9 Foolproof Tips to Train Stubborn Dogs
This list comes to us from the Listropolis Blog and has some interesting ideas. I wonder if these would work with my most stubborn pack member, Star?
Thanks to Shaun for barking in this article.
9 Foolproof Tips Anyone Can Do to Train a Stubborn Dog
Posted by admin
April 4, 2008(A Listropolis Original)
I have a Jack Russell Terrier, and if you’re familiar with this breed, you know I have my hands full. Jack Russells are extremely active, and often difficult to train. My dog’s name is Dag (video to explain the name), which isn’t really important, but I took him to a training class at 7 weeks old, and the tips I learned in the class were amazing - so amazing in fact, that I’m sharing them with you. These are all very simple, and I’ve used them to work with four other dogs, all with incredible results.
Tip 1: Socialize - If you have a puppy, it’s important to socialize your dog. This doesn’t mean take it to a dog park, and just let him run around. That couls actually hurt your training efforts because your dog will learn from the other dogs in the park. To properly socialize your dog, try making friends with other dog owners, and let the dogs play for 10-15 minutes a day, but keep a good eye on your dog to make sure it’s not growling, or showing any other aggresive behavior.Tip 2: The Number 12 - This also applies for puppies (younger than 1 year old). Bring your dog to 12 different places, and have it walk on 12 different surfaces. I was told a story about a dog that would walk up to the vet’s door, and freeze. He loved the vet, but would not walk into the office. Turns out, the dog was afraid of the surface changing from concrete to tile. Introducing your dog to 12 places and 12 surfaces helps them overcome any fears of their surroundings. Very simple, but also very effective, and usually overlooked.
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Cool tips! Thanks for posting!
Thanks for posting these.
I remember when Lil’ Rok used to be scared of hardwood floors, she would jump from carpet to rug, etc. lol
Not bad, but I am not huge on the dominance or scruffing sections, and I think any positive reinforcement trainer would agree.
The rule of 12 is a great one though, and one that we teach at puppy class!
Great post, i will definitely have to try these out!
Being the mom of a stubborn ACD/terrier mix, I can tell you that scruffing, used judiciously, works. All I have to do now is touch her scruff and say no and it works.
These are some great tips I will take into consideration. Reesee is a VERY stubborn Chihuahua and thinks he is king of the house! Thanks for posting!
Thanks for the love! I just want to clear one thing up… I believe in positive reinforcement training. The few steps in this post about discipline and scruffing are not considered “negative” by most trainers. I’ve received a ton of email telling me the tips are abusive, but I really beg to differ. Thanks again for sharing/reading the post. Hope it has helped.
have to admit the scruffing worked when my 85lb dogs were puppies. The sound of a magazine crinkle stops them from getting obnoxious and when they bit me as pups I bit them back. Now I bite them gently on their snouts every now and then and I am returned with many wet kisses.
I have 3 large males who will try to take over if I let them. They are not wild wolves and while we are a team, they need a confident leader.
thanks for the list