How To Train A Stubborn Puppy Using Positive Reinforcement Only Methods

Training a stubborn puppy can feel like pushing a boulder uphill. You say “sit,” and they look at you with bright, curious eyes before sniffing the floor. You call them to come, and they run in the opposite direction. But what if resistance isn’t defiance—it’s just confusion? The key lies not in dominance or punishment, but in understanding your puppy’s mind and motivations. Positive reinforcement training doesn’t just teach obedience; it builds trust, confidence, and cooperation. When used consistently and correctly, even the most headstrong puppies learn to respond willingly, not out of fear, but because good behavior leads to rewards they love.

Understanding Stubbornness in Puppies

First, reframe “stubborn.” In dog training, this label often masks a lack of clarity, distraction, or underdeveloped focus—not intentional disobedience. A puppy who ignores a cue may not fully understand it yet, be overwhelmed by their environment, or simply find something else more rewarding (like chasing a squirrel). Breeds known for independence—such as Shiba Inus, Basenjis, or Australian Cattle Dogs—may appear more resistant, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be trained. It means they require smarter, more consistent motivation.

Positive reinforcement works by strengthening desired behaviors through rewards. Every time your puppy performs the right action—sitting when asked, coming when called—they receive something valuable: a treat, praise, play, or access to something exciting. Over time, they associate the behavior with good outcomes and are more likely to repeat it. This method is backed by decades of animal behavior research and is recommended by veterinary behaviorists and professional trainers alike.

Tip: Never punish a puppy for failing to respond. Instead, ask yourself: Was the reward worth it? Was the cue clear? Was the environment too distracting?

The Science Behind Positive Reinforcement

Operant conditioning, a principle developed by psychologist B.F. Skinner, explains how animals learn through consequences. In positive reinforcement, a desirable behavior is followed by a pleasant stimulus, increasing the likelihood of that behavior recurring. For example, when a puppy sits and immediately receives a treat, sitting becomes more frequent.

Unlike aversive methods—which rely on fear, pain, or intimidation—positive reinforcement creates a safe learning environment. Studies show that dogs trained with positive methods exhibit fewer stress-related behaviors, stronger human bonds, and better long-term compliance. A 2020 study published in *PLOS ONE* found that dogs trained with punishment-based techniques showed higher cortisol levels (a stress hormone) and were more likely to display aggression.

“Dogs trained with positive reinforcement don’t just obey—they engage. They become active participants in the learning process.” — Dr. Sophia Yin, Veterinarian and Animal Behaviorist

Step-by-Step Guide to Training a Stubborn Puppy

Success comes from breaking down goals into small, achievable steps. Use this timeline to build reliable behaviors over 4–8 weeks.

1. Week 1: Build Focus and Attention
   Create a strong foundation by teaching your puppy to pay attention to you, even in low-distraction environments. Use high-value treats (like boiled chicken or cheese) and clicker training if desired. Say your puppy’s name; when they look at you, mark the moment with a “yes!” or click, then reward. Repeat frequently throughout the day in short sessions (3–5 minutes).
2. Week 2: Teach Basic Cues with Zero Pressure
   Introduce one cue at a time—start with “sit.” Hold a treat near your puppy’s nose, slowly move it upward so their head follows. As their bottom lowers, say “sit,” mark the behavior, and reward. Avoid repeating the cue; say it once. If they don’t respond, reset and try again later. Practice 3–5 times per session, several times a day.
3. Week 3: Add Duration and Distance
   Once your puppy reliably sits, gradually increase how long they hold the position. Start with one second, then two, building up to 10 seconds. Introduce slight distance by stepping back half a step after the sit, then returning to reward. Use a release word like “okay” to signal they can move.
4. Week 4: Practice in Distracting Environments
   Move training outdoors or to busier areas. Begin with mild distractions (e.g., backyard), then progress to sidewalks or parks. Lower your expectations—your puppy may regress. That’s normal. Keep sessions short and rewarding. If they fail, reduce the challenge and rebuild.
5. Weeks 5–8: Chain Behaviors and Generalize Skills
   Combine cues: “sit” → “stay” → “come.” Practice in multiple locations. Use real-life rewards—let your puppy chase a ball after a successful recall, or go through a door after sitting politely. This strengthens the connection between obedience and freedom.

Essential Tools and Techniques

Effective training relies on consistency, timing, and motivation. Here’s what you need:

• High-value treats: Soft, pea-sized morsels your puppy loves (e.g., hot dog pieces, freeze-dried liver).
• Treat pouch: Keeps rewards accessible during walks and training.
• Clicker (optional): A small device that makes a distinct sound to mark correct behavior instantly.
• Leash and harness: For safety during outdoor training, not for correction.
• Patience and timing: Reward within 1–2 seconds of the desired behavior.

Do	Don't
Use cheerful tone and immediate rewards	Yell, tug the leash, or use physical force
End sessions on a success	Repeat failed commands repeatedly
Practice in short bursts daily	Train for long periods when frustrated
Gradually increase difficulty	Expect perfection in distracting settings
Ignore unwanted behaviors when safe	Punish or scold accidental mistakes

Tip: If your puppy won’t take treats, they may be too overwhelmed. Move to a quieter area and lower your training goals.

Real Example: Turning Around a Stubborn Recall

Meet Luna, a 14-week-old Border Collie mix adopted from a rural shelter. Luna loved exploring and would ignore calls, especially near wildlife. Her owner, Mark, tried calling her repeatedly, then resorted to chasing and grabbing—only to have Luna squirm away in panic.

A certified trainer advised switching to positive reinforcement. Mark started indoors: he’d say “Luna, come!” and immediately squeak a toy or show a treat. When she approached, he marked with a “yes!” and rewarded lavishly. He never called her for anything unpleasant (like bath time) and always released her afterward with “go play!”

After two weeks of indoor practice, he moved to a fenced yard, using a long training leash (15–30 feet) for safety. If Luna ignored the cue, he’d gently guide her with the leash, mark the moment she turned toward him, and reward. Within a month, Luna responded reliably off-leash in quiet areas. By six months, she came running—even when spotting squirrels—because coming back meant playtime, treats, and freedom to explore again.

The shift wasn’t in Luna’s temperament—it was in the system of rewards. She learned that listening paid better than ignoring.

Checklist: Positive Reinforcement Success Plan

Follow this checklist every time you train:

• ☑ Choose a quiet, low-distraction space for new skills
• ☑ Use high-value rewards your puppy truly wants
• ☑ Keep sessions under 5 minutes—especially for young pups
• ☑ Practice at least 3 times daily (morning, afternoon, evening)
• ☑ Mark the exact moment of correct behavior (“yes!” or click)
• ☑ Reward immediately after marking
• ☑ End each session with a success and praise
• ☑ Gradually add distractions only after mastery in calm settings
• ☑ Never repeat a cue more than once per attempt
• ☑ Stay calm and patient—even if progress feels slow

FAQ: Common Concerns About Positive Reinforcement

Won’t my puppy only behave if there’s a treat?

No—once a behavior is learned, you transition to intermittent rewards. Like a slot machine, occasional treats keep the behavior strong. Pair treats with life rewards: opening a door, throwing a ball, or petting. Your puppy learns that obedience leads to good things, not just food.

What if my puppy does nothing when I give a cue?

This usually means the behavior isn’t fluent yet, the environment is too challenging, or the reward isn’t motivating enough. Go back to an easier setting, use higher-value treats, or lure the behavior gently (e.g., guiding with a treat). Never repeat the cue—say it once, then reset.

Can I use positive reinforcement for serious issues like biting or jumping?

Absolutely. For biting, redirect to a chew toy and reward engagement with it. For jumping, turn away and ignore (no eye contact, no talking)—then reward four-on-the-floor calmness. You’re not punishing; you’re removing reinforcement for unwanted behavior and rewarding the alternative.

Tip: Name and reward the behavior you want, not the one you don’t. Instead of reacting to jumping, wait for all paws on the ground—then mark and treat.

Conclusion: Building a Lifelong Partnership

Training a stubborn puppy with positive reinforcement isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about laying the foundation for a trusting, joyful relationship. Every treat, every “good job,” every moment of patience shapes how your puppy sees the world and you within it. Resistance fades not through force, but through clarity, consistency, and kindness. You’re not just teaching commands; you’re teaching confidence, self-control, and connection.

The methods work because they respect your puppy’s nature while guiding them toward better choices. There will be setbacks—days when nothing seems to stick. But persistence pays. Weeks from now, you’ll call your puppy across a park, and they’ll come sprinting, tail wagging, eager to be with you. That moment isn’t magic. It’s the result of hundreds of tiny decisions to reward, not punish; to guide, not dominate; to believe in cooperation over control.

💬 Ready to transform your puppy’s behavior the kind way? Start today with one five-minute session. Share your progress or questions in the comments—your journey inspires others!