Why is my dog so stubborn and doesn't listen?

When a dog doesn't listen to or follow commands, it's not typically because he is hardheaded or untrainable. The problem is often that normal dog behaviors simply don't conform to human standards of good manners, and changing behavior that comes naturally to a dog can take time and effort.

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How do you discipline a dog that won't listen?

Disciplinary methods that are considered to be positive and beneficial are:
  1. Time-outs.
  2. Using your voice to put a stop to unwanted behavior, rather than hitting your dog.
  3. Taking their toys away.
  4. Avoiding giving your dog attention when they misbehave.

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Why does my dog purposely not listen to me?

It simply comes down to the fact that your dog does not have the level of obedience necessary. He has learned to ignore you and had not learned to default to your guidance when overly distracted. Most dogs learn to ignore their owner's command, pay little attention to where their owner is or what their owner is saying.

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What causes a dog to be stubborn?

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.

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How do you fix a stubborn dog?

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.

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How To Train a Stubborn Dog

36 related questions found

What age are dogs most stubborn?

Many experts agree that the most challenging time is between the ages of 8 months to about 18 months.

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What to do when dog ignores commands?

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.

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How do you get your dog to listen and respect you?

Give them affection and attention on your terms – Call them to you when you have the time and desire to interact with them. Teaching your dog that you 'own your space' is essential to training your dog to respect you. Give them as much love and affection as you like, just on your terms, not theirs.

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What to do with a disobedient dog?

How to train a disobedient dog
  1. Stop letting your dog off the lead for a while. ...
  2. Make the training treat a reward for continued good behaviour, not just for completing a task. ...
  3. The four key commands to teach your dog. ...
  4. Don't forget to have fun. ...
  5. Teaching patience is at the heart of it.

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How do you stop a misbehaving dog?

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.

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Should you yell at your dog?

Yelling also can make your dog less likely to respond to your commands, which makes you more frustrated and likely to yell. New research and most dog-training experts recommend you stop yelling at your dog and instead use a soft, quiet voice when you talk to your dog.

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Does spraying a dog with water work?

Does Spraying a Dog or Cat With Water Work? Nope, training your dog by spraying it with water does not work. When working with dog training clients, trainers have witnessed some who spray their puppies for mouthing, yet their arms are covered in scratches. Spraying the dog with water was not helping.

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What is the most disobedient dog breed?

#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.

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At what age do dogs calm down?

When do puppies start to calm down? Most puppies start to calm down as they approach their maturity age, which is usually around 12 months, but for larger breeds it can be more likely to occur between 18 months and 2 years.

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What are signs of disrespect in a dog?

The Top Behaviors and Signs Your Dog Doesn't Like You
  • They cower or hide when you're around.
  • They tuck their tail between their legs when they see you (and notably don't wag their tail)
  • Their body stiffens, or fur stands up in your presence.
  • They flatten their ears or arch their backs around you.

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How do I show dominance over my dog?

These “training” techniques include the use of:
  1. Alpha rolls (rolling a dog onto his back and pinning him to the ground to show him “who's boss”)
  2. Grabbing his muzzle and holding it tightly.
  3. Shaking him by the scruff of the neck.
  4. Cuffing him under the chin.
  5. Aversive tools such as choke, prong, or shock collars for training.

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How do you make my dog obey my commands?

Positive Reinforcement
  1. Keeping it simple and aiming for one new behavior or trick at a time.
  2. Offering treats as positive reinforcements.
  3. Giving the reward or praise immediately following the behavior. ...
  4. Keep your commands to a single word rather than making it complicated.

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What dog behavior should not be ignored?

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.

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Why does my dog ignore me when I call him?

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.

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How do you train a stubborn dog to come on command?

How to train your dog to come when called
  1. You need an incentive to encourage your dog to come back - a really tasty treat or a fun game with a toy. ...
  2. Run away a couple of paces then call your dog's name and say "come" in a friendly, exciting tone - getting down low can also encourage them to come back.

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What is the hardest dog stage?

The most challenging time of raising a puppy is the adolescent period. Dogs become “teenagers” and seem to forget everything they have ever been taught. This period is individual to each dog, but it may begin when he's about eight months old and continue until he's two years old.

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What is the most difficult dog to train?

So let's talk about the top 10 hardest dogs to train:
  • Rottweilers.
  • American Pit Bull Terriers.
  • Siberian Huskies.
  • Bullmastiffs.
  • Chinese Shar-Pei.
  • Afghan Hounds.
  • Basset Hounds.
  • Beagles.

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What is the most difficult dog to own?

Top 10 Hardest Dog Breeds to Train
  • American Pit Bull Terrier. ...
  • Siberian Husky. ...
  • Bullmastiff. ...
  • Chinese Shar-Pei. ...
  • Afghan Hound. ...
  • Basset Hound. ...
  • Beagle. Beagles are undeniably super cute dogs, but can be quite difficult to train. ...
  • Chow Chow. Training a Chow Chow to behave properly can be a difficult task for any owner.

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What is the most selfish dog breed?

10 Times the Japanese Akita Inu Proved They're the Most Selfish Dog Breed. Few dogs have amassed such a dedicated crowd of fans as the Japanese Akita Inu. But, frankly, the Akita Inu doesn't care about their devotees—all they care about is themselves, as these 9 images will prove.

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What dog behavior is not normal?

Abnormal dog behavior such as excessive vocalization, compulsion, and aggressive behavior are typically triggered by fear, phobias, anxiety, or stress. In some cases, the unusual behavior may be caused by a disease or illness.

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