How to Train a Stubborn Puppy

Don't despair if you have a stubborn puppy to train. In fact, a stubborn puppy is sometimes just confused by inconsistent training or boredom. Some pups are stubborn because they want to be the leader. Generally, with a few modifications, the same training works for all puppies. Stubborn puppies may just take a little longer.

Things You'll Need

  • Collar
  • Leash
  • Toys
  • Training treats
  • Crate
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Instructions

    • 1

      Establish yourself as the leader by using the Nothing in Life Is Free (NILIF) policy. Dogs are pack animals that follow a leader; if you don't take on the role, your dog might. Sometimes a puppy that seems stubborn is in fact unclear about who is the leader of the pack.

      NILIF should be implemented for all dogs and puppies, teaching them that the people in the family are the leaders. In short, NILIF requires your puppy to earn rewards, games and other attention by obeying a command or doing some other "work." This policy reinforces your role as leader.

    • 2

      Be consistent. Puppies can't understand the difference in circumstances that make you allow something today that you don't allow tomorrow; such as jumping up on you when you're dressed for play as opposed to when you're dressed for work. Sometimes, people think they are consistent; but they may fail to notice the times they are too tired to correct their puppy, too busy to supervise, or too enamored of the puppy and her antics.

    • 3
      Give your puppy her own toys and she won't play with yours.

      Decide on the rules for the puppy. If the puppy will not be allowed on the sofa, then never allow her on the sofa. Sometimes an owner changes her mind, perhaps thinking a no-sofa rule is best, but then realizing that she likes the puppy cuddling on the sofa with her. Change your mind once; but then stick to it. Also, a puppy doesn't automatically know what items she can chew or not: if you let her gnaw an old shoe, she will think all shoes are for her. Instead, give her toys that are hers to chew, and don't allow her to chew anything else.

    • 4

      Keep training interesting. Devise games that instruct, such as hide or seek or fetch. Teach tricks--such as shake hands or roll over--along with obedience--such as sit and stay--to maintain your puppy's interest and stimulate her mind. Teaching your puppy many words and commands also strengthens the bond between you and reinforces your role as the leader.

    • 5
      Confine or supervise your puppy or you can expect trouble.

      Confine the puppy when you cannot supervise her. A crate is the best method in most cases, but you could use a small bathroom, or a kitchen. If you use a room instead of a crate, the room must be completely puppy-proof. Consider that some puppies are attracted to wood, like the bottoms of your cabinets; bottoms of curtains; loose floor tiles or carpet and cushions. Plan accordingly.

    • 6

      Supervise your puppy closely when she is not confined. Remove valuable or important items until she is over the indiscriminate chewing stage. If you leave shoes, clothing, or toilet paper where she can get to them, it's your fault, not hers.

    • 7
      A tired puppy is a good puppy, so give her plenty of exercise.

      Exercise your puppy daily to help her expend that excess puppy energy. Include both leash walking and off-leash romping in a safe, enclosed area. A tired dog--or puppy--is a good dog.

    • 8

      Alter your puppy as soon as possible. Altering, also known as neutering (male) or spaying (female) before sexual maturity can prevent problems such as dominant behavior, wandering and territorial aggression.