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Stubborn spells means they're testing your resolve. They will only be as consistent as we are.
How hard do they actually need to work to get what they want?
That's up to you, literally!
If they know you'll not actually wait for them to complete a task before they get the reward from you, or they know you'll not follow through on what you ask, they'll just wait until you give in. And each time you do (on purpose or not), shows them that you won't likely mean what you say. So, they'll essentially start to ignore your cues.
How do we fix this?
Go back to the basics.
Step 1. You want food? Work for me. You want to play? Work for me. You want to go to the park? Work for me. You want my attention? Work for me. Get it? Make them work for everything again! But, this means you have to be a trust-worthy leader who follows through and rewards regularly.
It is part of their normal cognitive development to test you, and everyone and everything around them. You can expect it! It means their brain is expanding and they are pushing the boundaries of their own minds.
When a client tells me their dog is stubborn, I look at their age, temperament, history of training and the relationship dynamic between the pup and their people. This tells me just about everything I need to know. Are these hard-working and diligent owners who are consistent and offer plenty of exercise and structure, a balanced healthy diet, follow the guidelines and training protocols, practice the skills and exercises and show up to each session ready to learn? If so, then we just might actually have a dog with a truly stubborn personality or whom is going through a normal stubborn phase. If not? Then it's likely that the issues are stemming from you!
So, we need to be dependable and consistent leaders.
I can help get you back on track! Contact Us
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