As a dog owner, have you ever felt like your furry friend has mastered the art of selective hearing when it comes to obeying your commands? If you’ve ever wondered, “Why is my dog so stubborn?” you’re not alone. Many dog owners face the same challenge when their dog doesn’t seem to listen.

In this post, we’ll discuss the real reasons behind this behavior and how you can improve communication with your dog to resolve these issues. So, keep reading!

What Does It Mean When a Dog Is Stubborn? 

When people refer to their furry friend as “Stubborn,” it usually means that their dog is not following their commands. Which can be very frustrating for any dog owner

But is your dog doing that on purpose? Or is there some other problem? Well, the answer is clear: what people call stubbornness is a sign of confusion, fear, excitement, and some other reasons.

Main Reasons Why Your Dog is Stubborn

Reason#1: Lack of Proper Training

Training is always necessary if you are a dog owner. There are many cases in which dog owners say that their dog is stubborn, but actually, it is because of improper training.

Without regular training sessions, your pet will not learn what you want it to do on your command, leading to confusion. For example, if a dog is not trained consistently to “sit,” they may hesitate or ignore the command. What is seen as stubbornness is simply a lack of understanding.

Reason#2: Genetics and Breed 

I am sure you have heard the proverb “Five fingers are not equal.” It applies to every living thing on earth, from people to animals and birds. Genetics and breeds can play a significant role in what may be called as stubbornness in dogs.

The breed of your dog plays a big role in their behavior. Some breeds are by nature more self-reliant or independent than others. Certain breeds, such as Akita, Shiba Inu, Husky, etc have a reputation for being more independent due to their heritage as hunters or independent workers. Their innate tendencies may cause them to appear less motivated to obey orders.

Reason#3: Environmental Distractions

Have you ever been distracted on the road by a fight breaking down or other fun activity? I am sure you have because it is human nature to get distracted by exciting or unusual events. Dogs are not so different from us; they also get sidetracked by the sounds, smells, and new activities around them.

It is challenging for your furry friends to focus on your commands, especially when something more stimulating surrounds them. It is not like they are ignoring you; they just get distracted easily. You must give them more time and daily training sessions to focus on your commands.

Reason#4: Your Dog is Scared

When your dog is scared or afraid of things like loud noises, new places, unfamiliar people, or sudden movements, it can appear stubborn but is nervous, so it ignores your commands.

How to Address Stubborn Behavior of Dog

The most common and effective ways are:

Reward Your Dog: The most useful and effective way is by rewarding your dog with treats when it listens to your command. This encourages good behavior and makes them want to follow your commands.
I also mostly used this method to convert my stubborn dog to an obedient one.

Understand Their Feelings: If your dog seems scared or nervous, try to figure out what’s bothering them. Comfort them and give them time to relax.

Create a Routine: Dogs thrive on routine. Set regular times for walks, play, and training.

Practice Patience: Change takes time. Keep practicing with your dog every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Be patient and celebrate small wins.

When to Contact a Professional?

Despite all your efforts, your dog still isn’t obeying you, and you might be left asking the question: Why Is My Dog So Stubborn? It’s important to think about whether there might be a medical issue affecting their behavior.

If your dog is in pain or feels uncomfortable, they may seem stubborn because they don’t want to move or follow your commands. Conditions like joint pain, digestive issues, or even diarrhea can lead to discomfort that makes your dog hesitant to cooperate.

If you’ve tried different training techniques without any luck, reaching out to a professional can be a great idea. A veterinarian or dog trainer can figure out what exactly is making your dog stubborn and help address any underlying health issues.

Conclusion

As no child can be entirely intelligent or foolish, no dog can be completely stubborn or obedient. This statement implies that behavior is not absolute it is influenced by the dog’s surroundings and how it got trained.

To build a strong bond with your furry friend, spend quality time playing and training together. Make them physically and emotionally strong by incorporating regular walks and training sessions into your routine.

Remember, training a dog especially a stubborn one requires consistency and patience.

If you find yourself struggling, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.

Share your experiences or questions in the comments below; we’d love to hear from you!

FAQs

How do I encourage my stubborn dog to follow commands?
Positive reinforcement is key. Use treats, praise, or toys to reward your dog when they follow commands. This will motivate them to listen more often and associate commands with something positive.

At what age do dogs seem to be more stubborn?
Dogs often become more stubborn during their adolescent phase, which typically occurs between 6 months to 2 years old. During this period, they test boundaries and may ignore commands as they explore their independence.

Should I use punishment to train a stubborn dog?
Using punishment is not recommended, as it can damage the relationship between you and your dog and may lead to fear or aggression. Instead, focus on rewarding good behavior and redirecting unwanted actions with patience and positive reinforcement.

How important is consistency in training a stubborn dog?

When training a stubborn dog consistency is very much important. If you’re inconsistent—sometimes allowing certain behaviors and other times not—it can confuse the dog, making training harder and slower. When you stick to a routine and use the same commands, rewards, and corrections every time, your dog learns faster.