Is Your Dog Stubborn?

It’s a scene most dog owners know all too well: You call your dog, and they sniff the ground instead. You say "sit," and they stare blankly at you. You ask them to walk, and they plant their butts down like a statue. The thought crosses your mind, “My dog is so stubborn!"

It’s easy to assume that a dog who doesn’t do what we ask is being difficult on purpose. But before we label our dogs as "stubborn," it’s important to take a step back and consider what might really be going on.

The truth is, when dogs don’t respond to our cues, it’s rarely because they’re being stubborn. There’s almost always a reasonable explanation. The dog who doesn’t come when called might not have had enough practice doing so in that particular environment. The one who won’t sit might be uncomfortable, in pain, or avoiding a surface that’s too hot or too cold. What we often call “stubbornness” is usually a sign of something else entirely. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common reasons dogs don’t respond to cues and why “stubborn” isn’t the right label.

1. They Don’t Understand What You’re Asking

Just because your dog sat when you asked them yesterday, in your living room, after a long walk, when no one else was home doesn’t mean they understand what sit means on the back porch, first thing in the morning, while the kids are playing baseball in the yard. Like us, dogs need lots of practice to master skills and can be thrown off by changes in the environment.

2. They’re Scared or Anxious

If your dog is in a situation that causes them to feel frightened or anxious (like being in an unfamiliar place, around loud noises, or near unfamiliar dogs or people), they may not respond as reliably. This isn’t because they’re ignoring you, it’s because fear and stress can have a significant impact on behavior (for all of us).

3. They’re in Pain or Discomfort

Sometimes, what looks like defiance is actually discomfort. A dog who refuses to sit might have arthritis or hip pain. A dog who won’t walk might have a cut paw, a thorn stuck in their pad, or sore muscles. This can be true for any dog but if there’s a sudden change in behavior, or if your dog is suddenly refusing to do something they used to do easily, it may be a good idea to rule out pain with a vet check.

4. They’re Just Really, Really Tired

This one’s especially true for puppies and senior dogs. Young puppies have very little stamina, nothing compared to an adult dog and senior dogs also slow down as they age. If your puppy or senior dog flops down and refuses to walk, they might be exhausted and in need of a rest.

5. The Motivation Isn’t There

Dogs do what pays off for them and if the reward doesn’t match the effort, they’re less likely to repeat the behavior again in the future. Be sure you’re rewarding good behavior appropriately with things your dog enjoys. Use higher value rewards when you’re teaching your dog something new, working in a distracting environment or asking for a behavior that requires a considerable amount of effort.

So… Are Dogs Ever Truly Stubborn?

Not really. Not in the human sense of being difficult just because. Dogs aren’t out to challenge your authority. If they’re not responding, it’s likely for a really good reason.

Understanding the why behind your dog’s behavior is the first step to better behavior, better communication and a stronger bond. Let’s ditch the “stubborn” label and start seeing our dogs for what they really are: canine learners doing their best in a human world!

With wags and aloha,

Cori Tufano- CPDT-KA, CSAT, FDM, FFCP