Go slowly. Start by working with your dog on favorite or familiar behaviors. Create a positive association with training by rewarding even minor successes. Once your dog understands that training is a good thing, take small steps: Change only one variable at a time.
In dogs, stubborn typically means difficult to train. Breeds genetically predisposed to be independent, headstrong and highly active may exhibit stubborn traits. Some were bred to be hunters, so their high prey drive and scent-tracking instincts deter them from following commands.
Some reasons dogs don't come when called include distraction, confusion, or fear. Gradual training and positivity are ways to help build a reliable recall so your dog will come when called.
Start by making sure your dog can follow a command with no distractions. Then, work on the command with people in the environment talking, eating, engaging with each other. Then, work on the command out in the yard and start with minimal distractions and work up to more significant distractions.
Yelling at your dog does not work because it will just get him more stressed or it will only increase his energy level and how excited he is about the situation. Instead, your Bark Busters dog trainer can teach you how to use a calm yet firm voice to refocus your dog and to teach the desired behavior.
Many experts agree that the most challenging time is between the ages of 8 months to about 18 months.
Change behavior through positive reinforcement
When your pet dog shows undesirable behavior traits, you can do one of 3 things to practice positive reinforcement and retrain the behavior: redirect him. ignore him. give him a time-out (i.e. restrict his freedom for a time)
New research from a team of UK universities has shown that dogs do go through a rebellious adolescent phase, and they can be just as obstinate as human teens as they navigate fluctuating hormones and push for a bit of independence.
If you catch your puppy misbehaving, try a loud noise such as clapping your hands or a loud "uh-uh" or a sharp “off”. Remember, reprimands need to occur while the behavior is happening, preferably just as it begins, and never after.
The most common reasons for canine disobedience
One of the most common reasons why dogs don't carry out their owner's commands is simply that they don't understand – not because they're acting slightly stupid or feigning deafness, but because they don't perceive them as requests.
First, stop your dog in the act of whatever he's doing, then give him a different, pet parent-approved option. For example, if you walk into a room and notice him chewing your shoes or hairbrush, swiftly tell him "No!" and take the item out of his mouth. Once your dog is calm, present him with an actual chew toy.
Learned Behavior
In the study, dogs acted guilty when scolded by their owners, regardless of whether they had actually committed the act for which they were being scolded. Based on this, it seems likely that dogs learn quickly that when pet parents unhappy with them, they can placate their humans by looking sad.
Your dog will know when you are mad.
Dogs hate to disappoint and can sense the emotions and body language that comes with an upset "parent". When you are upset with your dog and he gives you those "sweet puppy dog eyes" he knows that you are upset and is hoping to change things.
Yes, even if it is “only” a spray of water, if you have to use it a more than twice to try and suppress the same behaviour, clearly something is off. And even a squirt bottle can easily become abusive.
When You Shouldn't Ignore Your Dog's Bad Behavior. There are some behaviors you don't want to ignore, such as puppy nipping or pulling on leash. Any behavior that feels good to your dog, is naturally calming (such as licking or chewing), or is fun to do is not likely to go away when ignored.
The reasons your dog may not be listening might be medical in nature, but most often, if your dog will not come to you or ignores you completely, it is because of a training or a behavioral issue. Once you feel you have ruled out potential illness, training and conditioning your dog will improve his recall ability.
If he doesn't respond at all, then something about the environment is making your dog nervous or stressed– repeating the cue won't make him listen! Instead, adjust the environment until your dog is in a position where he will respond, and work from there.
#1 – Afghan Hound
These days, those traits are displayed as being aloof and independent. They make up for their lack of obedience by being extremely affectionate and loyal.