Stubborn Dogs…
It is not uncommon for people to describe their dogs as being “stubborn”!
This is especially so with some breeds and in particular terriers!
A dictionary meaning of ‘stubborn; suggests:
“A stubborn person is determined to do what he or she wants and refuses to do anything else"
Why?
…Well in all probability they will have their reasons and will probably tell you if questioned!
With our dogs however, they may refuse to do something too but unlike the human they are unable to tell us why or argue their corner!
So if a dog behaves in what the human considers to be in an inappropriate manner i.e. being stubborn then we should consider this in context.
Let’s keep this simple and use a refusal to sit as our example:
1. A dog refusing to sit on request may be feeling unwell or a bit sore. To sit might be uncomfortable for them at that precise moment.
2. They may see something in the environment which is a worry to them. Their natural instinct is to exercise the flight, freeze or flight response and not to sit!
3. It might be that the dog has only ever been taught to sit at home and hasn’t been asked to sit in a different environment and one with distractions.
Dogs do not generalise easily.
Asking them to sit at home is forgotten when being asked to sit in a busy and scary environment away from the safety of the home.
4. They may have only been taught to sit for a biscuit or other titbit…today you have no such rewards with you and you also forgot to phase out the food!
5. The dog may not have been taught to sit on cue in the first place!
So when we look at something as simple as refusal to sit, we need to appreciate and consider why the dog is not happily obliging.
Consider in what context and environment the dog is refusing to sit.
Ask yourself, is the dog actually being stubborn or is something else going on which is affecting their behaviour.
Evaluate the situation, have a rethink and ask yourself how best can you help your beloved canine.
If you would like some help, then please get in touch!
