Why Some Dog Breeds Seem Stubborn: Trainer Explains Approach
Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Some dog breeds appear more stubborn due to innate instincts and motivations, not intentional disobedience.
- Understanding a dog's breed-specific traits and motivations is key to successful training, emphasizing positive reinforcement over punishment.
- Early socialization, positive methods, and professional guidance help owners better understand and train breeds like Chow Chows, Terriers, Schnauzers, and Shiba Inus.
Many dog owners believe certain breeds are inherently stubborn, making them difficult to train. Huskies are often labeled loud and willful, Akitas as disobedient, and Beagles as more interested in their noses than their owners. However, certified dog trainer Siddhika explains that this perceived "stubbornness" often stems from strong innate instincts and motivations that outweigh a treat or praise.
Siddhika emphasizes that dogs do not act stubbornly on purpose. Their behavior is frequently driven by powerful instincts and what matters most to them at a given moment. Human expectations and a lack of understanding about a specific breed's characteristics can make training more challenging. For some dogs, the impression of stubbornness arises from traits they were originally bred for.
Therefore, training should focus on understanding a dog's needs and motivations rather than punishment. "No dog is intentionally stubborn. When we understand its instincts and needs, training becomes much more successful," Siddhika concludes. She recommends early socialization, positive training methods, and professional guidance when needed. This approach helps owners better understand their breed's behavior, as reported by Laylo Pets.
Originally published by Veฤernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.