9 Tips to Successfully Train Your Stubborn Dog
Standing in the backyard, treat in hand, repeating “sit” for the hundredth time while your dog stares at a squirrel like you don’t exist? Yeah. Been there.
Here’s the good news: stubborn doesn’t mean untrainable. It just means your current approach needs a tune-up.
Below are nine tips that turned my own headstrong pup from a total rebel into a dog that actually listens — even with distractions around.
Let’s dig in.
“Stubborn dogs aren’t trying to make your life harder — they just need more clarity, consistency, and motivation.”
1. Start With the Basics — and Nail Them
Before you try teaching fancy tricks, make sure your dog reliably responds to the simple stuff first.
These four commands are your entire foundation:
- “Sit” — the easiest win to build confidence
- “Stay” — teaches impulse control
- “Come” — the one that keeps them safe
- “Leave it” — stops trouble before it starts
Start in a quiet room, away from distractions, so your dog can actually focus.
Once they’ve got the basics locked in, slowly add distractions — the backyard, then the park — so they learn to listen anywhere, not just in the living room.
Basics down? Now let’s talk about what actually motivates a stubborn dog.
2. Use What They Love as Motivation
Some dogs will do backflips for a piece of chicken. Others light up the second they hear a squeaky toy.
Your job is to figure out what gets your dog going — that’s your secret weapon.
3. Keep Sessions Short and Positive
Stubborn dogs often have short attention spans. Long, dragging sessions just lead to frustration — for both of you.
10–15 min
The sweet spot for a training session, a few times a day
If your dog starts zoning out, don’t push. End on a good note and try again later.
Training should feel like a game, not a chore.
4. Be Consistent — Like, Religiously
Here’s one of the biggest mistakes I see: switching up your words.
Say “down” one day and “lie down” the next, and your dog has no idea what you want.
Consistency sets the rules. Now here’s how to reinforce them.
5. Reward the Good, Ignore the Bad
Positive reinforcement beats punishment — especially with strong-willed dogs.
Get the timing right and you’ll see progress fast:
Pros
Do this
- Reward the instant your dog gets it right
- Reset calmly and try again when they miss
- Keep your energy upbeat and encouraging
Cons
Skip this
- Scolding or yelling when they don’t listen
- Harsh corrections that make them shut down
- Waiting too long to reward — they won’t connect it
Remember: a stubborn dog that shuts down learns nothing. Keep it positive.
6. Use Tools Wisely
Clickers and training whistles can be genuinely helpful — when used right.
I love a clicker because it marks the exact moment my dog nails a command. Click, then treat.
Over time, that little “click” becomes a crystal-clear signal: you got it right.
7. Be Patient — Even When It’s Tough
Training a headstrong dog takes time. Some days it’ll feel like you’re getting nowhere.
But trust me — every small win counts.
“Dogs can feel our frustration — and stubborn ones will push back even harder if they sense tension.”
Stay calm. Keep showing up. Celebrate the little improvements.
8. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
If you feel stuck, a professional trainer can be a total game-changer.
They’ll spot things you’d never notice and build strategies tailored to your dog’s personality.
I’ve worked with trainers myself — and it boosted not just my dog’s behavior, but my own confidence too.
Quick poll
What’s the toughest part of training your dog?
Let’s tie it all together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Often it’s the second one. Many “stubborn” dogs simply haven’t had clear, consistent training — or the rewards weren’t motivating enough. Nail the basics with high-value treats and you’ll usually see the “stubbornness” fade.
There’s no fixed timeline — it depends on the dog, your consistency, and how often you practice. Short daily sessions add up fast. Focus on small wins rather than a finish line, and progress will come.
No. Harsh corrections can make a stubborn dog shut down completely and stop trying. Reward what you want to see and calmly reset when they miss. Positive reinforcement works far better.
Aim for 10–15 minutes, a few times a day. Stubborn dogs tend to have short attention spans, so short and frequent beats long and draining every time.
Not required, but it helps. A clicker marks the exact moment your dog gets it right, which speeds up learning. If you don’t have one, a consistent marker word like “yes!” works too.
If you feel stuck, frustrated, or you’re not seeing any progress, it’s worth it. A good trainer spots blind spots and gives you a custom plan — and often boosts your confidence as much as your dog’s behavior.
Sviatoslav Oleksiv founded The Pets and Love in 2019. A lifelong pet owner and Rhodesian Ridgeback enthusiast, he writes and edits our guides to help fellow pet parents give their animals the best care.
Every guide follows our editorial standards. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice — always consult a licensed veterinarian about your pet's health.