What do you do when your dog gets stubborn?

Question

Stats on my dog: Border collie/lab mix; 2-3 years old (best guess), rescue, had her for three months at this point.

This has been a problem that has suddenly cropped up. Sometimes when we're on walks, I'll get my dog to sit. Usually this is as we come up to an intersection and I don't want her to rush out into it. She'll sit, I'll look, I'll say "ok let's go" and she does NOTHING. She sits there. Stares at me. If I have a treat on me I can usually tempt her into continuing, but if I don't, it takes quite some time and sometimes a bit of physical force to get her moving again. When my partner walks her, she'll sometimes lay down and refuse to go any further without a lot of coaxing.

Does anyone have any experience with this? And if so, any idea what to do to stop this sudden stubborn behavior? Any help would be appreciated!

On a side note, we have had her in obedience training and she does BRILLIANTLY there. She hardly ever does a thing wrong and is the star of the class. She's only stubborn on walks around the neighbourhood.

Answer 1

I don't think she's being stubborn, but fearful.  She is new to the area, and she is well aware that many other dogs have marked the area all up as their territory.   For some reason the automatic sit seems to be a catalyst.  Could you teach a stand stay instead?  Or, teach her a couple of tricks she can do while sitting, then walk.   Is there another compatible neighbor dog she can walk with?  Basically I think she needs confidence that she can walk through the area without someone else pouncing on her and beating her up as an intruder.  One of my cousins had a pet coyote that was rescued as a tiny pup.  As a very young coyote she'd walk readily on a leash all around the neighborhood.  But as she reached maturity she started balking and not wanting to walk without considerable looking and sniffing around first.  She could still be carried anywhere, but she felt vulnerable and had to make sure she was safe.  If you just waited your dog out rather than drag or push her,  would she eventually after a few minutes come along calmly?

Answer 2

that's funny i have to say.  usually on walks dogs don't want to sit.  my pit is the most stubborn thing i've ever seen.  i call her to me and i swear she laughs and keeps doing what she's doing.  i would make sure the dog isn't in pain and thats why it doesn't want to resume walking.  or, she could be out of shape and taking a break.  you haven't had her that long.  just things to consider. and don't listen to the command thing. commands are the owners choice of what word they want to use.

Answer 3

Carry treats with you on all walks.  Maybe you could talk to the dog trainer for suggestions.  If the dog decides not to do get up and walk there isn't much you can do but pick it up and carry it back home.

Answer 4

I also have a Border Collie/Lab mix too!!  Try using the same commands as they do in class.  Maybe it's a different verbal command.  After you get to the stop sign, don't put any tension on the leash.  You are in command, not the dog.  Cesar Milan of Dog Whisper says that a dog can feel tension and or relaxation when walking a dog.  Good luck  :)

Answer 5

If they don't sit, and I KNOW for sure that they understand what they are supposed to do, I make them sit.

Answer 6

If you have had this dog in training class how is it you do NOT know the command to move forward is HEEL? This should be timed with the moving of your left knee.I think the dog is waiting for the right command.Tilks Mom

Answer 7

I have 2 dogs. Every time they don't listen, especially the one of them, I just talk with him. He's a kind person, he understands.  

Answer 8

You just don't know how to interact with and train the dog and she is confused.  Just because she had one obedience class means next to nothing as she isn't trained and neither are you as you obviously allow her to dictate when you move or not.  She has you well trained :)

Go find a good motivational obedience class and learn how to better train and interact with your dog.

Answer 9

Sounds like walks aren't something she's enjoying right now, and you're going to want to figure why that is.

When my dogs get stubborn or defiant, I DEMAND follow through.  I can wait all day, if I have to.  They WILL do what is asked of them on their own accord.