Busimann's Dog Training

16/10/2026

I’M NOT STUBBORN!

Your dog won’t come back when called, refuses to walk in the direction you want to go, won’t sit when asked, doesn’t listen when out and about, but does it perfectly at home…

Are they just being stubborn?

What we may think of as just being stubborn is often an important clue that tells us we need to look deeper into the cause.

A dog’s response is influenced by far more than motivation. Emotional state, physical discomfort, stress, tiredness, an environment, previous experiences, genetics and learning history can all play a part.

Perhaps dogs don’t understand what we’re asking. Maybe an environment is far more rewarding than we are. Maybe they are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, overexcited or tired. Maybe they've learned that responding to a particular cue predicts something they find unpleasant. Perhaps there is pain, discomfort or they’re not feeling well.

Are we making it worthwhile, have we taught the behaviour clearly and practised in different environments, is the environment too challenging, are we asking more than the dog can manage in that moment, is there an unmet need or an underlying physical issue?

These are far more important questions than asking how to make a dog comply.

Our responsibility isn't to win a battle of wills. It's to understand the dog in front of us, in that moment and create the conditions in which they can succeed.

Build motivation through what is reinforcing to the individual dog. Make learning clear and consistent. Manage the environment. Respect emotions and physical limits.

A dog succeeds when they feel safe, understand what's being asked and are motivated.

Instead of labelling a dog as “stubborn”, first look at what might be underneath that behaviour.

16/10/2026

This is one of the most important questions we can ask anyone we are considering engaging to work with our dogs. Any mention of 'corrections' or 'telling off' or a refusal to answer the question directly is a red flag - it may mean they use methods that could cause pain or fear.

The best answer is that the dog will be set up to try again and, if they are struggling to get the idea, the exercise is changed to make it easier for them, setting them up for success.

13/10/2026

Trainers have a weird obligation.
In an area we have absolutely no business pretending to be experts in.

We're not vets.
But sometimes we notice things.

Little things.

And sometimes pointing them out opens a whole can of worms.

"He was only at the vet a few weeks ago."
"He's always walked like that."

And then there's little ole me.
Dancing on that very fine line between noticing something and having no explanation about what it might mean.
"There's something odd about that back leg."
"Have you noticed how he turns his head?"
"Does he always sit like that?"

Sometimes I can't even explain what I'm seeing.
I just know something looks a little off.

But imagine if we said nothing?
Someone has asked us to help with their dog's behaviour.
That growling.
The reactivity.
The sudden intolerance they're showing.
Their dog who just doesn't seem quite themselves anymore.

And we're supposed to help make life easier at both ends of the lead.
How can we do that responsibly if we're ignoring the possibility that something hurts?

Pain doesn't always come with a limp.
Sometimes it's a subtle change in movement.
Sometimes it's a dog who becomes grumpy when visitors arrive.
Many, many times a dog can still run, eat, wag their tail, jump and chase a ball

And the worst bit?
I might be wrong.

The vet might find absolutely nothing.

Or it might take several appointments, investigations and a fair chunk of money before anyone gets an answer.
And these days, I absolutely do appreciate what I'm asking them to do.

But we absolutely have an obligation to raise concerns.
Not diagnose.
Not prescribe.
Not play vet.
Just notice, question and refer.

Because sometimes the most valuable thing a trainer can say has absolutely nothing to do with training a dog.

"I think we need to get that checked."
That sentence belongs in every trainer's toolkit.

13/10/2026

13/10/2026

Be willing to change your plan.

I think this is one of the hardest things to do as an animal trainer: to change a plan that's not working. I've certainly found it difficult, and found myself plateauing - not getting anywhere at all because I stubbornly kept doing the same thing - and getting the same outcome.

I was waiting for the animal to change his behaviour, without realizing that I was the one who should change MY behaviour.

I had a plan, but the animal wasn't following it. And it wasn't until I changed the plan that the animal changed his behaviour.

So... make sure you don't fall into that trap!

***

This topic is covered in the Shaping module of the course Getting Behaviour – the Foundations of Animal Training.

👇 Comment the word "MEME" below and I will send you a direct link in Messenger so you can get daily alerts when I publish these short lessons! You’ll also be able to see the already published posts in this series, as well as check out the full Getting Behaviour course.

11/10/2026

11/10/2026

11/10/2026

A dog is more than a well-behaved pet; they are individuals with specific needs and emotions.

It’s essential to understand their limits, respect their natural behaviours, and provide an environment where they can thrive.

Training should always be about enhancing the relationship with your dog, not forcing them into situations they’re not ready for.