How To Train A Stubborn Dog Basic Commands

Training a stubborn dog can be one of the most frustrating experiences for pet owners. The dog may ignore you, walk away mid-session, or simply refuse to perform even the simplest tasks like “sit” or “come.” But what appears as defiance is often miscommunication, lack of motivation, or inconsistent training. With the right approach, nearly every dog—no matter how strong-willed—can learn basic commands. The key lies in understanding canine behavior, leveraging motivation, and applying structured, consistent methods.

Stubbornness in dogs isn’t always a character flaw. Breeds like Siberian Huskies, Afghan Hounds, and Basset Hounds are genetically predisposed to independence. Others develop resistance due to past confusion or negative associations with training. Regardless of the cause, success comes not from dominance, but from clarity, timing, and reward-based learning.

Understanding Canine Stubbornness

Dogs don’t disobey out of malice. When a dog ignores a command, it usually means one of three things: they don’t understand what’s being asked, they aren’t sufficiently motivated to comply, or they’ve learned that ignoring the cue has no consequence—or even a benefit.

For example, if a dog sits only when a treat is visibly in hand, they haven’t truly learned the command—they’ve learned to wait for the food. If a recall ends in a bath or crate time, the dog learns that coming when called leads to unpleasant outcomes. These associations shape behavior far more than any inherent “stubbornness.”

True behavioral resistance often stems from anxiety, overstimulation, or poor early socialization. A dog overwhelmed by noise or activity at the park won’t respond to cues—not because they’re defiant, but because their brain is focused on survival, not obedience.

“Dogs aren’t stubborn; they’re either unmotivated, confused, or have learned that non-compliance works.” — Dr. Ian Dunbar, Veterinarian and Animal Behaviorist

Foundations of Effective Training

Before teaching commands, establish the environment and mindset needed for success. Dogs thrive on predictability and clear communication. Without these, even simple tasks become confusing.

Consistency is non-negotiable. Every family member must use the same verbal cues, hand signals, and consequences. If one person allows jumping on the couch while another scolds for it, the dog receives mixed messages and defaults to the behavior that previously paid off.

Timing matters immensely. Rewards must follow desired behavior within 0.5 to 2 seconds. Delayed treats confuse the dog about which action earned the reward. Use a clicker or verbal marker like “yes!” to precisely mark the correct moment.

Motivation varies by dog. Some respond best to food, others to toys, play, or praise. Identify your dog’s highest-value rewards and reserve them exclusively for training. A kibble-hoarding Shih Tzu might leap for chicken bits, while a Border Collie may work tirelessly for a chance to chase a ball.

Tip: Test different rewards during low-distraction sessions to see what motivates your dog most—then use that reward only during training.

Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching Basic Commands

Start with five foundational commands: sit, stay, come, down, and leave it. Each should be taught in quiet environments before progressing to distractions. Follow this sequence for each command:

1. Isolate the behavior: Use luring (with a treat) or shaping (rewarding small steps toward the goal) to get the desired action.
2. Add the cue: Only introduce the verbal command once the dog reliably performs the behavior.
3. Phase out the lure: Gradually reduce hand signals and visible treats, replacing them with delayed or variable rewards.
4. Proof the behavior: Practice in increasingly distracting environments—backyard, sidewalk, park—until reliability holds.

Sit

Hold a treat near the dog’s nose, then slowly lift it upward. As their head follows the treat, their rear will naturally lower. The moment their bottom touches the ground, say “sit,” mark with “yes!”, and give the treat. Repeat 5–10 times per session, twice daily.

Stay

Ask the dog to sit. Open your palm toward them and say “stay.” Take one step back. If they remain, return immediately and reward. Gradually increase distance and duration. Never call them out of a stay—always release with a word like “okay.”

Come

Use a long leash indoors or in a fenced yard. Say “come” in an upbeat tone while gently reeling them in. When they reach you, mark and reward lavishly. Avoid calling them only for undesirable activities (baths, leashing for vet visits). Instead, make “come” synonymous with fun.

Down

From a sit, lure the treat from their nose down to the floor. Once they lie flat, mark and reward. If they stand, reset and try again. For dogs resistant to lying down, try capturing the behavior—wait until they naturally lie down, then mark and reward.

Leave It

Place a treat in your closed hand. Let the dog sniff and paw. When they stop and back away—even briefly—mark and reward with a different treat from your other hand. This teaches impulse control and builds self-restraint.

Common Mistakes That Reinforce Stubbornness

Even well-intentioned owners unknowingly encourage resistance. Recognizing and correcting these errors is critical.

Mistake	Why It’s Harmful	Better Approach
Repeating commands	Teaches the dog to ignore the first few cues	Say the command once, then guide or lure the behavior
Punishing non-compliance	Creates fear and erodes trust	Reassess motivation, simplify the task, or improve timing
Training too long	Dogs lose focus after 5–10 minutes	Use multiple short sessions per day
Practicing in high-distraction areas too soon	Overwhelms the dog and sets them up to fail	Master skills in quiet spaces first
Using low-value rewards	No incentive to obey when distractions exist	Match reward value to difficulty level

Tip: If your dog ignores a command, avoid repeating it. Instead, gently guide them into position, mark the correct behavior, and reward. This reinforces accuracy, not repetition.

Real Example: Turning Around a Resistant Rescue Dog

Max, a two-year-old Australian Cattle Dog mix, was adopted from a rural shelter. He ignored all commands, pulled on walks, and refused to come when called. His new owner, Sarah, tried yelling and jerking the leash, which only increased Max’s avoidance.

A certified trainer assessed the situation and identified two issues: Max had never been positively reinforced for obedience, and his recall was associated with being dragged inside from playtime.

The plan began with rebuilding trust. Sarah started feeding all meals through training exercises—five minutes of “sit” and “touch” before each portion. She used boiled chicken as a high-value reward. Within a week, Max began offering eye contact and quick sits.

For recall, Sarah practiced in the backyard with a long line. She called Max in a cheerful voice and rewarded him with a tennis ball toss—something he loved. Over time, she faded the long line and moved to the park. After six weeks, Max responded to “come” 90% of the time, even off-leash.

The turning point wasn’t discipline—it was making obedience rewarding and predictable.

Checklist: Keys to Success with a Stubborn Dog

• ✅ Use high-value, consistent rewards (food, toy, or play)
• ✅ Train in short sessions (5–10 minutes, 2–3 times daily)
• ✅ Eliminate distractions during early learning phases
• ✅ Mark correct behavior instantly with a click or verbal cue
• ✅ Avoid repeating commands—say it once, then assist
• ✅ Practice in varied locations to proof behavior
• ✅ End each session on a positive note with an easy success
• ✅ Involve all household members in consistent cue usage

FAQ

How long does it take to train a stubborn dog basic commands?

Most dogs learn simple commands like “sit” and “down” within 2–4 weeks with daily practice. More complex behaviors like “stay” or reliable recall in distracting environments may take 2–6 months. Progress depends on consistency, motivation, and prior experience. Patience is essential—some dogs need repeated exposure before generalizing a behavior.

Should I use a shock collar or prong collar for a stubborn dog?

No. Tools that rely on pain or fear suppress behavior temporarily but damage trust and can increase aggression or anxiety. Modern science supports positive reinforcement as more effective and humane. Studies show dogs trained with reward-based methods exhibit fewer behavioral problems and stronger human bonds.

What if my dog listens at home but ignores me outside?

This is normal and indicates the behavior isn’t “proofed.” Start training outdoors with a long leash in a quiet area. Reward heavily for compliance. Gradually increase distractions. Never move to off-leash freedom until the dog responds reliably 95% of the time with distractions present. Proofing takes time—don’t rush the process.

Conclusion

Training a stubborn dog isn’t about breaking their will—it’s about building a shared language rooted in trust and mutual benefit. What looks like defiance is often confusion, fear, or insufficient motivation. By focusing on clarity, consistency, and positive reinforcement, even the most resistant dogs can master basic commands.

Success doesn’t require perfection. It requires persistence. Celebrate small wins, adjust your methods when needed, and remember that every dog learns at their own pace. The bond you strengthen through patient training will last far longer than any single command.

💬 Have a stubborn dog? Share your training breakthroughs in the comments—your story could inspire another pet owner to keep going!