15 Stubborn Dogs That Challenge Every Trainer and 15 That Pick Up New Skills With Ease

Breeds
By Jonas Becker

Dog training can bring both joy and frustration. Some breeds are known for their stubbornness, making training a true challenge. Meanwhile, others seem to pick up new commands with ease. This guide explores 15 dogs that give trainers a run for their money and 15 that are quick learners.

Bulldog

© CitizenShipper

With a face that can melt hearts, Bulldogs are as stubborn as they are adorable. Their stocky build and strong will make them a challenge to train.

Often known for their lazy demeanor, they may prefer lounging to learning new tricks. However, with patience and consistency, they can become obedient companions.

A calm approach and positive reinforcement can work wonders. Bulldogs need an owner who understands their nature and can gently guide them through training sessions.

Akita

© Holistapet

The Akita is a dignified breed with an independent streak. Their strong sense of self can make training difficult.

They are loyal but require a firm and experienced hand to guide them. Socialization from a young age is crucial to handle their strong will.

This breed demands respect and understanding, and can become a loving family member when trained with patience and empathy.

Beagle

© Woefkesranch

Beagles are known for their curious noses and independent minds. Their strong sense of smell often leads them astray during training sessions.

They are intelligent but require consistent training to stay focused. Their stubborn nature is balanced by their playful spirit, which can be utilized in training.

Positive reinforcement and engaging activities can help harness their energy and turn them into obedient pets.

Chow Chow

© Chow Chow Community

Chow Chows are known for their lion-like manes and aloof nature. Their stubbornness is legendary, making training a real test of patience.

They often regard themselves as the boss, requiring a confident trainer to lead them. Socialization and firm guidance are key to overcoming their independent nature.

These fluffy companions can become loyal friends with the right approach, blending patience with authority.

Dachshund

© Wooftown

Dachshunds, with their long bodies and big personalities, are known for being stubborn yet charming. Their determination often leads them to dig and explore.

Training requires creativity and patience, as they can be headstrong. Consistent routines and engaging activities help keep them focused.

Their playful nature can be harnessed to turn training into a joyful experience. With the right approach, they become delightful and obedient pets.

Jack Russell Terrier

© K9 Basics

Jack Russell Terriers are small dogs with big energy and even bigger personalities. Their intelligence can lead to stubbornness during training.

These lively dogs need plenty of exercise and stimulation to keep them engaged. Their quick minds require consistent and creative training methods.

With the right approach, they can excel in agility and obedience. Understanding their need for activity helps turn challenges into successes.

Scottish Terrier

© Dogs of Britain| Natural Dog Treats

The Scottish Terrier, with its dignified beard and strong will, is known for being both independent and stubborn.

Training requires patience and creativity, as they often have their own ideas about what they want to do. Consistent guidance and firm leadership can help.

Their loyalty and intelligence make them rewarding companions when their stubborn streak is managed with understanding and care.

Shiba Inu

© iHeartDogs.com

Shiba Inus are known for their fox-like appearance and strong, independent nature. Their stubbornness can be a challenge, requiring patience and consistency.

They often prefer to do things their way, demanding a confident and experienced trainer. Socialization from a young age is key to managing their independent spirit.

When trained with understanding and respect, they become loyal companions, blending grace with obedience.

Afghan Hound

© DogTime

The Afghan Hound, with its elegant appearance, is as independent as it is beautiful. Their aloof nature and strong will make training a challenge.

They require gentle guidance and consistent training to manage their stubborn streak. Patience and understanding are key to unlocking their potential.

With the right approach, they become graceful and obedient companions, blending beauty with loyalty.

Basenji

© CitizenShipper

Basenjis are known for their unique barkless nature and independent minds. Their stubborn streak makes training a test of patience.

They require a firm yet gentle hand, with consistent training methods to engage their intelligent minds. Socialization is key to managing their independence.

With the right approach, they can become delightful and obedient companions, blending curiosity with loyalty.

Bloodhound

© A-Z Animals

Bloodhounds are renowned for their exceptional scent-tracking abilities. Their independent nature can make them stubborn learners.

They require a patient and experienced trainer to guide them through the training process. Consistency and positive reinforcement are key.

When their skills are harnessed properly, they become both obedient and invaluable companions, blending their keen sense of smell with loyalty.

Pekingese

© Wag Pet Boutique

Pekingese are known for their royal appearance and independent nature. Their stubbornness can make training a true challenge.

They require a firm yet gentle trainer to guide them through the process. Consistent training and socialization are essential.

With the right approach, they become loyal and well-behaved companions, blending their regal demeanor with obedience.

Lhasa Apso

© Dogo App

Lhasa Apsos are known for their long, flowing coats and independent spirits. Their stubbornness can make training a challenge.

They require consistent training methods and a patient approach. Positive reinforcement and socialization are key to managing their strong-willed nature.

With the right guidance, they become delightful and well-behaved companions, blending charm with loyalty.

Dalmatian

© Dogo App

Dalmatians are known for their distinctive spots and lively personalities. Their stubbornness can make training a challenge.

They require consistent training and plenty of exercise to keep them engaged. Positive reinforcement and socialization are key to managing their energy.

With the right approach, they become loyal and well-behaved companions, blending playfulness with obedience.

Siberian Husky

© FitBark

Siberian Huskies are known for their striking appearance and independent nature. Their stubbornness can make training a true challenge.

They require consistent training methods and a patient approach. Positive reinforcement and socialization are key to managing their strong-willed nature.

With the right guidance, they become loyal and well-behaved companions, blending strength with loyalty.

Labrador Retriever

© A-Z Animals

Labrador Retrievers are known for their friendly and eager-to-please nature. They are quick learners and thrive in training environments.

Their intelligence and desire to please make them easy to train. Positive reinforcement and consistency are key to their success.

With the right approach, they become loyal and well-behaved companions, blending friendliness with obedience.

Golden Retriever

© My Golden Retriever Puppies

Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly and intelligent nature. They are quick learners and thrive in training environments.

Their eagerness to please and gentle disposition make them easy to train. Positive reinforcement and consistency are key to their success.

With the right approach, they become loyal and well-behaved companions, blending friendliness with obedience.

Border Collie

© CitizenShipper

Border Collies are known for their intelligence and work ethic. They are quick learners and thrive in training environments.

Their eagerness to work and learn make them easy to train. Positive reinforcement and consistency are key to their success.

With the right approach, they become loyal and well-behaved companions, blending intelligence with obedience.

Poodle

© K9 University Chicago

Poodles are known for their intelligence and versatility. They are quick learners and thrive in training environments.

Their eagerness to learn and perform make them easy to train. Positive reinforcement and consistency are key to their success.

With the right approach, they become loyal and well-behaved companions, blending intelligence with obedience.

German Shepherd

© World Animal Foundation

German Shepherds are known for their intelligence and loyalty. They are quick learners and thrive in training environments.

Their eagerness to work and protect make them easy to train. Positive reinforcement and consistency are key to their success.

With the right approach, they become loyal and well-behaved companions, blending intelligence with obedience.

Shetland Sheepdog

© Dogo App

Shetland Sheepdogs are known for their intelligence and eagerness to please. They are quick learners and thrive in training environments.

Their gentle nature and willingness to learn make them easy to train. Positive reinforcement and consistency are key to their success.

With the right approach, they become loyal and well-behaved companions, blending intelligence with obedience.

Papillon

© Dogster

Papillons are known for their intelligence and eagerness to please. They are quick learners and thrive in training environments.

Their playful nature and willingness to learn make them easy to train. Positive reinforcement and consistency are key to their success.

With the right approach, they become loyal and well-behaved companions, blending intelligence with obedience.

Cocker Spaniel

© Odd Bits Daily

Cocker Spaniels are known for their friendly and eager-to-please nature. They are quick learners and thrive in training environments.

Their gentle disposition and willingness to learn make them easy to train. Positive reinforcement and consistency are key to their success.

With the right approach, they become loyal and well-behaved companions, blending friendliness with obedience.

Doberman Pinscher

© BeChewy

Doberman Pinschers are known for their intelligence and loyalty. They are quick learners and thrive in training environments.

Their eagerness to work and protect make them easy to train. Positive reinforcement and consistency are key to their success.

With the right approach, they become loyal and well-behaved companions, blending intelligence with obedience.

Australian Shepherd

© Pet Insurance Australia

Australian Shepherds are known for their intelligence and work ethic. They are quick learners and thrive in training environments.

Their eagerness to work and learn make them easy to train. Positive reinforcement and consistency are key to their success.

With the right approach, they become loyal and well-behaved companions, blending intelligence with obedience.

Rottweiler

© American Rottweiler Club

Rottweilers are known for their intelligence and loyalty. They are quick learners and thrive in training environments.

Their eagerness to work and protect make them easy to train. Positive reinforcement and consistency are key to their success.

With the right approach, they become loyal and well-behaved companions, blending intelligence with obedience.

Belgian Malinois

© Hello Mesa

Belgian Malinois are known for their intelligence and work ethic. They are quick learners and thrive in training environments.

Their eagerness to work and learn make them easy to train. Positive reinforcement and consistency are key to their success.

With the right approach, they become loyal and well-behaved companions, blending intelligence with obedience.

Collie

© Royvon Dog Training

Collies are known for their intelligence and eagerness to please. They are quick learners and thrive in training environments.

Their gentle nature and willingness to learn make them easy to train. Positive reinforcement and consistency are key to their success.

With the right approach, they become loyal and well-behaved companions, blending intelligence with obedience.

Bichon Frise

© A Pup Above

Bichon Frises are known for their intelligence and playful nature. They are quick learners and thrive in training environments.

Their cheerful disposition and eagerness to learn make them easy to train. Positive reinforcement and consistency are key to their success.

With the right approach, they become loyal and well-behaved companions, blending playfulness with obedience.