Is Your Dog Really ‘Stubborn’ or Just Overwhelmed?

Autumal Views from Poudon Pastures Secure dog field

At Poundon Pastures, we often meet dog guardians who describe their companions as stubborn. Perhaps their dog won’t come when called, seems to ignore cues, or pulls away during a walk. But as our understanding of dog behaviour grows, we’re learning that what looks like defiance is often something much more complex.

In most cases, dogs aren’t being difficult. They’re overwhelmed, confused, or struggling to process what’s being asked of them. When we look at so-called “stubbornness” through the lens of emotional regulation and learning theory, we see opportunities for empathy rather than frustration.

What the ‘Stubborn’ Label Overlooks

Calling a dog stubborn implies they understand what’s being asked and are choosing to ignore it. But modern studies suggest that dogs, like us, are deeply influenced by their emotional state (Beerda et al., 1999). If they are anxious, overstimulated or distracted, their ability to process cues is reduced.

The behaviour that guardians interpret as defiance is often a form of communication. It is a signal that the dog is unsure, uncomfortable or struggling to cope.

When Dogs Are Just Trying to Manage

Dogs experiencing high levels of arousal or stress are less able to think clearly. This can lead to delayed responses, refusal to follow cues, or complete disengagement (Schneider et al., 2017). In these moments, it is not about unwillingness. It is about capacity.

Trying to push through often backfires. What helps is pausing, creating safety, and giving the dog a moment to reset.

A quiet, familiar space, like a secure dog field, can reduce external pressure and allow dogs to process things more calmly. Guardians frequently report that their dogs are far more responsive in private, enclosed spaces than in busy, unpredictable environments.

Learned Helplessness: When Dogs Stop Trying

In some cases, a dog may have stopped responding altogether due to past experiences with punishment or harsh corrections. This condition, known as learned helplessness, occurs when an animal feels they have no control over outcomes, so they disengage completely (Maier & Seligman, 1976).

To the outside eye, this may look like stubbornness. In reality, it’s a dog that has stopped trying because trying didn’t feel safe. Rebuilding trust, offering choice, and removing pressure are essential in helping them re-engage.

Why Environment Matters

Our private dog field provides a safe and peaceful space where dogs can train, explore and decompress. If you’re searching for a private dog park near me that offers quiet, enclosed surroundings, places like Poundon Pastures can make a meaningful difference.

We’ve seen many anxious or reactive dogs begin to settle once they have access to consistent, low-pressure environments. Without the unpredictability of off-lead dogs, cyclists or noisy footpaths, they can start to re-learn cues and feel more confident.

This is especially important for guardians supporting dogs with reactivity or fear-based behaviours.

Reframing Behaviour with Compassion

1. Observe before you label Before assuming your dog is being difficult, pause and observe. Are they sniffing, freezing or turning away? These can all be signs of emotional overload rather than disobedience.

2. Choose calm spaces for training A secure dog field can create the right setting for learning. Reducing stimulation helps dogs stay connected and reduces the risk of overwhelm.

3. Allow choice and autonomy Training that invites participation builds stronger results than training that relies on pressure. Give your dog space to say no. When they feel heard, they are more likely to say yes next time.

4. Keep sessions short and successful Success boosts confidence. Aim for small wins, not perfection. Five minutes of focus in a peaceful field is more effective than 30 minutes of struggling in a crowded park.

A Reflection of Our Values

At Poundon Pastures, we believe that trust and calm are the foundations of meaningful progress. Guardians know their dogs best. When those dogs are given space to process, think and respond at their own pace, everything changes.

Our secure field supports that process. If you are looking for peaceful dog walks near me, or a quiet place to practise recall or confidence-building, we welcome you to visit.

Final Thoughts

What we often call stubbornness is a dog’s way of communicating discomfort or confusion. When guardians reframe the story with empathy, they open up a new path forward. One rooted in trust, not control.

Whether you’re looking for a secure dog field nearby, a low-pressure environment for reactivity work, or simply more peaceful dog walks near me, Poundon Pastures is a space where dogs can settle, learn and thrive.

Come and visit us soon to see these benefits for yourself - Book here

References

Beerda, B., Schilder, M. B. H., van Hooff, J. A. R. A. M., & de Vries, H. W. (1999). Chronic stress in dogs subjected to social and spatial restriction. Physiology & Behavior, 66(2), 233–242.

Maier, S. F., & Seligman, M. E. (1976). Learned helplessness: Theory and evidence. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 105(1), 3–46.

Schneider, R. A., Delfabbro, P., & Burns, N. R. (2017). The influence of control and predictability on stress in dogs: A review. Animal Cognition, 20(3), 425–434.