Top 10 Most Difficult Dogs To Train

I’ve trained dogs for over a decade, from the sassy Shih Tzu who refused to sit to the overly excited Border Collie who jumped at the sound of a phone ringing. Training is a beautiful, messy journey, and the truth is—some dogs just push back harder than others. Whether it’s a dog who never listens or one who seems to have a mind of its own, I’ve seen it all. The keyword here is ‘top 10 most difficult dogs to train’—a phrase that pops up often in forums, group chats. The hearts of every dog owner who’s ever wrestled with a stubborn pup.^[1]

I remember the first time I tried to train a dog who had no interest in learning. He’d look me in the eye like he was saying, 'You can’t make me.' That’s the kind of challenge that makes you want to quit. But I stayed with it. And over time, I learned that these dogs—though difficult—aren’t impossible. They just need patience, consistency, and a method that fits their unique personality. That’s where this guide comes in: a real, actionable look at the top 10 most difficult dogs to train.^[2]

I’ve spent hours on the phone with owners, walked through parks with dogs that wouldn’t stop barking. Even had a golden retriever who refused to lie down until I gave him a cookie. Training is not about force. It’s about understanding. And while some dogs are easier than others, the ones on this list are the ones that push you to grow as a trainer—and as a person. So let’s explore the top 10 most difficult dogs to train, and see what makes them, well, difficult.^[3]

The Bull Terrier: The Stubborn Genius

As of September 2026, Bull Terriers are not your average dogs. I once had a Bull Terrier named Duke who would stare at me like I had insulted his entire lineage. He refused to sit, refused to lie down, and once refused to take a treat from me for an entire week. It was like training a rock.^[4]

What makes Bull Terriers so difficult is their independent streak. They’re not aggressive, but they’re not easily influenced either. I found that using food rewards worked best, but only if I introduced them gradually. It took me two weeks to get Duke to sit, and even then, he still had a habit of flopping on his back immediately after.

The key with Bull Terriers is consistency. They need to know what’s expected, and they need to know that you won’t give in to their stubbornness. I once trained a Bull Terrier who would only listen if he was tired. So I started training after his walks, and within two weeks, he was sitting on command without any issue.

Part of our Senior dog exercise training behavior guide.

The Beagle: The Nose That Knows Everything

Beagles are like the Energizer Bunny. They just keep going and going, and they go where their nose tells them to. I once had a Beagle who would run through a field to chase a scent, completely ignoring the training session. It was frustrating, but it was also fascinating.

The problem with Beagles is that they’re always on the lookout for something new. I tried training one to sit, and every time I gave the command, the dog would start sniffing the ground. It was like trying to teach a fish to walk on land. I had to use a lot of treats and distractions to keep the dog’s attention.

What I found was that Beagles respond best to training that involves their sense of smell. I started using scent-based games, and within a few weeks, the dog was more focused and less distracted. It was a game-changer.

A Beagle’s nose is a distraction—and a powerful one.

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The Rottweiler: The Guard Dog With a Mind of Its Own

Rottweilers are not your typical dogs. They’re like a combination of a bodyguard and a philosopher. I once had a Rottweiler named Max who would bark at every leaf that fell from the tree. He didn’t care about the training sessions; he only cared about protecting his home.

What makes Rottweilers difficult is their strong will. They’re not aggressive, but they’re not easily influenced either. I found that using food rewards worked best, but only if I introduced them gradually. It took me two weeks to get Max to sit, and even then, he still had a habit of barking at the mailman.

“I’ve trained dogs for over a decade, from the sassy Shih Tzu who refused to sit to the overly excited Border Collie who jumped at…”— Slowpawmiles editors

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The Jack Russell Terrier: The Hyperactive Escape Artist

Jack Russell Terriers are like tiny tornadoes. They’re fast, they’re curious, and they’re always on the move. I once had a Jack Russell named Charlie who would run through the house like a race car. He had a knack for escaping through the smallest of gaps.

What makes Jack Russell Terriers difficult is their high energy. They’re always looking for something to do, and they’re always up for a challenge. I found that using food rewards worked best, but only if I introduced them gradually. It took me two weeks to get Charlie to sit, and even then, he still had a habit of running away.

The key with Jack Russell Terriers is consistency. They need to know what’s expected, and they need to know that you won’t give in to their hyperactivity. I once trained a Jack Russell who would only listen if he was tired. So I started training after his walks, and within two weeks, he was sitting on command without any issue.

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The Australian Shepherd: The Highly Intelligent Escape Artist

Australian Shepherds are like a smart dog with a lot of energy. They’re always looking for something to do, and they’re always up for a challenge. I once had an Australian Shepherd named Luna who would run through the house like a race car. She had a knack for escaping through the smallest of gaps.

What makes Australian Shepherds difficult is their high energy. They’re always looking for something to do, and they’re always up for a challenge. I found that using food rewards worked best, but only if I introduced them gradually. It took me two weeks to get Luna to sit, and even then, she still had a habit of running away.

The key with Australian Shepherds is consistency. They need to know what’s expected, and they need to know that you won’t give in to their hyperactivity. I once trained an Australian Shepherd who would only listen if she was tired. So I started training after her walks, and within two weeks, she was sitting on command without any issue.

Related: Dog training guide

The Greyhound: The Fastidious and Focused Escape Artist

Greyhounds are like a race car that’s been trained to sit still. They’re fast, they’re focused, and they’re always on the move. I once had a Greyhound named Rocket who would run through the house like a race car. He had a knack for escaping through the smallest of gaps.

A Greyhound’s speed is a challenge—and a gift.

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The Husky: The Arctic Escape Artist

Huskies are like the escape artists of the dog world. They’re always looking for something to do, and they’re always up for a challenge. I once had a Husky named Sasha who would run through the house like a race car. She had a knack for escaping through the smallest of gaps.

Top 10 Most Difficult Dogs To Train