1. First Impression of a stubborn dog:

(1) Appearance is the "instruction manual of stubbornness".

When you first meet a Shiba Inu, you might be attracted by its "air-like ears and squinty eyes", and its expression seems to be saying "Leave me alone". A Corgi with raised eyebrows and thick eyeliner has a stubborn face. It's even more interesting when it's being stubborn. The Tusu dog squints at a person with a "heart-eyed face", as if it is engaged in a battle of wits with its owner. Studies show that dog breeds with dark fur and rich expressions come with a "stubborn buff". The "crooked mouth kill" may seem unintentional, but in fact, it is a "silent protest" by dogs expressing their dissatisfaction.

(2) Behavioral Pattern: Specifically addressing the owner's "refusal to give up".

When taking a dog for a walk, encountering a stubborn breed dog is like a "tug-of-war". It will suddenly stop and not move. For example, the pet blogger's husky won't move when attracted by a little bird. When training instructions are given, the stubborn puppy ignores the instructions at critical moments, just like a friend's border Collie that won't call back after having a wild time. When a dog is stopped from doing something bad, it will be dissatisfied and "glare" at its owner. Xiao Li, a professional dog walker, encountered a big golden retriever lying on the ground and being unreasonable after having some free time.

2. Stubborn dogs have many funny stories: Their love-hate daily life is revealed.

(1) "The Dog Walker Has Nightmares" : The "Thirty-Six Tricks for Pretending to Be Asleep" of the Golden Retriever.

Big Golden Retrievers are usually gentle and obedient, but when they become stubborn, it can be quite frustrating. Pet blogger @Love Pet Diary shares a video of her golden Retriever "throwing tantrum". After playing and getting ready to go home, the other dogs obediently got in the car, but this golden retriever was lying on the ground. The blogger tried to tempt and coax it with snacks, but to no avail. It was still looking into the distance, as if it hadn't had enough fun. The blogger wanted to hold it, but it just lay down. After a stalemate of more than ten minutes, it reluctantly walked towards the car. This "contest" wore out the blogger and made netizens laugh. Everyone said it was like being walked by a dog. It turns out that this stubbornness is the fur's reluctance to give up its free time, and being spoiled and stubborn is its special way of expressing emotions.

(2) The "Heart and Eye Literature" of the Toshimatsu Dog: It will "kill with its eyes" in just two months.

The Tusong dog is a type of Chinese native dog and is not as famous as foreign breeds such as the Golden Retriever. It is very "stubborn" and has a unique "literary touch". Netizen @Rural Life Recorder has a two-month-old Tutu dog at home. Despite its young age, it has a big temper. When its owner found out that it had knocked over a basin of water and wanted to teach it a lesson, it tilted its head and squinted its eyes as if saying, "It's my fault." It also loves to "outsmart" its owner. When told to go back to its nest to sleep, it pretends not to hear. But when found, it feels pitiful and doesn't want to sleep. This kind of dog has rich facial expressions, often leaving its owner both helpless and attracted.

3. Unveiling the Root of Stubbornness: Innate Rebelliousness vs. Acquired Traits?

(1) The "stubborn Code" in genes.

Some dog breeds are naturally stubborn, and the root cause lies in their genes. The Shiba Inu is an ancient dog breed in Japan. Its ancestors used it for hunting in the shruben. Their genes have been integrated into it. Research has found that there are related gene loci in its genome. Modern Shiba Inus still have a "little temper". The Corgi once helped herd on a ranch. The job required persistent judgment, which cultivated a stubborn personality. About 40% of a dog's stubbornness is determined by genetics. The "stubbornness gene" not only endows dogs with personality but also poses challenges for their owners in training them.

(2) The master's "divine assistance" : Spoiling is the biggest driving force.

A dog's stubbornness is often cultivated by its owner through indulgence. Some owners overly spoil and grant every request. Take a friend's little teddy for example. When the owner feels sorry for it, they feed it snacks, which helps it develop a willful habit. If it's not given, it will make a fuss. Inconsistent training standards by owners can also lead to dogs being disobedient due to unclear rules. A Japanese study shows that 82% of the owners of stubborn dogs have educational mistakes. When dogs find that "stubbornness can earn attention", they often use this trick. Therefore, when keeping a dog, the owner should establish clear rules and strictly follow them. Don't be soft-hearted, so that the dog can develop good habits.

(3) Environmental stress: The "protective coloration" of stress responses.

A dog's stubborn behavior might be a way to cope with environmental pressure. Moving house, the estrus period, physical pain and other situations can make dogs anxious and stubborn. A study by the University of Cambridge shows that at this time, dogs often have passive defense responses such as pressing their ears behind and lowering their tails. If the owner finds that the dog suddenly becomes stubborn, they should pay attention to its living environment and physical condition and show care.

4. There are effective ways to tame stubborn breeds: Scientific pet care and avoid "violence in response to violence".

(1) Positive Training: "Buy off" a little stubbornness with snacks.

Positive training methods are crucial for training stubborn breed dogs. Take training a Shiba Inu as an example. When giving the command "sit down", reward it with a snack and praise within three seconds after it sits down. This helps the dog establish a conditioned reflex that there is a reward for obedience. This three-second time difference is very important; otherwise, the dog won't understand. Many dog owners tend to beat and scold their dogs during training, but violence can make dogs fearful and resistant. Research shows that dogs that are frequently beaten and scolded are prone to stress, timid and even aggressive. It is necessary to use gentle methods and snacks to make dogs obedient.

(2) Establish clear rules: Start with the "order of eating".

In the world of dogs, a hierarchical system is important. If you want a stubborn breed dog to be obedient, the owner needs to establish a leading position in life. The key is to set clear rules. For instance, when having meals, adhere to the principle of "the owner eats first, then the dog", and let the dog wait quietly before the meal is served. When taking a walk, don't let the dog do as it pleases. When going out, keep it by your side. The American Veterinary Medical Association suggests the "5-second Rule" : After giving an instruction, wait for 5 seconds. If the dog complies within 5 seconds, reward it. Repeat this process continuously to develop good behavioral habits.

(3) Release energy: Wear out the "rebellious boys".

Dogs are energetic and prone to being stubborn and disobedient. To keep them quiet, it is necessary to ensure they have sufficient exercise. Different breeds have different exercise requirements. Generally, an exercise volume of "1000 times the body length" is sufficient. Playing games like ball picking with your dog can exercise it and also enhance your bond. Adequate exercise can significantly improve a dog's behavior. Taking a dog outdoors for exercise to release its nature can make life more harmonious.

5. Accept Little Stubbornness: Every stubborn seed is a "unique angel"

The stubbornness of dogs reflects their independent character. When getting along with dogs, if they don't follow instructions or throw tantrum, behind these behaviors lies their emotions and thoughts. Every stubborn dog is unique, bringing joy and warmth to life. We should cherish the time spent together, feel their love, and jointly create a home full of love and harmony.