How do I Train a Stubborn Breed like a Bulldog?

I sometimes make dog training sound easy, but the truth is, some dogs are just tough to train—no matter how many treats you offer. Some dogs get distracted easily, aren’t motivated by food, or are just plain stubborn. But here’s the thing—they’re still totally trainable, incredibly loyal, and absolutely lovable. So today, I want to talk about how to train a stubborn dog.

The other day, I was walking my dog, Bruno, around the neighborhood when we bumped into my neighbor, Ana, and her independent Shiba Inu, Mochi. Ana looked frustrated as she tried to get Mochi to sit while we approached. I could tell they’d been practicing, and Ana was hoping to show off Mochi’s new trick. But, of course, Mochi had other ideas.

Training a stubborn dog is like running a marathon that never seems to end. Just when you think you’re making progress, they decide to prove you wrong—right in front of other people. But with patience, the right approach, and some seriously tasty treats, you can absolutely train even the most stubborn dog.

Why Are Some Dogs So Stubborn?

Stubborn dogs aren’t “bad”—they’re just independent! Just like people, dogs have their own personalities, and some are naturally more strong-willed.

Breeds like Shiba Inus, Beagles, and Dachshunds often get called “stubborn.” But why? It’s because they were originally bred as hunting dogs. They had to be smart and think on their feet to catch prey. They’d race ahead, corner the animal, and wait for their humans to catch up. So, they’re not ignoring commands like “come” or “stay” just to be difficult—they genuinely think they know better. To them, it’s like, “Why is my human stopping me from doing my job?”

Then there are breeds like Saint Bernards and English Bulldogs that people think are lazy or unmotivated. But there’s more to it. Saint Bernards were bred as rescue dogs in the mountains. Their calm, slow demeanor helped them comfort lost or injured people. English Bulldogs were bred to stand their ground against bulls, and American Bullies and “Pit Bulls” come from the same lineage. If they were brave enough to face down a bull, no wonder they’re hard to move when they don’t feel like it!

Also Read: What Dog Breed is Best for Apartment Living?

Most dogs today are mixed breeds, like my lab mix, Bruno. Chances are, your pup has a bit of these strong-willed breeds in their DNA, which can make training more challenging.

But here’s the good news—these are all working dogs, which means they’re smart and capable of learning. With the right approach, training stubborn dogs is definitely possible!

How to Train a Stubborn Dog

1. Be Patient

Training a stubborn dog takes time. It’s more like running a marathon than a sprint. Progress might be slow, but every little win counts. For example, Mochi, Ana’s Shiba Inu, wouldn’t sit on command in public because she was always on the lookout for animals to chase. I suggested Ana start training Mochi in a quiet spot at home and gradually move to more distracting places. If Mochi struggled with a new level, she could go back a step and try again.

The trick is to start small:

• Practice at home first.
• Then, move to a fenced backyard.
• Next, try a park on a leash during off-hours.
• Finally, attempt off-leash once they’ve mastered all the steps.

If you feel frustrated, take a deep breath. Losing your cool won’t help—it’ll just make your dog shut down.

Also Read: How to Care for a Small Dog Breed in Winter?

2. Use Positive Reinforcement

Dogs learn best with positive reinforcement, not punishment. For stubborn breeds, the reward has to be something they can’t resist. For my dog Bruno, that’s high-value treats like beef lung bites. They’re healthy, easy to break into small pieces, and Bruno would do anything for one!

But rewards aren’t just about treats. Use praise, belly rubs, playtime, or even their favorite chew toy. The key is to make following commands feel like winning the jackpot. This builds trust, and they’ll start seeing you as a friend, not someone stopping them from “doing their job.”

3. Break Tasks into Small Steps

If your dog struggles with “stay,” don’t expect them to stay across the room right away. Start small. Stand close, take one step back, and say, “Stay.” If they stay for even a second, reward them with a treat, praise, and pets.

Gradually increase the distance and time. This approach keeps them from feeling confused or overwhelmed. It also helps them understand that “stay” isn’t a punishment but just another command.

4. Be Consistent with Commands

Consistency is crucial, especially with stubborn dogs. Always use the same word and tone for each command. For example, if you’re teaching “sit,” don’t switch between “sit” and “down” or say “sit down” if they don’t respond.

Also, keep your tone calm and steady. If you get frustrated and your voice changes, they’ll get confused. Once they learn the command, the tone won’t matter as much, but consistency is key during training. It’s like drawing a straight line instead of a messy squiggle.

5. Find What Motivates Them

Not all dogs are motivated by food. Some love toys, playtime, or even just a happy voice and a head scratch. Try different rewards to see what works best for your dog. For stubborn pups like Mochi, a squeaky toy might do the trick better than a treat.

Also Read: How much Exercise does a Dachshund need?

6. Keep Training Sessions Short and Fun

Stubborn dogs often get bored quickly. Keep training sessions short—about 5-10 minutes—and focus on one command at a time. Always end on a positive note. If they’re struggling with something new, go back to a command they know well, let them succeed, reward them, and end the session.

This way, they leave training feeling good about themselves and are more excited to train again next time.

7. Include Mental Stimulation

A lot of stubborn behavior comes from boredom or anxiety. Keeping your dog mentally stimulated can make a big difference. Giving them a marrow-filled dog bone 2-3 times a week is a great way to do this. It acts like a puzzle toy as they lick, chew, and flip it to get the marrow out.

Mentally stimulated dogs feel happier and safer. They learn to trust you more because you provide fun and rewarding experiences. And a happy, mentally engaged dog is much more open to training!