How did you get that way, anyway?
The way your dog acts right now, the way he barks, jumps, and chews, it may seem like he’s always been that way. But, it might not be too far from the truth. Because you almost certainly didn’t adopt or rescue your dog as an adult, you can take a lot of the blame for how he acts now.
Read on for our guide on how to train a stubborn dog.
Table of Contents
Setting Clear Rules and Boundaries
You must establish that you are the one in charge and set consistent expectations for your dog to follow. Expectations should be clear and consistent so that your dog has a better chance of reaching them.
When correcting behavior, use a firm tone and redirect the dog to what it should be doing. Never resort to physical punishment or yelling. Be patient and reward the dog for any progress it is making. Finally, stick to the rules and establish a routine, so your dog can anticipate and understand the expectations of it.
Introduction to Obedience Commands
To achieve successful obedience training, consistency is key. Start by making sure you are the one in charge. Set clear expectations, boundaries, and limitations. Stick to consistent rewards, such as treats, petting, and praise, to motivate your pup.
How to train a stubborn dog Slowly introduce simple commands and be sure to reward them for success. Repeat commands until your dog understands what you expect and make sure to never give mixed signals. Be patient and never give up. With enough patience, commitment, and consistency, your stubborn pup can learn to obey commands.
Ignoring Bad Behaviour
Focus on reinforcing the good behaviors and paying attention to the dog when it acts appropriately. As the bad behavior occurs, ignore the dog and the behavior. When the dog stops the bad behavior, reward it with treats or praise.
By ignoring the bad behavior, the dog will eventually stop as it learns it will not receive any rewards for engaging in the behavior. To help the dog learn quicker, remain consistent in reinforcing the appropriate behaviors and ignoring the bad ones.
Strategically Increasing Exercise Time
It does not only help to keep your pup physically fit, but mentally stimulated as well. To make this possible, it is important to follow these tips effectively. Start by gradually increasing your pup’s physical activity step by step.
Start with 15 minutes of light activity, such as a short walk or playtime indoors. Over time, add more minutes to their routine. Aim for 20 minutes by the end of the first week, 25 minutes in the second week, and 30 minutes in the third week.
Rewarding Good Behaviour
Create a positive environment by providing a suitable rewards system, either with treats or pats and words. Reward your dog when he does something correctly and stops when the behavior is unsatisfactory.
Give the reward straight after the successful behavior to ensure your dog recognizes the desired result. Make sure your commands are clear and consistent and enforce them with positive reinforcement. Utilize rewards when your dog responds to commands.
Learn How to Train a Stubborn Dog
Training a stubborn dog requires patience and consistency, but with the right approach, you and your pup can develop a strong bond built on trust and cooperation.
With consistency, kindness, and lots of rewards, how to train a stubborn dog can soon become an enjoyable addition to your family.
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