How Do You Discipline a Stubborn Dog? Breaking Through Their Resistance

Have you ever felt like you’re talking to a brick wall when commanding your dog? Trust me, I’ve been there. My stubborn Lab mix Bruno used to look at me like I was speaking alien language whenever I asked him to “stay.” The frustration is real! But after years of working with all kinds of headstrong pups, I’ve learned that disciplining a stubborn dog isn’t about showing them who’s boss—it’s about building a bridge of communication.

Understanding Stubborn Dogs: They’re Not Bad, Just Independent!

First things first—stubborn dogs aren’t being difficult on purpose Many breeds were literally designed to think independently!

When my neighbor Ana tried to get her Shiba Inu Mochi to sit as we approached on our walk, the little fluffball completely ignored her. Ana looked so embarrassed, but I reminded her that Shibas were bred to hunt and think for themselves.

Common “Stubborn” Breeds and Why They Act That Way:

• Shiba Inus, Beagles, and Dachshunds These hunting breeds were trained to race ahead, corner prey, and wait for humans They “know better” than to follow your boring commands!

• Saint Bernards and Bulldogs These guys weren’t stubborn—they were bred for specific jobs requiring patience or standing ground, A Bulldog that stood up to actual bulls isn’t gonna be impressed by your “move over” command,

Even if your dog is a mixed breed (like my Bruno), they’ve probably inherited some of these independent traits. But here’s the good news—these are all working dogs, which means they CAN be trained with the right approach!

7 Effective Ways to Discipline a Stubborn Dog

1. Patience Is Your Secret Weapon

Training a stubborn dog feels like running a never-ending marathon. Progress might be super slow, but celebrating tiny victories is crucial.

When Ana struggled with Mochi, I suggested she practice in progressively challenging environments:

• Start in a quiet room at home
• Move to the backyard
• Try a quiet park with the leash on
• Finally attempt busy places or off-leash work

Remember: Getting frustrated only makes your dog shut down. Deep breaths, my friend!

2. Positive Reinforcement Wins Every Time

Forget punishment—it simply doesn’t work with stubborn breeds. Instead, make rewards so exciting they can’t resist.

Bruno would move mountains for high-value treats like beef lung bites. But rewards don’t have to be just food:

• Enthusiastic praise (my pup loves a good “GOOD BOY!”)
• Belly rubs and scratches in their favorite spot
• Fun playtime with their preferred toy
• Special chew time with a marrow-filled bone

The secret is making good behavior feel like hitting the jackpot. When they realize listening to you leads to awesome things, their stubborn streak starts to fade.

3. Break Tasks Into Tiny, Manageable Steps

When I first tried teaching Bruno to “stay,” I expected him to remain in place while I walked across the room. Epic fail!

Instead, try this approach:

1. Stand close to your dog
2. Say their name followed by “stay”
3. Take ONE step back
4. If they stay put for even 2 seconds, reward immediately!
5. Gradually increase distance and duration

Think about how confusing commands must seem to dogs. Imagine someone who always wants you nearby suddenly telling you to stay away! Breaking commands into baby steps helps them understand what you’re actually asking.

4. Be Ridiculously Consistent

This is where most people mess up with stubborn dogs. We get lazy with our commands or change words when frustrated.

For successful training:

• Use the EXACT same word every time
• Maintain the same tone (don’t let frustration creep in!)
• Be consistent with rewards
• Make sure everyone in the household uses the same commands

My rule is simple: same word, same tone, every single time. Eventually, your dog will learn what the word itself means, but consistency speeds up this process dramatically.

5. Find What TRULY Motivates Your Dog

Not all dogs worship food. Some would literally sell their soul for a specific squeaky toy or two minutes of tug-of-war.

When working with non-food motivated dogs, I experiment with:

• Different toy types (plush, rubber, rope)
• Various play styles (fetch, tug, chase)
• Social rewards (praise, petting, attention)
• Environmental rewards (getting to sniff or explore)

The key is figuring out what makes YOUR specific dog tick. Sometimes the most stubborn dogs become the most trainable once you discover their unique motivation.

6. Keep Training Sessions Short and Sweet

Stubborn dogs often have the attention span of a goldfish. Long training sessions = frustration for everyone involved.

Instead:

• Aim for 5-10 minute sessions
• Focus on ONE command at a time
• Always end on a positive note

If your dog is struggling with something new, switch to a command they know well before ending. This ensures their last memory of training is success, making them more eager for the next session.

7. Provide Mental Stimulation (Bored Dogs = Stubborn Dogs)

Most behavior problems come down to boredom and lack of mental challenge. A tired dog is a trainable dog!

Try these mental workouts:

• Puzzle toys filled with treats
• Marrow-filled bones (natural problem-solving!)
• Hide-and-seek games with treats or toys
• New walking routes with different smells
• Training games that make them think

When I give Bruno a bone 2-3 times weekly, he’s not just getting a tasty treat—he’s getting a complex puzzle that engages his brain for hours. Mentally stimulated dogs are more receptive to training because they’re fulfilled and balanced.

What About Correction? When to Say “No”

While positive reinforcement should be your main approach, there are times when redirection is necessary. Here’s how to effectively correct a stubborn dog:

1. Use a firm (not scary) “no” – The tone matters more than volume
2. Immediately redirect to an appropriate behavior
3. Reward generously when they follow the redirection

For example, if Bruno starts digging in my garden, I say “No” firmly, then immediately guide him to his sandbox where digging is allowed. When he digs there instead, he gets praise and play as a reward.

The correction sandwich works best: firm redirection → guidance to correct behavior → abundant praise.

Common Mistakes When Disciplining Stubborn Dogs

I’ve made plenty of errors with Bruno that only made his stubborn streak worse:

• Inconsistent commands – Using “come,” “come here,” and “over here” interchangeably
• Punishment after they finally obey – If they eventually come when called but took forever, don’t scold them!
• Training sessions that drag on – No one wants to play a game with constantly changing rules
• Not being exciting enough – If the neighbor’s squirrel is more interesting than you, you’re losing the motivation game

When to Call in Reinforcements

Sometimes, a particularly stubborn dog needs professional help. Consider working with a trainer if:

• Your dog’s stubbornness creates safety issues
• You’ve tried consistent positive training for months without progress
• Your frustration is affecting your relationship with your dog
• The stubborn behavior is getting worse despite your efforts

The Bottom Line on Disciplining Stubborn Dogs

Training a stubborn dog requires more patience, more consistency, and more creativity—but the bond you’ll build makes it totally worth it.

After months of working with Bruno, he now responds to commands even when distracted by squirrels (well, most of the time). Ana and Mochi have made progress too, with Mochi now sitting reliably at home and in quieter environments.

Remember that “stubborn” is just another word for “independent thinker.” These dogs often become the most loyal, protective companions once they understand you’re on the same team.

Have you trained a stubborn dog? What worked for you? Share your experiences in the comments—we’re all in this together!

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To discipline a dog that doesn’t listen, focus on positive reinforcement, redirection, and managing the environment rather than punishment. Teach your dog what you do want, interrupt unwanted behaviors with a distraction or quick verbal cue, and immediately redirect them to a desirable action like sitting or a training exercise.

The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline outlining the typical adjustment period for a rescue dog after adoption, broken into three phases: 3 days of feeling overwhelmed and nervous, 3 weeks of settling into a routine and showing their personality, and 3 months of feeling truly at home, trusting, and bonding with their new family. This rule provides a helpful framework for new owners to set realistic expectations and be patient, as the timeline can vary for each dog.

You should never punish a dog for past bad behavior, as they cannot connect the punishment to an action that already happened. Instead of punishment, focus on positive reinforcement, such as rewarding good choices, managing their environment to prevent unwanted behaviors, and redirection to a more appropriate activity.