.
Final Thoughts: Patience Builds Partnership
Stubborn dogs aren’t broken—they’re just built differently. With the right mindset, tools, and strategy, you can transform daily power struggles into meaningful progress. It takes time, consistency, and emotional control—but the bond that forms when a strong-willed dog chooses to trust and work with you is incredibly powerful.
Stay calm. Be creative. And celebrate small victories. Because with the right approach, even the most stubborn dog can become a loyal, respectful, and joyful companion.
