My Dog is 'Stubborn,' Sound Familiar?

1) They’re Unmotivated

A dog who doesn’t seem to respond when we ask for a behaviour often isn’t being wilful—they simply don’t see a reason to do it.

Humans work the same way. If your boss asked you to stay late for no extra pay, you might not be too keen either! Dogs need reinforcement that feels meaningful to them.

Food is the most obvious motivator, but it’s far from the only one. Many dogs work beautifully for:

• access to the environment (“Okay, you sat — now go explore!”)
• praise, petting, or affection
• a favourite toy
• a chance to play

The goal isn’t to bribe your dog, but to show them:
“Doing this behaviour leads to something good for you.”

If your dog seems “stubborn,” try experimenting with different reinforcers. You may be surprised at what truly motivates them.

2) They’re in Pain

Pain is one of the most common and most overlooked reasons for sudden behaviour changes.

Dogs are incredibly good at masking discomfort, so behavioural signs often appear before physical ones. A dog who doesn’t want to sit may not be refusing—you might not realise their hips, back, or legs hurt. A dog who won’t jump into the car may be avoiding pain, not ignoring you.

Some signs can be subtle:

• slowing down on walks
• reluctance to be touched
• changes in posture
• snapping or growling when handled
• struggling with tasks they used to manage easily

If your dog’s behaviour shifts unexpectedly, it’s wise to have a vet check them over before assuming it’s a training issue. 

3) They’re Fearful or Anxious

Fear changes everything. In stressful moments, dogs aren’t thinking clearly—they’re reacting instinctively.

A dog who once slipped on a pavement may avoid walking on one again. A dog who feels anxious around other dogs might freeze, refuse to move, or fixate on the trigger. These behaviours aren’t acts of defiance; they’re signs of a dog trying to cope.

When fear kicks in, dogs enter the fight, flight, freeze, or fawn response. Training becomes nearly impossible, because the thinking part of the brain shuts down.

If your dog:

• stops suddenly on walks
• hides behind you
• trembles, pants, or won’t take food
• stares intensely at something
• pulls to get away

…they may be overwhelmed.

If you recognise these behaviours, working with a force-free/R+ behaviourist can make a world of difference. The goal is to reduce the dog’s stress and help them feel safe before jumping into any training.

4) They’re Overwhelmed by the Environment

Dogs don’t generalise behaviours the way humans do. Just because your dog sits perfectly in the kitchen doesn’t mean they’ll sit at the park with kids playing, dogs running, and birds flapping overhead.

It’s not disobedience—it’s distraction overload.

This is where proofing comes in. Proofing teaches your dog a behaviour in progressively more challenging environments:

1. Start easy – indoors, quiet space
2. Add mild distractions – garden, driveway
3. Take it outdoors – quiet, familiar street
4. Increase difficulty – less familiar areas, empty parks 
5. Real-life situations – park with other dogs, people, prams, bikes, traffic

Every time the environment changes, the behaviour may need to be re-taught at a simpler level. This is normal, and part of how dogs learn. Don't be afraid to go back a step, before moving forwards.

5) They Don’t Understand What You’re Asking

Sometimes what looks like “stubbornness” is really confusion.

Dogs need clarity and repetition. We sometimes assume they’ve mastered a behaviour because they did it a handful of times, but learning can take longer than we think.

Common causes of confusion include:

• saying a cue too many times
• using the same cue for different tasks (e.g. saying "down" to get off of something, but also using "down" for lie down)
• moving too quickly through training steps, at a pace your dog can't keep up with
• expecting them to perform around distractions before they’re ready
• inconsistent rewards
• unclear body language (dogs notice everything)

If your dog isn’t responding, take a step back and reflect on the situation. Break the behaviour into smaller chunks and reinforce each success. Clear communication works wonders.

The Bottom Line: Stubborn Isn’t a Personality—It’s a Sign

There are countless reasons why a dog may appear uncooperative, but true stubbornness isn't one of them. More often, your dog is trying their best under circumstances that don’t set them up for success.

Next time your dog seems “stubborn,” pause and reflect:

• Are they motivated?
• Are they comfortable?
• Are they calm?
• Are they overwhelmed?
• Do they truly understand the cue?

By looking at the underlying causes, you not only improve your dog’s training—you strengthen your relationship.

Need More Help?

If you’re struggling with behaviours that seem “stubborn,” you don’t have to navigate it alone. Every dog is unique, and sometimes a little personalised guidance is all it takes to uncover what your dog is really trying to communicate.

If you’d like support, reach out to Five Senses Dog Training. We can help you identify the root cause of your dog’s behaviour and create a training plan that builds confidence, clarity, and connection.

Get in touch via the link below today — your dog will thank you for it. 🐾