Are Some Dogs Untrainable?

If your dog has been in training for a while and you aren’t seeing the results you hoped for, you may wonder if they’re untrainable. After all, your friend’s dog was trained in half the time your dog has been in training. So, what’s the deal?

All Dogs Are Trainable – Some Are Just Easier

There’s no such thing as an untrainable dog. All dogs can be trained; some just take more effort than others. Certain breeds are easily trained simply due to genetics. Herding dogs and guardian dogs are typically easy to train. If you want a head start in training, adopt the following breeds:

• German Shepherd
• Welsh Corgi
• Australian Shepherd
• Australian Cattle Dog
• Border Collie
• Shetland Sheepdog
• Doberman Pinscher
• Rottweiler
• Golden Retriever
• Labrador Retriever
• Poodle

Of course, most adopted dogs aren’t purebred. Mixed breeds can sometimes lead to training resistance. If you feel your dog is untrainable, there is guidance on training the “untrainable” dog.

Training the Untrainable

The fact is that a resistant, stubborn dog will take more time and effort to train than a natural herding dog. The key is patience and dedication on your part. Follow the tips below to begin seeing training success.

Be Consistent

The most important thing is being consistent with training. Don’t skip training lessons, and don’t ease up on the practice you should be doing at home. Your dog is looking at you to lead them; they need your consistency to learn properly.

Use Treats They Like

You know your dog best, meaning you know what treats they love. You may be surprised at how much better your dog’s obedience is when you offer them their favorite shredded cheese instead of a standard dog treat.

Go Slow

Don’t try to train your dog on everything at once. It’s best to start with small changes while keeping the environment the same. Don’t take your stubborn pup to a dog park during peak hours when beginning training. Instead, take them out to the backyard at about the same time every day so the environment is consistent. As they get better at specific commands, slowly add in more changes.

Work with a Professional

When in doubt, reach out to the professional dog trainers at Dog Training Now Charleston. Our trainers are skilled in working with all breeds, even the hard-to-train ones. It never hurts to ask for help when you’re reaching the end of your rope while training your dog. A professional trainer may be exactly what you and your dog need to see success.