Dogs are NOT stubborn, this is a human trait we use to describe our dogs. The word stubborn is defined as “having or showing determination not to change one’s attitude or position on something, especially in spite of good arguments or reasons to do so.
Not being willing to change one’s attitude in spite of good arguments and reasons doesn’t sound like something a dog would do, right?
When was the last time you were having a discussion based on arguments and reasoning with your dog? Never.
When we describe our dog as stubborn, we are implying that they have some sort of inherent viewpoint, and are reluctant to change it despite evidence that it would be smart to.
This is however not how canine mind works: they operate nearly exclusively on an event – consequence level. Dogs have no sense of pride that will prevent them from changing their behavior. Especially because they gain some sort of innate satisfaction from being insistent on their original opinion. If your dog is not changing their behavior to the one we’d like them to display, it is a reflection on how we are training them. Are Dogs Actually Stubborn?
Examples of “Stubborn” Dogs
Dog Pulling on Leash
Pulling is a self rewarding behavior, the more they pull the more they will do it. By reinforcing loose leash walking with markers, treats and praise we can eliminate this behavior. When owners say “I have tried everything my dog just won’t stop pulling on leash”. Try re-evaluating the timing of your marker and the rewards used. Most likely the problem isn’t your dog being stubborn it is in fact the owner not clearly communicating to their dog what they expect and labeling them as Stubborn instead as an excuse to not address the problem behavior.
Dog Doesn’t Sit When asked
Client states: “My dog won’t sit when asked he is so stubborn”
I replied “ How did you train him to sit?”
“By saying Fido, Sit”
“ And then he did not sit? So then what did you do?”
“I said NO, SIT”
Your dog is not “stubborn” they simply do not understanding what is being asked of them.
Training them through actions is the best approach when training your dog. Dogs are visual learners; they need physical cues (body behavior) to understand what is happening. Start by luring them with a treat in your closed hand and at their nose, slowly go up and back while keeping it at their nose. The moment their but hits the ground, mark with yes and reward. Repeat as needed. Find a visual How To Train SIT on my YouTube Channel. Once this clear, consistent communication is used your dog will no longer be “stubborn”.
Dog doesn’t Come when Called
There are always those owners who try to recall their dog when they are leaving the dog park or simply calling them inside. The owner typically gets more frustrated with each breath they take. They may even start chasing the dog, which now thinks it’s more of a game and plays keep away. Although as humans our first response is thinking that dog is a little shit or so annoying and some even laugh it off. Recall is a safety cue used in emergency situations only. By playing keep away the dog gets to play longer with his friends.
High value rewards for Amazing Recalls. Even if this is simply kissing and loving on your dog for 2 minutes straight. When you simply grab them and clip and walk away you are not marking the behavior you want. So your dog has no idea what they did and that’s a good thing.
Training a recall takes up to 2 years to perfect in any environment and even then there is no 100% guarantee that they will come. So make the times they do come over the top so they want to come back to you, even if there is a squirrel over there.
Mark any behaviors you WANT and IGNORE ones you don’t. It’s that simple. Remember your dog isn’t being stubborn; they are simply unaware of what is being asked of them.
If you are struggling with your dog please Contact me today!
Happy Training!,
Chelsea & Aussie