Have you ever felt like you’re speaking a foreign language to your dog? Like you’re giving crystal clear commands, only to receive that blank stare or worse, the deliberate head turn away from you? Welcome to life with a stubborn dog breed. These fascinating canines march to the beat of their own drum, and honestly, that’s part of what makes them so captivating.
Chinese Shar Peis were trained for hunting and herding, so they learned how to do their Shar Pei jobs efficiently and think for themselves. So, the intelligent Chinese Shar Pei can be difficult to train. The truth is, what we often label as stubbornness is actually intelligence and independence wrapped up in a furry package. What seems to us as “stubborn” is actually a very strong motivation that does not lie in the rewards we are looking to offer to our dogs. Strong willed dogs, as I like to call them, usually are more driven by their instincts than external rewards. So let’s dive in and discover these remarkable breeds that challenge us to become better dog owners.
Siberian Husky: The Beautiful Escape Artist
Siberian Huskies are absolutely gorgeous, with their piercing blue eyes and thick, fluffy coats that make you want to bury your face in their fur. Yet underneath that stunning exterior lies the heart of a free spirit who was literally bred to make independent decisions. They were bred to be independent, as this ensured a mushing group of huskies would ignore commands if the terrain was deemed unsafe. But all these years later, that independence means they have a stubborn streak when it comes to listening to commands.
When raising a Husky, recall must be one of the first things to focus on because they have a heart of an explorer and the agility of a horse. Their excellent communication and responding skills combined with their opinionated personality make Huskies a delightfully challenging breed to train. These dogs need vast amounts of exercise and mental stimulation, or they’ll channel their energy into creative destruction that would make a tornado jealous.
They are also skilled escape-artists, and have trouble controlling their small prey drive around cats and small animals. Professional training becomes essential because their independent nature combined with their escape artistry can create safety concerns. They require trainers who understand their working heritage and can channel that drive appropriately.
Akita: The Dignified Samurai
One of the Japanese dog breeds, Akitas are known for being protective, “profoundly” loyal, dignified, brave, affectionate with family and friends, love human companions, and need to be socialized at a young age because they have a high prey drive from their hunting genes. These magnificent dogs carry themselves with the dignity of ancient Japanese warriors, and they expect to be treated with the same respect.
The dominant Akita, a Japanese hunting pup, is such a stubborn dog that they may just walk away mid-training session. Picture this: you’re in the middle of teaching “stay,” and your Akita simply decides the lesson is over, turns around, and walks away with regal indifference. Their aloof nature means they don’t work for you, but with you – once trust is built. Akitas are best for confident owners who value devotion over obedience.
Professional training becomes crucial because these powerful dogs need handlers who understand their complex psychology. They’re not being defiant out of spite; they’re evaluating whether your request has merit. Once an Akita respects you, their loyalty is unmatched.
Afghan Hound: The Supermodel of Dogs
Afghan Hounds are like the supermodels of the dog world, elegant but known for their independent nature. This makes them one of the most stubborn dog breeds, often choosing to do things their way. With their flowing, silky coats and aristocratic bearing, they look like they should be gracing the cover of a magazine rather than learning basic commands.
The Afghan Hound is renowned for its elegance and grace, but behind that majestic exterior lies a fiercely independent streak. These dogs are aloof and have a mind of their own, making training sessions a real challenge. Their intelligence is undeniable, but they often prioritize their interests over following commands.
To train an Afghan Hound, keep sessions short, engaging, and rewarding. Positive reinforcement, particularly with high-value treats, works wonders. Professional trainers understand that these sight hounds were bred to hunt independently, making split-second decisions while chasing prey across vast distances. Their selective hearing isn’t disrespect; it’s genetics.
Beagle: The Nose That Rules Everything
Beagles are absolutely adorable with their soulful eyes and floppy ears that seem to bounce with every step. Beagles are adorable and friendly but are also one of the most stubborn dog breeds. They’re often led by their noses, making them easily distracted and hard to train. When a Beagle catches an interesting scent, everything else becomes background noise, including your voice.
Yet, beagles may resist training or direction that doesn’t suit their powerful nose. Bred to follow scent trails without needing constant direction, Beagles can be single-minded and very scent-driven, which often gets them called stubborn. Imagine trying to have a conversation with someone who’s completely absorbed in listening to their favorite song through headphones. That’s what it’s like training a Beagle when they’ve caught a scent.
Beagles respond best to structured training sessions that incorporate high-value treats as motivators. Keeping their attention focused requires consistency and patience. Professional trainers know how to work with their scent drive rather than against it, creating training scenarios that engage their natural abilities.
Bulldog: The Lovable Couch Potato
English Bulldogs are the epitome of “go with the flow” until they decide they don’t want to flow anywhere. The Bulldog may seem lazy, but don’t mistake that for obedience. These dogs can be willfully slow to respond. Their stubborn dog tendencies are softened by their sweet nature. Use treats and short, engaging training sessions. Their wrinkled faces and pushed-in noses give them an expression of perpetual skepticism, as if they’re constantly questioning your life choices.
English Bulldogs were bred to stand their ground against bulls. If that dog is going to stand up to a bull, what hope do I have to get them to move? These dogs were literally designed to be immovable objects, and that trait hasn’t disappeared just because they’re now family pets instead of bull-baiters.
Professional training helps because Bulldogs respond better to short, frequent sessions rather than long training marathons. Their breathing issues mean they tire easily, and trainers who understand their physical limitations can work more effectively with their natural temperament.
Dachshund: The Small Dog with a Big Attitude
Dachshunds are small in size but big in personality, and their independent nature often makes them one of the most stubborn dog breeds. Bred as hunters, possess a strong prey drive that can distract them during training sessions. These little sausage dogs may look comical with their elongated bodies and short legs, but don’t let their size fool you. They have the heart of a much larger dog trapped in a body that looks like it was designed by committee.
Dachshunds were originally bred to hunt vermin, particularly badgers. These dogs are quick on their feet and have fearless personas. The size of these dogs may be small but the size of the fight in them is magnanimous. Their original breeding purpose has not only given them a strong prey drive but also ingrained behaviors like digging and excessive barking. Training these behaviors out of them can be difficult because they are baked into their instincts.
To train a Dachshund effectively, use plenty of positive reinforcement and keep sessions fun. Incorporating toys and treats can help channel their intelligence into learning commands. While they may test your patience, a well-trained Dachshund is a delightful and entertaining companion. Professional trainers understand how to redirect their hunting instincts into appropriate outlets while building obedience.
Pekingese: The Royal Pain in the Rear
Wrapped in a luxurious mane and carrying itself like royalty, the Pekingese is a dog that knows exactly who’s in charge – them. Bred to sit at the feet of Chinese emperors, this ancient breed hasn’t forgotten its noble roots. Small in size but grand in attitude, they move through life with an air of entitlement. Their confidence is unmatched, and they expect the world to cater to their every whim.
When it comes to stubbornness, Pekingese dogs could write the handbook on doing things their way. These tiny emperors have an independent nature that makes them resistant to authority. Commands are often met with an unimpressed stare as if questioning why they should even bother. They enjoy making their own decisions and will follow instructions only if it benefits them. Living with a Pekingese means embracing their larger-than-life personality and unwavering opinions.
The Pekingese is an intelligent breed, but they’re known to be quite stubborn and strong-willed, making training a challenge. It takes a lot to motivate them and they don’t like doing stuff for the sake of it. Also, like most toy dogs with tiny digestive systems, it can take Pekes a while to become fully housetrained. However, with consistency, patience, and lots of paw-sitivity, you can successfully train your Pekingese dog.
Chihuahua: The Tiny Tyrant
Chihuahuas may be small, but their reputation is anything but. Despite their size, they carry themselves with the confidence of a much larger dog, making them a favorite among those who adore feisty, spirited pets. These pocket-sized powerhouses pack more attitude per pound than any other breed on the planet.
Stubbornness is practically in their DNA. As one of the most stubborn dog breeds, Chihuahuas have an independent streak that can be challenging for first-time owners as per PDSA. Their strong-willed nature means they prefer doing things their own way, often ignoring commands unless there’s something in it for them. Chihuahuas are among the most difficult dogs to house break. However, if properly trained, the Chihuahua is friendly and attentive.
The key to training a Chihuahua lies in patience, positive reinforcement, and consistency. Reward-based training sessions work best, using treats and praise to encourage good behavior. Since these dogs respond poorly to harsh discipline, a gentle yet firm approach is essential to keep them engaged and cooperative. Professional training becomes valuable because many owners inadvertently enable small dog syndrome by letting cute behaviors slide.
Shiba Inu: The Cat in a Dog’s Body
Many people believe that Shiba Inus are very feline-like. This perception is built around three of their strongest characteristics – independence, aloofness and determination. They’re one of the most ancient dog breeds of the world and their dash of “wilderness” often comes with a hint of unwillingness to be cuddly. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to live with a cat that barks, a Shiba Inu might be your answer.
Shiba Inus are known for their strong-willed nature and independent thinking. They are intelligent dogs but can be aloof and stubborn. Training should be approached with reinforcement, consistency, and firmness. These dogs have perfected the art of selective hearing and can give you a look that clearly communicates they heard you but have chosen to ignore you.
They are very intelligent, highly alert and attuned to their environs. They are quick to form perceptions about the world which can be difficult to change. This is where their “stubbornness” is most highlighted. It is important to start training these dogs when they are young to mold them into well rounded and well-behaved dogs. Professional trainers understand that early socialization and consistent boundaries are crucial for this ancient breed.
Jack Russell Terrier: The Energizer Bunny with Attitude
These energetic terrier breeds are as clever as they are stubborn. The Jack Russell Terrier was bred to hunt small prey like foxes, so it’s no surprise they often act like they’re on their own mission. Stubborn pups like these do best with structured routines and plenty of exercise. Imagine trying to have a conversation with someone who’s had way too much coffee and is simultaneously solving complex puzzles. That’s a Jack Russell’s energy level combined with their intelligence.
The Jack Russell Terrier is a small breed with boundless energy and a willful spirit. Their intelligence is both a blessing and a curse, as they quickly grow bored with repetitive tasks. This makes them one of the most stubborn dog breeds to train. They’re constantly thinking three steps ahead of you, often coming up with creative solutions to problems you didn’t know existed.
To overcome their stubbornness, focus on short, high-energy training sessions that challenge their quick minds. Mixing play with training can keep them engaged. With the right approach, Jack Russells can become clever and entertaining companions. Professional trainers excel at keeping these dogs mentally stimulated while building reliable obedience. Their hunting background means they need jobs to do, not just commands to follow.
Why Professional Training Makes All the Difference
Most stubborn dog breeds respond to positive reinforcement but might need more training sessions than other pets. A lot of people get professional help with training in the form of obedience classes or a private training session at home. Patience and tasty treats are two of the necessary tools for success. Professional trainers bring something invaluable to the table: they understand that stubborn doesn’t mean stupid.
The secret is in tapping into the stubborn dog’s unique strengths and instincts. To figure out how, we have to talk about exactly why these dogs are hard to train. Working with an expert in dog training offers numerous benefits, including access to specialized knowledge and experience, personalized guidance, and support throughout the training process. Professional trainers have extensive experience working with a variety of breeds and behavior issues, allowing them to develop customized training plans that address the underlying causes of stubborn behavior and promote long-term success.
Training a stubborn dog is a marathon, not a sprint. Progress might be slow, but celebrate every little victory. Professional trainers help owners maintain perspective and develop realistic expectations. They also teach you to work with your dog’s natural tendencies rather than against them, creating a partnership instead of a battle of wills.
Living with a stubborn dog breed isn’t just about patience and persistence; it’s about understanding that these remarkable animals weren’t bred to be mindlessly obedient. They were created to think, to make decisions, and to work alongside humans as partners rather than servants. Professional training helps unlock their potential while keeping everyone safe and happy.
The journey with a stubborn dog breed can be frustrating, hilarious, and deeply rewarding all at the same time. These dogs will challenge you to become a better trainer, a more creative thinker, and ultimately, a more understanding companion. What do you think? Are you ready to embrace the beautiful chaos of sharing your life with one of these wonderfully willful characters?
Andrew Alpin from India is the Brand Manager of Doggo digest. Andrew is an experienced content specialist and social media manager with a passion for writing. His forte includes health and wellness, Travel, Animals, and Nature. A nature nomad, Andrew is obsessed with mountains and loves high-altitude trekking. He has been on several Himalayan treks in India including the Everest Base Camp in Nepal.
