We’ve all seen it: You call your dog’s name, pat your thigh, and enthusiastically say “Come!”—only to be met with a blank stare or, worse, a casual stroll in the opposite direction. If your dog seems to have selective hearing, you’re not alone. Some dogs are simply more headstrong than others. But here’s the good news: stubborn doesn’t mean untrainable. It just means you need to outsmart them—kindly, of course.
Let’s break down what really works when it feels like your pup is ignoring your every command.
1. Rethink “Stubborn” Behavior
Before labeling your dog as “difficult,” consider the root cause. Dogs don’t defy you out of spite—they may be distracted, confused, under-stimulated, or unsure of what you want. A tired, unmotivated, or fearful dog might appear stubborn but is actually struggling to understand the command or situation.
Pro tip: Watch your tone, body language, and timing. Your dog might need clearer signals, not louder ones.
2. Use High-Value Rewards
When your dog tunes you out, it’s often because the reward isn’t worth their effort. Kibble won’t cut it for a strong-willed pup who knows there’s chicken in the fridge. Use irresistible treats—small bits of cheese, hot dog, freeze-dried liver—to capture and hold their attention.
Pair this with enthusiastic praise or their favorite toy. The more exciting the reward, the more motivated they’ll be to repeat good behavior.
3. Keep Sessions Short and Positive
Stubborn dogs often get overwhelmed or bored with long training sessions. Aim for 5–10 minutes of focused work, a few times per day. End each session on a high note, even if progress is small. This builds confidence and keeps your dog looking forward to future training.
Example: If your dog struggles with “sit,” mark even a partial movement at first and gradually raise the bar. Success breeds motivation.
4. Stay Consistent With Commands
Stubborn dogs thrive on consistency. If you sometimes allow jumping and other times scold it, your pup will get mixed messages and ignore corrections. Pick one version of each command—don’t alternate between “Down,” “Lay,” and “Lie down.”
Tip: Get everyone in the household on the same page. Mixed signals slow training and confuse your dog.
5. Build a Strong Bond First
Training a dog isn’t just about discipline—it’s about relationship. A dog who trusts you and enjoys your company is more likely to listen and respond. Spend time playing, walking, and just hanging out. Make yourself the most interesting part of their world.
Struggling with recall? Practice calling your dog from room to room, rewarding heavily each time. Eventually, they’ll run to you like it’s the best game ever.
Bonus Tip: Seek Professional Support (No Shame!)
If you’re stuck in a loop of frustration, consider working with a positive-reinforcement-based trainer. They can help identify your dog’s unique learning style and tweak your techniques accordingly. Every dog can learn—it’s about finding the right motivator and method.
Final Thoughts
Training a stubborn dog can be exhausting—but it’s also one of the most rewarding journeys in dog ownership. With patience, creativity, and a sense of humor, you’ll start seeing progress that feels like magic. Remember: your dog isn’t giving you a hard time—they’re having a hard time. Show up with compassion, and they’ll show up with results.
