“Stubborn Dogs” - Fact or Fallacy
The term “stubborn” is frequently applied to certain dogs or breeds—sometimes by frustrated dog owners, other times by frustrated dog trainers. But what if we’ve misunderstood the whole idea of stubbornness in dogs? In my experience, labeling a dog as stubborn often misses the point.
Rather than stubbornness, what I’ve observed is that more often than not some dogs have higher standards for whom they’ll respond to directions. This doesn’t make them stubborn; it makes them discerning. It suggests we might need to rethink our training methods rather than blaming the dog.
Dogs labeled as “stubborn” often don’t respond well to traditional training methods based heavily on external rewards like food, especially if their food drive isn’t strong. These dogs thrive better on relationship-based approaches, where mutual trust and respect are central and the basis of how to motivate the dog more effectively.
Additionally, the dominance or “alpha” methods used by some trainers might exacerbate this misunderstanding. When a dog resists such methods, they’re often labeled as stubborn. But maybe the real stubbornness lies not with the dog but with trainers clinging rigidly to unevolving methods.
What if we shifted our focus? Instead of asking why a dog is stubborn, we should consider whether our training approach aligns with how dogs naturally learn and communicate. Observing higher-order social animals, including dogs themselves, we see that learning is relationship-driven.
Perhaps it’s time we stopped talking about stubborn dogs and started examining our own stubbornness in holding onto training philosophies when they’re ineffective.
What do you think? Have you encountered a “stubborn” dog, or was it possibly a mismatch in training approach?
– John “Ask The Dog Guy” Wade
