I hear people all the time describing their dog as “stubborn” for not listening to them.
But “stubborn” isn’t applicable to dogs. They don’t have the capacity to act out of spite or try to upset us on purpose – they have no concept of the impact of their actions on our emotions.
A dog that isn’t complying every time with a command they definitely know has simply experienced that they can get away with it. There’s been a lack of consistency and follow-through in handling, so they have learnt that they don’t need to listen each time.
Are they not sitting when told?
👉Because you taught them you’re not serious when asking.
Are they leaving a down stay whenever they feel like it?
👉Because you taught them that’s ok.
Are they not coming when called?
👉Because you let them get away with it.
When you apply follow-through to your commands each and every time, you teach your dog the value of listening each and every time.
So don’t blame your dog for being “stubborn”, blame yourself for being lenient with the rules.
