How to Train a Stubborn Dog: Breaking Through Resistance

Sometimes, I make training a dog sound easy. But the truth is there are difficult to train dogs—no matter how many dog bones you give them. Some K9s are less responsive. They're distractible, unmotivated by food, or downright stubborn. And they're also very trainable, fiercely loyal, and so loveable. So, today, I want to share how to train a stubborn dog.

The other day, as I walked Bruno through the neighborhood, we ran into my neighbor, Ana, with her highly independent Shiba Inu, Mochi. Ana looked exasperated as she tried unsuccessfully to get Mochi to sit as we approached. I could tell they'd been practicing. Ana wanted to show off Mochi's new skills. But it didn't work out as she planned.

Training a stubborn dog is like running a marathon with no finish line. You feel like you're making progress, and then they decide to prove you wrong—in front of your friends. But with patience, strategy, and the right motivation (hello, delicious treats!), it’s entirely possible.

Why Are Some Dogs So Stubborn?

Stubborn dogs aren’t “bad.” They're independent! Just like humans, dogs have personalities. And some breeds share a strong-willed nature.

Shibu Inus, Beagles, and Dachshunds often get this "stubborn" label. What do these dog breeds have in common?

They were bred to be hunting dogs. They have to think and outsmart prey. They race ahead of their people, corner an animal, and then wait for the slow humans to catch up.

They're less inclined to follow commands like come or stay because they "know better". Why are their silly humans trying to stop them from doing their job?

Then, there are Saint Bernards and English Bulldogs. They get labeled as unmotivated and unmoving.

Saint Bernards were bred as mountain rescue dogs. That slow, mild manner allows them to support and comfort the lost or injured. English Bulldogs were bred to stand their ground against bulls. American Bullies and "Pit Bulls" descend from this breed.

If that dog is going to stand up to a bull, what hope do I have to get them to move?

Most dogs out there are mixes like my lab mix, Bruno. So, chances are your pup has some of these traits in its bloodline, which may make it more difficult to train dogs.

The good news is that these are working dogs. That means dog training for stubborn breeds is possible.

How to Train a Stubborn Dog

1. Patience Is Vital

Training a stubborn dog is a marathon, not a sprint. Progress might be slow, but celebrate every little victory. Mochi, for example, didn’t sit on command in public because she was always looking for an animal to corner. I encouraged Ana to practice with Mochi in a less distracting environment and slowly increase the distraction level. If they struggle with the new level after several tries, go back a level.

So, practice in your home > a fenced backyard > park on a leash in a relatively isolated public space like a park during off hours > Off leash.

Only after mastering each step could Mochi progress.

Remember, frustration won’t help your dog learn—it will only make them shut down. Take deep breaths and keep your cool.

2. Train with Positive Reinforcement

Dogs respond best to positive reinforcement training, not punishment. When training stubborn breeds, the reward needs to be irresistible. My go-to for Bruno? High-value dog treats like single-ingredient beef lung bites. They’re healthy, easy to break into small pieces, and Bruno will do anything for one.

But positive reinforcement doesn’t just mean treats. Use plenty of praise, belly rubs, playtime, and dog bone chew time as rewards. The key is making good behavior feel like they just hit the jackpot. They build positive feelings around performing commands.

Their trust that you're not trying to "keep them from doing their job" grows. And they begin to understand and adapt.

3. Break Tasks Into Small Steps

Let's say your dog isn't responding to "stay". Instead of expecting a full stay from across the room, break it into manageable chunks. Stay close to them. Take a step away and say {their name}, Stay. If they stay for even 1-2 seconds, reward them with an irresistible dog treat, praise, and pets.

Gradually increase the distance and the duration you expect them to stay to get a tasty treat they love.

Taking it a step at a time, helps you—and them—not feel overwhelmed or confused about why you suddenly want them to stay away from you.

Put yourself in their doggy shoes. Imagine how rejecting the "stay" command would feel if someone who always wanted you by their side suddenly told you to stay away. These baby steps, followed by a reward, communicate a different message.

4. Be Consistent with Commands

All dogs need consistency, but for difficult to train dogs, it's especially true. Dog training for stubborn breeds requires an extra level of mindfulness on your part and a few more treats and dog bones.

Use the same word and tone for each command every time. For instance, if you’re teaching “sit,” don’t switch between “sit” and “down.” Or say "sit down" if they don't respond.

Don't let agitation creep into your voice as you continue to say it. Same word. Same tone. Eventually, the tone won't matter quite as much, and a stranger can say "sit," and they'll do it. They've learned what the word itself means. But when training, the tone really matters.

Consistency eliminates confusion. It's like drawing a straight line from point A to point B versus an erratic squiggle.

5. Find Their Motivation

Not all dogs are food-driven. Some prefer toys, playtime, or even verbal praise. Experiment to find what motivates your dog the most. For stubborn pups like Mochi, a squeaky toy might work better than a treat.

In this video, Amanda shares how she works with non-food-motivated dogs.

6. Use Short, Focused Training Sessions

Stubborn dogs often have short attention spans. Keep training sessions brief—around 5-10 minutes—and focus on one command at a time.

End on a positive note, even if it’s just getting them to sit for a second. If they're trying to learn something new and just not getting it, go back to something they know. Let them nail it. Reward them. And then stop the session.

You're making sure the last memory of training is a good one. This will make them more eager to train next time. This is how to train a stubborn dog.

7. Incorporate Mental Stimulation

A lot of dog behavior problems and solutions come down to boredom and anxiety from lack of mental stimulation, So, addressing these is key to dog training for stubborn breeds.

Scheduling a dog bone chewing session 2-3 times a week is a great way to deliver these benefits. When you give a dog a marrow-filled dog bone, you're giving them a single-ingredient, super-nutritious dog puzzle toy. They lick, and chew, and paw, and flip the bone trying to get the marrow out.

It's instinct!

Mentally stimulated dogs feel safe and well. They learn to trust you more because you give them good things. As a result, they're more open to training.

If you'd like to learn how to train a stubborn dog with positive reinforcement like the pros do, I invite you to view this Free 7-Day Dog Training Challenge in your spare time.

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