If you thought that having a pet dog is all fun and giggles, you’re probably wrong! Keeping a pet dog is not as easy as it may seem. This is especially true for large dogs. The breeds that are large in size are tough to manage and train. At times, they are so stubborn that you, as an owner, would simply want to bang your head against the wall out of frustration.
These dogs, massive in size, may showcase an independent mind. No matter how much you try to train them, they will be extremely slow when it comes to responding to traditional obedience methods. They don’t only require you to showcase a lot of patience and persistence, but there is a need to be extremely strategic while dealing with them.
In this article, we shall talk about some hard-to-train dog breeds and what you can really do to turn them from being stubborn breeds to obedient pets.
Hard-to-train Large Dog Breeds
1. Afghan Hound
Height: 25–27 inches
Weight: 50–60 pounds
Afghan Hound is undoubtedly one of the most gorgeous dog breeds out there. However, at the same time, it is more stubborn and difficult to train than any other dog you’ll come across.
These dogs are bred to be independent hunters. Hence, they are naturally self-dependent and don’t ask for commands and instructions.
Coupled with that is their natural stubbornness. Omlet says these hounds have a diva attitude, and they wouldn’t really bother if anyone gave them a command. Whatever the situation may be, they would rather follow their own brain than accept what the owner says.
This can surely make the whole training process really slow and hard. Some strategies to utilise in such a situation are:
Rewarding desired behaviours and encouraging positive reinforcement
Early socialization and puppy training are necessary to change the behavior of dogs
Keep them leashed to avoid sudden prey behaviour
2. Alaskan Malamute
Height: 23 to 25 inches
Weight: 75 and 85 pounds
Another dog that is extremely gorgeous in appearance but stubborn to the next level is the Alaskan Malamute.
This dog has a very strong-willed nature. When you start the training process, you will realise that making this dog perform a task or obey your command is a tough task.
However, they are definitely trainable. You need to give them proper training sessions, starting early in life. Some strategies that can help you include;
Be consistent with commands.
Plan short sessions of 10 minutes during the day to train them.
Introduce new circumstances, individuals, and doggies in a controlled manner to avoid sudden outbursts of emotions.
3. Akita
Height: 26-28 inches
Weight: 100-130 pounds
Well, AKC says Akita is an extremely intelligent dog!
Though it is completely true, it is also a reality that these dogs are extremely stubborn and tough to train.
Teaching this dog even the simplest commands like “sit,” “come,” and “down” is also quite challenging. This is why it is recommended that only experienced pet parents choose to have these dogs as pets.
Some tips that can help you deal with this dog and make training easier are:
Find a snack, toy, or activity that motivates the dog
Reward them with lots of play time for good behaviour
Socialise them from a young age
4. Bloodhound
Height: 23 to 27 inches
Weight: 110 pounds
There is only one major factor that makes a Bloodhound difficult to train, and that is its natural tendency to go after a scent that may appear interesting to it.
The dog will always be more than willing to follow a scent, and when it does so, it will forget whatever command you were trying to teach it.
They are intelligent dogs. However, at the same time, they can be extremely stubborn. Hence, as a pet parent, you will have to display a lot of patience and consistency.
For a big dog like this one, WebMD suggests positive reinforcement techniques work really well.
Some strategies to utilise while training this dog are:
Avoid punishing or harsh behaviour
Redirect unwanted behaviour towards a positive alternative politely
Ensure the lessons are short, to the point, and interesting.
5. Borzoi
Height:31 inches
Weight: 75-105 pounds
You may think a Borzoi is just an affectionate, easy-going dog that will be a fun pet to have in the house.
Well, it’s true that this dog is extremely loving. But, at the same time, it is super stubborn as well!
Borzoi has an independent nature and can easily activate its stubborn streak. Also, during the dog training sessions, it can get distracted. As it is a sighthound, it may end up running after and chasing smaller animals, postponing the training lesson.
PDSA says these big dogs have a high prey drive, and you need to manage that while training this difficult dog breed.
Some tips that can help you deal with this dog and make training easier are:
Ensure proper mental stimulation of the dog
Initiate with basic commands and then go on to advance
Use varied activities to prevent boredom.
6. Great Pyrenees
Height: 32 inches
Weight: 85–110 pounds
Originally bred as a livestock guardian, the Great Pyrenees is a dog with an independent nature.
This makes the big dog’s training a bit complicated.
At times, they would show strong resistance against commands. What you want to teach the dog, it may not be willing to learn!
Though you need to be firm in your training, avoid being too harsh. Have a kind approach to training, and with time, the dog will show great improvement.
Start early socialisation as it prevents fearfulness and aggression
Be consistent in your chosen training plan
Initiate leash manners and recall before going to the advanced levels of training.
7. Irish Wolfhound
Height: 32 inches
Weight: 120 and 155 pounds
As an Irish Wolfhound is a massive dog with a strong build, it tends to intimidate humans.
Hence, a lot of pet owners feel like this is a hard-to-train dog and lose their hopes too soon!
Well, the truth is, despite being a giant dog breed, it is an intelligent creature. With patience and consistency, positive outcomes are guaranteed.
Dog trainers handle this dog’s strong will with lots of positive reinforcement. They ensure to establish strong habits within this dog and reward good behavior.
Some strategies to utilise while training this dog are:
Expose it to different situations
Guide the dog on impulse control
Be gentle and calm
8. Komondor
Height: 7.5 inches
Weight: 80 pounds
The livestock guardian is yet another massive dog that is considered hard to train!
Dog owners love them owing to their strong protective instincts, but training sessions with them can really become tricky.
As this dog is an independent worker, it doesn’t really like being instructed. Hence, obedience training can be a bit prolonged than you expected.
Some tricks that can help while training this dog are:
Make the training sessions exciting for the dog
Be consistent and showcase patience
Treat the dog for good behavior
9. Kuvasz
Height: 28-30 inches
Weight:100-115 pounds
Just like most other big-sized dogs, the Kuvasz is also an independent thinker, and making it follow commands is a bit tough!
Having said that, early and proper socialization, coupled with positive reinforcement and consistency, can prove magical.
This particular breed is a sensitive one. Hence, make sure you are not harsh with it, or else it will repel all your training efforts.
Follow these tricks to make your training an absolute success:
Reward desired manners
Keep training sessions short
Expose your dog to various situations and people
Conclusion
Where some dogs are super obedient and eager to please their parents, others are an absolute nightmare when it comes to training. The Australian Shepherd, Jack Russell Terrier, Australian Cattle Dog, Bernese Mountain Dog, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, and Doberman Pinscher are also some big dogs that may be a little difficult to train. Border collie and bull terrier also showcase resistance in potty training.
However, with patience, consistenc,y and lots of treats, you’ll surely be able to achieve your goals!
