Obstinate Dog? Here's How To Get His Cooperation.

Mary Simpson
by Mary Simpson

(photo credit: By-_-BY / shutterstock.com)


I love my feisty dogs. Two Schnoodles that are completely bonded, and while confident, spirited, and totally outgoing, both are happy to immediately fall in line when instructions are given. Then there’s my Miniature Schnauzer, who moves to the beat of a different drum. She’s quick to push back when she disagrees with me, ignores my calls at the dog park, and can deliver a blistering stink-eye when she knows she’s about to lose her way – like when she realizes we’re going for a walk versus a car ride.


Now, some of this may be breed-specific. Many dogs have, in fact, been bred to be independent thinkers – particularly those raised for hunting and herding. Understandably, scent- or sight-hounds inherently zero in on their surroundings when tracking prey and, as a result, tend to fob off human interference.


But according to the American Kennel Club (AKC), while dogs can be stubborn and focused, they aren’t intentionally disobedient. It’s more likely that your pet simply doesn’t understand what you want from him. With that in mind, how do you work around this breakdown in communication to get your pet to respond to instructions? Responsiveness is particularly important if your pet gets loose and needs to be called back because a willful pooch can put themselves in harm’s way if they venture into traffic and refuse to listen.


It’s not just down to training the five basic commands (sit, stay, down, come, leave-it) but effectively training your pooch.

How Do You Make Training Effective?

Keep it Consistent

That includes maintaining a routine and ensuring all household members stick with it. If walks take place in the morning, keeping to that schedule – rain or shine - helps create positive expectations for your dog. On cold, rainy, icky days, keeping your pooch comfortable with a cozy jacket that’s both warm and waterproof can be a great way to encourage walkies and maintain a routine. In that regard, we’re loving this reversible dog coat option from Kuoser that keeps both the chill and the rain out. Perfect for when a fun stroll runs into inclement weather, and you need a quick waterproof swap-out.


Establish Boundaries and Enforce Them

If he’s not allowed on the sofa, the bed, or alongside the dinner table while the family is eating, don’t give in from time to time. It causes confusion and can make your pet hesitant to obey future commands. Creating a safe space for your dog gives them a go-to that doesn’t feel like punishment. If soft furnishings are a no-go zone for your pooch, instead, opt for a cozy bed that looks great in the living room (because you know he’ll want to stay close) and takes up a minimal footprint. Something like this sleek Bedsure memory foam dog bed ticks the style box. It’s slim, rectangular silhouette tucks neatly into any space with a removable, washable cover that keeps doggy odor at bay. So, reinforcing the no-go rule for sofas and chairs will feel less like discipline and more like a comfy alternative.


Ensure sufficient Mental Stimulation

Whether out for walks, visits to the dog park, indoor puzzle games or interactive playtime with his people, keeping your dog engaged and focused on the task at hand helps hone his responsiveness. If your pet loves to play but outdoor time is restricted due to weather conditions or apartment living, having something fun yet safe like this fuzzy Chuckit that can be thrown around indoors for a rousing game of fetch is the way to go. For pups with a little less energy but a curious nature (all dogs, right?), opting for a simple puzzle toy that allows them to work for their treats is a great way to go. Try introducing a basic instruction with this type of toy, such as “find the treat”, before setting it down to help instill the command/response component.


Keep Training Sessions Short and Fun

Positive reinforcement through treats, lots of head pats, and verbal praise helps to engage your pooch and let him know he’s moving in the right direction. Now, it’s never one size fits all, and different dogs will have different engagement triggers and reward expectations. This is particularly important to understand if you’re living in a multi-dog household. When one or more pooches go wild for squeaky toys, having a multi-pack of dog toys like this five-pack of fun, fuzzy wildlife critters is the way to go. For pooches partial to high-value treats over toys, opting for something tasty and crunchy like this duck-flavored, no-grain dog treat from Blue Wilderness can win them over and earn their responsiveness.


Take a Leadership Role with Your Dog

Because they’re pack animals, dogs look to their leader for direction and safety. And that’s you. With that said, we all know that capturing their attention in order to introduce commands – especially when you’re out at a dog park, in new surroundings, or exposed to numerous distractions – can be a challenge. To set your pooch up for success, first ensure you have his undivided attention by either calling out to him or using the unmistakably sharp pitch of a dog clicker. This handy dog clicker with wrist strap is perfect for when you’re out and away from home. No fumbling in pockets, instant sound, and an ideal way to gain your dog’s attention to relay commands.

Mary Simpson
Mary Simpson

Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and 2 felines who prefers to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife

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