If your dog was bred to work independently of humans (purpose-bred) but you wish to do dog sports, and/or you love to camp but have a reactive dog, welcome!
Your dog is not “stubborn” or less intelligent.
It’s often frustrating to want to do fun things or compete/participate with your dog, thinking there is no hope because your dog is not the “right dog” or does not “behave” the right way. A dog’s breed or in-bred instincts can affect his ability to focus on certain activities.
Dogs of breeds at #40 or higher on the so-called Dog Intelligence List are said to be of only average or less Working/”Obedience” intelligence.
Read about my experience with my own “difficult to train” and reactive dogs HERE
Check out my E-book: Eight Important Tips For Training The Purpose-Bred or “Stubborn” Dog
These breeds considered to be “stubborn”, less intelligent or “hard to train” are actually the complete opposite. They are very intelligent (as are all dogs), and are very often reactive to something. Instead of classifying their intelligence or behaviour, it’s more productive to use modified training methods to help them focus (always correction free methods of course!).
I have learned many things by training my own “difficult” dogs in different dog sports and other fun activities and working with clients and their dogs for 20 years.
This blog focuses on helping you teach your “difficult”, “stubborn” and/or reactive dog!
- How to train dogs of breeds that are seen as “less intelligent” or “difficult” to do important behaviours well, such as the recall.
- Enjoying activities like camping and travelling with your “stubborn” and/or reactive dog.
We also discuss the training of non-traditional competition breeds in the dog sports of:
- “obedience”
- rally-O
- canine disc
- herding
- recreational sledding
