The Myth of Stubborn Dogs
If you’ve ever been told your dog is stubborn, hard-headed, or just doesn’t want to listen, you’re not alone. “Stubborn dog” is one of the most common labels given to dogs who struggle with training — and one of the most misunderstood.
The truth? Dogs aren’t stubborn. What looks like stubbornness is almost always a motivation, emotional, or learning issue — not a refusal to comply.
Understanding the difference between motivation and compliance can completely change how you approach dog training — and dramatically improve your dog’s behavior.
Why “Stubborn Dog” Is a Misleading Label
Calling a dog stubborn implies they:
Understand what’s being asked
Are capable of doing it in that moment
Are choosing not to comply
But dog behavior science tells us something very different.
Dogs do what works for them in the moment — based on:
Emotional state
Reinforcement history
Environment
Physical and mental needs
When a dog doesn’t respond to a cue, it’s not defiance. It’s information.
Motivation vs. Compliance in Dog Training
Compliance-Based Training
Compliance-based training focuses on obedience:
The dog is expected to perform a behavior because they were told
Failure is often interpreted as disobedience
Corrections or pressure may be used to force a response
This approach relies on control, not understanding.
Motivation-Based Training
Motivation-based (rewards-based) training asks a different question:
Why would my dog want to do this right now?
It focuses on:
Reinforcement that matters to the dog
Emotional safety
Clear communication
Setting the dog up for success
Dogs trained with motivation choose behaviors because those behaviors work for them — not because they fear consequences.
Common Reasons Dogs Appear “Stubborn”
When a dog doesn’t respond, there’s always a reason. Common ones include:
Emotional State
A dog who is:
Anxious
Over-aroused
Fearful
Stressed
…cannot learn or respond effectively. The limbic (emotional) system overrides thinking and decision-making.
Environment & Distractions
A cue your dog knows at home may fall apart:
On a walk
Around other dogs
In new environments
This doesn’t mean your dog is stubborn — it means the behavior hasn’t been generalized.
Reinforcement Value
If the reward doesn’t compete with the environment, the environment wins.
Would you work for a cracker when there’s a steak nearby?
Learning History
Dogs repeat behaviors that have been reinforced — intentionally or not. If ignoring a cue has worked before, it may work again.
Physical Discomfort or Pain
Pain, illness, and fatigue significantly impact behavior and motivation.
Why Labeling Dogs as Stubborn Is Harmful
Calling a dog stubborn often leads to:
Increased pressure or punishment
Frustration from owners
Missed signs of stress or fear
Escalation of behavior problems
Worse, it can damage the relationship between dog and human.
Behavior doesn’t improve through force — it improves through understanding and skillful training.
What Actually Works: Shifting the Training Approach
Instead of asking, “How do I make my dog listen?” try asking:
Is my dog emotionally able to respond right now?
Is the reinforcement meaningful enough?
Have I trained this behavior in this environment?
Am I being clear and consistent?
Does my dog feel safe?
When we address motivation, behavior changes naturally.
The Bottom Line: Dogs Aren’t Stubborn — They’re Communicating
Dogs don’t ignore cues out of spite or dominance. They’re responding to what makes sense in that moment.
When we stop demanding compliance and start building motivation, we see:
More reliable behavior
Less frustration
Stronger relationships
Safer outcomes for everyone
Need Help With a “Stubborn” Dog?
If your dog struggles to listen, stay calm, or respond in real-life situations, it’s not a willpower problem — it’s a training plan problem.
At Sits ’n Wiggles Dog Training, we specialize in rewards-based, evidence-informed behavior training that focuses on:
Motivation instead of force
Emotional wellness
Real-life reliability
Long-term behavior change
Schedule a consultation today and let’s build a training plan that works with your dog — not against them.
