Why are terriers so stubborn? (2023)

How do you deal with a stubborn terrier?

Go slowly. Start by working with your dog on favorite or familiar behaviors. Create a positive association with training by rewarding even minor successes. Once your dog understands that training is a good thing, take small steps: Change only one variable at a time.

Terriers are notoriously feisty with other dogs; they were bred to hunt solo and thus had little need for sociability. A terrier who spends time around other canines from an early age may learn to be friendly with them.

#1 – Afghan Hound

These days, those traits are displayed as being aloof and independent. They make up for their lack of obedience by being extremely affectionate and loyal. Owners of this dignified breed report that no amount of training will overcome the breed's hunting instinct to chase after prey.

Along with their sharp, inquisitive minds, terriers were bred to have exceptional courage and persistence. They don't back down to anything and that includes their owners! Pam says that it's next to impossible to make a terrier do something it doesn't want to, another handicap to standard training methods.

The Terrier breed group contains over 30 breeds in a variety of sizes, appearances, and personalities. However, one trait that all of these breeds tend to share is a stubborn streak! In fact, many Terriers are known for their willful, headstrong temperaments.

Lhasa Apso

Lhasas have also been described as manipulative, mischievous and uncompromising.

1. Border Collie. The most intelligent breed of dog! These dogs are capable of just about anything they put their mind to.

Terrier breeds generally love their own family but can take or leave other people – and some do not have much tolerance for children and the associated noise and running around. The different breeds – and individuals within the breeds - vary widely however and some are far softer and more tolerant.

Feisty and energetic are two of the primary traits that come to mind for those who have experience with Terriers. In fact, many describe their distinct personalities as “eager for a spirited argument.” Bred to hunt, kill vermin and to guard their families home or barn; sizes range from… More.

What is the calmest terrier breed?

Border terrier

Here's another exception to the rule when it comes to calm dog breeds of the terrier group. “Terriers as a whole tend to have a love of energy and tenacity, but the Border Terrier in my experience can be less intense while still having that bouncy energy that many terrier owners enjoy,” says Hof.

Approximately 35% of owners and trainers voted 8-9 months as the toughest age citing new challenging behaviors associated with their puppy's now larger size such as pulling on the leash or counter-surfing.

Dogs that respect their owners never question their authority. They do as they're told without hesitation. If your dog refuses to get down or doesn't answer simple commands, such as “sit, “down,” or “come,” your dog doesn't respect you. The same goes if your pet doesn't listen to you.

Start by making sure your dog can follow a command with no distractions. Then, work on the command with people in the environment talking, eating, engaging with each other. Then, work on the command out in the yard and start with minimal distractions and work up to more significant distractions.

The terriers were found to be more aggressive than other breeds of dogs that are perceived to be aggressive, like pit bulls or bull terriers. Last year, Jack Russells were responsible for six of 71 dog attacks in Liverpool, nearly double the number of attacks in 2014.

Breed and Safety Considerations

For example, Terriers and Sighthounds naturally have a high drive to chase and hunt, which can make them unreliable if off-leash in areas where they may see or smell small prey animals. Similarly, smells can easily distract many hounds, which can result in an unreliable recall off-leash.

So, start offering your terrier the toy and as soon as she touches it (either with her nose or mouth) say “fetch” and reward her. Do this a few times and then test her to see if she understands the game. Hold the toy, but don't offer it and say “fetch”. She should move toward the toy to touch it.

It's no surprise that German Shepherds are one of the least stubborn dogs. They are highly trainable and intelligent as evident by their involvement in the police and search and rescue operations. These dogs are also loyal, protective, and versatile.

Make yourself the most important thing in your terrier's world to keep his attention and focus on you. Reward your terrier by allowing him to engage in behaviors he wants to do in exchange for doing what you want him to first. Help your touch-sensitive terrier become comfortable while being handled and groomed.

Can a dog get mad at you?

While dogs can indeed get upset by a situation, they don't get mad at someone in the same way that you do. According to HealthyPsych, anger is what psychologists refer to as a secondary emotion, which is a human response to primary emotions like fear and sadness.

But as an owner, you may wondering just how intelligent these eccentric dogs are. When it comes to “obedience & working IQ,” the Jack Russell Terrier is average intelligent. In fact, the JRT is the 84th smartest dog breed, according to canine psychologist Stanley Coren.

HOW TO BREAK STUBBORNNESS WITH A STRONG-WILLED DOG

In dogs, stubborn typically means difficult to train. Breeds genetically predisposed to be independent, headstrong and highly active may exhibit stubborn traits. Some were bred to be hunters, so their high prey drive and scent-tracking instincts deter them from following commands.