Training some dogs is like a piece of cake, while others are known for their strong-willed personalities. Such dogs have an independent streak and do not listen to your commands easily. Stubborn dog breeds tend to follow their heart, which can make training challenging.
These pooches make loyal and loving companions, but have a mind of their own. As a rule of thumb, we use rewards or punishments to train the dogs. When driven by instincts, stubborn dogs do not respond well to either.
Instead, their motivation lies elsewhere. They truly test the limits of your patience and positive reinforcement skills. You can make them follow your commands by catering to their instincts and needs. However, it does not mean they are bad dogs. They just have unique personalities.
Here are the top 10 dog breeds that demand extra effort before listening to you.
Dog Breeds That Demand Extra Effort Before Listening to You
1. Afghan Hound
Afghan Hounds were originally bred for hunting large game in the mountains of Afghanistan. Their sighthound heritage makes them one of the most stubborn dog breeds. Afghan Hounds were meant to be independent thinkers, which means they often make their own decisions.
This elegant dog breed is incredibly loyal to its owners, but can be aloof during training sessions. Their stubbornness comes wrapped in beauty, which can make it frustrating and amusing at the same time. According to PetMD, they need consistent training to form strong bonds with their humans.
Afghan Hounds may find it hard to adjust well to new homes. They have a high prey drive and need regular exercise every day for physical and mental stimulation. With proper training and socialization, Afghan Hounds make wonderful family pets.
2. Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers were originally bred for fox hunting, so it’s no surprise that they are always on their own mission. While Jack Russell Terriers are intelligent and quick to learn, they can be independent and strong-willed at times.
Jack Russell Terriers’ fearless and curious nature means they have a tendency to wander off. PetPlan recommends good recall training for Jack Russell Terriers. Their stamina and determination demand a firm but fair trainer.
Use plenty of positive reinforcement to train your Jack Russell Terrier. Known for their high energy levels, they love learning new tricks and some extra mental stimulation. Despite being a stubborn dog breed, the Jack Russell Terrier is extremely loyal to its owners.
3. Shiba Inu
This exotic dog breed was bred for hunting and is still quite muscular and athletic. At the same time, they have a reputation for being independent thinkers. Their aloof personality makes them one of the most stubborn dog breeds.
Shiba Inus are highly intelligent, which means they are easy to train. However, their strong-willed personality means you need to put in some extra effort to make them follow your commands. They do well with strong owners who know how to handle a willful dog.
This ancient Japanese dog breed is also known for being aggressive if not trained properly from an early age. Shiba Inus also have a high prey drive, which means they may not be well-suited for multi-pet households.
4. Basenji
Basenjis are popular for their yodel-like sounds and cat-like fastidious personality. They were originally bred in Africa as hunting dogs and are fiercely independent. Their high energy levels and curious nature make them one of the hardest dog breeds.
Being a stubborn dog breed, they may take some time to follow your commands. Due to these traits, Basenjis may not be well-suited for first time dog owners. They are known for being independent and aloof at times, explains the American Kennel Club.
Basenjis are open and calm with their friends, but reserved towards strangers. These inquisitive and active dogs need plenty of daily exercise for physical and mental stimulation. They also excel at canine sports liketracking, obedience, and agility training.
5. Basset Hound
Recognized by their droopy face and floppy ears, Basset Hounds were initially bred as scent hounds. With their high prey drive and curious nature, they are one of the hardest dog breeds to train. Basset Hounds are friendly with strangers and greet everyone with a loud bark.
Their one-track mind and independent personality make them hard to train. As a Basset Hound owner, you need to work closely with them. Although they can be stubbron and aloof at times, Basset Hounds are eager to please dogs and tend to learn quickly.
You only need to be patient and consistent. Basset Hounds do not like being left alone and are prone to separation anxiety. They bark a lot; proper training is needed to overcome this behavior. Their low energy levels can make obedience training a challenge.
6. Scottish Terrier
With their dignified beard and bold attitude, Scottish Terriers are one of the most stubborn dog breeds. They were bred as hunting dogs, so they are tenacious and have a mind of their own. Scotties are independent thinkers who love doing things their own way.
It is important to respect their independence and offer positive reinforcement based training sessions. These confident canines are incredibly loyal to their owners and very active. However, their strong willed perosnality make them unsuitable for first time dog owners.
Having the traits of a typical terrier, Scotties are somewhat reserved. However, they are highly adaptable in their daily exercise requirements. Scotties need at least an hour of exercise every day ehich can include scent work and problem solving.
7. Shar Pei
Shar Pei is an intelligent dog breed, fiercely loyal to its humans and makes a protective family companion. They tend to be aloof towards people they don’t know. Shar Peis are popular for their independent streak.
While they love to snuggle with their family members, Shar Peis are wary of other dogs. Despite its high brain power, you may struggle training this stubborn dog breed. Shar Peis have an uncompromising character, but can be an ibedient trainee if handled properly.
These wrinkly dogs are not overly energetic. You would rarely see them taking part in an agility competition. You can provide them regular exercise in the form of daily walks totalling about an hour a day.
8. Chihuahua
These tiny and fiere canines would prefer resting in your lap over wroking for a reward. Chihuahuas are tiny pooches known for their fiesty and independent personalities. Despite their petite stature, Chihuahuas are very intelligent.
Apart from being the most stubborn dog breed, Chihuahuas are also very lazy. However, they have an eager to please nature and respond well to positive reinforcement based training methods. But its seems that they are well aware of their cuteness and learn how to get their way.
Well suited for apartment living, Chihuahuas love to run and play. They can easily get adequate mental and physical stimulation with short walks and indoor play sessions. Chihuahuas are very alert and protective of their owners and make good watchdogs.
9. Akita
Loved for their utmost loyalty, Akitas are gorgeous dogs that were originally bred for hunting and guarding. Their historical role demanded them to be independent thinkers and make decisions of their own.
These traits make Akitas one of the most stubborn dog breeds. They are not suitable for novice pet parents and require a firm handler who known how to deal with a willful pup. Early training and socialization is important to turn Akitas into well behaved pets.
These smart dogs pick up new cues easily and respond well to obedience training. You will only need to motivate them and hold their attention with right positive reinforcement rewards. Akitas excel at activities agility, hiking, rally, and dock diving.
10. Beagle
Beagles are excellent hunting companions known for their keen sense of smell. They are friendly and loving to their owners, but notoriously difficult to train. Their scent-driven instincts and ability to think independently make them one of the most stubborn dog breeds.
They love to follow scents, so they may not follow your commands while following a scent trail. Leash training and mental stimulation plays an important role in keeping them focused. A patient and consistent trainer can bring the best out of a Beagle.
Beagles are loyal dogs who enjoy the company of their ‘pack.’ Fully grown Beagles need at least two hours of exercise every day for physical and mental stimulation. They have a strong impulse to bark, but this behavior can be overcome with proper training.
Conclusion
While some canines are known for their easy trainability, others have a difficult time following their owner’s commands. These canines are intelligent and have an eager to please nature, due to which they can pick up on new commands easily.
However, their ability to think independently and strong willed personality make them hardest dog breeds to train. These stubborn dog breeds are not suitable for new dog owners. Instead, they make a perfect fit for experienced pet parents.
