How to Train a Stubborn Puppy

Want to learn how to train a stubborn puppy? Patience, consistency, exercise, and many treats can go a long way in your successful efforts and your puppy’s happiness!

Create a Routine

Puppies respond to consistency and habit and want to make you happy. Setting your puppy up for success by setting clear expectations includes establishing a daily routine that meets your new fur baby’s needs, including walks and exercise, socializing with other people and pets, playing, training, feeding, sleeping, and fitting it all into your lifestyle. Lack of motivation in a puppy plays a big factor in stubbornness, and when sticking to a routine, your fur baby will look forward to the interaction and fun, even if the pattern is set at their pace.

Lots of Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is one of the most effective ways to promote desirable behavior, and it doesn’t always have to be in the form of food. Lots of things count as ‘treats’ to a puppy – a big hurray, lots of smiles, toys, and attention go a long way when your puppy performs according to your wishes. Remember, positive means adding something, and reinforcement means increasing behavior. When your puppy is lying down, give the treat and say the word or phrase you choose for the action. When your puppy is sitting, do the same. Even when you’re puppy isn’t barking or playing with a toy, you can reinforce the positive behavior. Choose a word for each behavior, good and bad, and remember consistency on your part. Over time, your puppy will learn to understand the word or phrase, behave accordingly, and expect whatever positive reinforcement you choose.

Distraction Method

Sometimes a stubborn puppy can be easily distracted by a different activity. If you see your puppy start chewing on the furniture, get their attention with a toy. When they stop the bad behavior, say “good puppy!” Distraction can work in your favor to teach the stubborn puppy not to engage in unwanted behavior. If your puppy tends to chase squirrels or other backyard critters, you want to teach them to look at you and come to you, whatever the ‘distraction‘ is. The distraction method could save your puppy’s life or from serious injury if they are ever off-leash in public or get out of the yard. With time and patience, your puppy will decide that you and the distraction are much more fun than being stubborn and getting into trouble!

Family Matters

Everyone in the family must be on the same page when training a stubborn puppy. All family members need to be taught the same words and phrases that will be used, your methods for positive reinforcement and distraction, and stick to them! Sometimes being stubborn is a sign of confusion, and if the puppy gets a different direction from other family members, your puppy won’t have a chance for success! Additionally, everything you teach your puppy, the words, phrases, and positive reinforcement methods, should be continued through adulthood. Once you’ve changed the thoughts of a stubborn puppy, try new things to keep your growing puppy interested and ready to behave as you wish!