Does Positive Reinforcement Work for “Stubborn” Dogs?

Every dog trainer hears this eventually.

“Positive reinforcement works for easy dogs, but my dog is stubborn.”

It’s an understandable assumption.

When dogs ignore us, pull toward distractions, or blow off recalls, it can feel like they’re choosing not to listen.

But in most cases stubbornness isn’t the real issue.

Usually one of three things is happening:

• The dog is confused

• The environment is more rewarding than the handler

• The training progressed faster than the dog was ready for

Once those pieces are adjusted, even extremely driven dogs can learn beautifully through reinforcement-based training.

Dogs Are Not Trying to Win Arguments

One of the biggest mindset shifts in dog training is this:

Dogs are not trying to win power struggles.

They are simply choosing the option that makes the most sense in the moment.

Imagine calling your dog while they are chasing a squirrel.

From the dog’s perspective:

*The squirrel is exciting.

*The chase is already happening.

*Coming back might lead to… nothing. Or worse, punishment.

That’s not stubbornness.

That’s predictable decision making. 

Let's look at this same situation from a human lens.

Imagine you were in the mood to do some shopping and there were only two stores open. 

Store 1 had your favorite items, and "OH LOOK! THERE’S A SALE GOING ON TODAY!" 

Store 2 has some items you like sometimes but there is no sale going on.

Odds are high that you are going into store 1. 

That’s not stubbornness. That’s simple logic. 

Of course, your dog cannot just go chase every squirrel just like you can't always go shopping anytime the mood hits you.

There has to be safety limitations and we have to be motivated to make a different decision.

Motivation Changes Everything

Some dogs are highly motivated by the environment.

Terriers want to chase things.

Herding dogs want to control movement.

Sporting breeds love exploring scents.

These dogs are often labeled stubborn when in reality they are simply very enthusiastic about their jobs.

Good training doesn’t try to erase those instincts.

It channels them.

The Weightlifting Rule of Training

Teaching difficult behaviors to dogs is a lot like weightlifting.

If the weight is too light, the body doesn’t adapt.

If the weight is too heavy, people try once or twice and give up.

The sweet spot and real skill is in finding the weight where effort is required but success is still possible.

Good dog training works the same way.

We want the challenge level high enough to create progress but not so high that the dog stops trying.

Why Punishment Can Look Effective

Punishment can interrupt behavior quickly.

But interruption is not the same thing as learning.

A dog may stop a behavior to avoid a correction while still wanting to do that behavior. They are simply waiting for their next chance.

That’s why many punishment-based approaches struggle with long-term reliability.

Force-free training focuses on something deeper:

Changing the dog’s favorite choices.

When the right behavior consistently works better, the dog starts choosing it on their own.

The Dogs Who Often Thrive Most

Interestingly, many dogs labeled stubborn become some of the best learners once training becomes engaging.

Highly intelligent dogs often love:

• problem solving

• interactive training games

• clear feedback

• opportunities to earn rewards

When training becomes interesting instead of frustrating, those dogs often become enthusiastic partners.

A Simple Rule Trainers Live By

There’s an old saying many trainers quietly follow:

If the dog is struggling, the plan needs adjusting.

Good training is not about forcing dogs through challenges.

It’s about designing the path so they can succeed step by step.

Can you imagine how hard math class would have been when you were young if right after you learned basic addition, the next class focused on statistics?!

Without the right training pacing strategy, that’s exactly what it feels like for your dog.

— B. James Woods, CPDT-KA

B. James Woods is a Boston-based dog trainer who believes training should be clear, effective, and kind for both dogs and the humans who love them.

Speak with him today at James@bostondogbutlers.com