Dogs Aren’t Stubborn — They’re Communicating
One of the words I hear a lot from dog owners is stubborn.
“He’s so stubborn.”
“She knows what I’m asking, she just doesn’t want to do it.”
“He’s being stubborn on purpose.”
The truth is, dogs aren’t stubborn. What we see as stubbornness is usually something completely different.
What’s Really Going On?
When a dog doesn’t respond the way we expect, it’s usually because of one (or a mix) of these reasons:
Lack of understanding — The dog may not actually know the command as well as we think.
Distractions — The environment might be more interesting than we are at that moment.
Motivation — What we’re offering doesn’t outweigh what the dog is focused on.
Stress or fear — A dog under pressure may shut down instead of responding.
Inconsistent follow-through — If a dog has learned that sometimes they don’t really have to listen, they’ll take the gamble.
None of those things equal stubbornness.
The Danger of the "Stubborn" Label
When we label a dog as stubborn, we put the blame on them instead of looking at the bigger picture. It can make us frustrated, which often leads to harsher corrections or giving up altogether. In reality, the issue is about clarity, consistency, and communication — not a dog being defiant.
A Shift in Perspective
Instead of saying my dog is stubborn, try asking:
Does my dog truly know this command in all environments?
Am I offering enough motivation for my dog right now?
Could my dog be stressed or overwhelmed?
Am I being consistent with my expectations and follow-through?
Building a Better Bond
When we stop blaming dogs for being “stubborn” and instead look at what they’re telling us, we build trust and strengthen the bond. A dog who feels understood is a dog who wants to work with us — not against us.
So next time you catch yourself saying your dog is stubborn, pause and reframe. Your dog isn’t being difficult. They’re communicating. And when we listen, training becomes a whole lot more rewarding — for both of you.