Training any dog can be a rewarding yet challenging experience, but when it comes to certain micro dog breeds, their small size often belies a surprisingly stubborn nature. These pint-sized pooches, known for their feisty personalities and independent streaks, can test the patience of even the most experienced dog owners. Delving into the world of the seven most hard-to-train micro dog breeds reveals that while their dimensions might be diminutive, their willfulness is anything but. Understanding these breeds’ unique traits and temperaments is essential for turning persistence into progress, ensuring a harmonious relationship between owner and pet.
Think all tiny dogs are easy to train? Think again! Some pint-sized pups may look adorable, but when it comes to obedience, they’ve got a stubborn streak a mile wide. These little troublemakers have minds of their own, making training feel like a battle of wills rather than a bonding experience. But don’t worry—understanding what makes them tick can give you the upper hand.
The challenge often comes down to their bold personalities, independent nature, or just a touch of mischief. While they may be small dogs, their determination is anything but! Without the right approach, you might find yourself endlessly repeating commands while they give you that “I’ll do it when I feel like it” look.
So, what’s the secret? Patience, consistency, and knowing exactly how to work with their unique traits. Once you crack the code, even the most stubborn micro-dog can become a well-behaved companion!
Hard To Train Micro Dog Breeds
1. Chihuahua
Don’t let their tiny size fool you—Chihuahuas have a personality bigger than most large dogs! Training one? That’s where the challenge begins. These little dynamos are fiercely independent, and their strong-willed nature means they don’t always listen the first (or tenth) time.
One big reason Chihuahuas are hard to train is their “small dog syndrome.” They often act like they run the world, refusing to follow rules. They love being in charge and can be bossy if not properly trained. Without firm, consistent leadership, they’ll happily rule the house like a tiny dictator.
According to WebMD, many Chihuahuas are not particularly open to strangers and other pets, making them prone to yapping, lunging, or hiding when something unfamiliar comes their way. If you don’t expose them to different people and situations early, you might end up with a nervous, reactive dog who barks at everything from the mailman to a falling leaf.
House training? That’s where patience really gets tested. Chihuahuas have tiny bladders, meaning they need frequent potty breaks. Combine that with a stubborn streak, and you’ve got a dog that might decide they’d rather pee on your carpet than go outside in the rain. Training takes extra consistency.
They’re smart dogs, but they get bored fast. If training sessions aren’t fun and engaging, they’ll check out completely. They respond best to short, energetic lessons with plenty of positive reinforcement. Make it a game, throw in some treats, and they might actually decide to cooperate—on their terms, of course.
2. Shih Tzu
Think a Shih Tzu’s adorable face and flowing coat make them easy to train? Think again! These little fluff balls were bred as royal lapdogs, not obedient workers, and they know it. A Shih Tzu listens when they feel like it—and if they don’t, good luck getting them to change their mind!
They don’t disobey out of spite; they just don’t see the point of following commands unless there’s something in it for them. Unlike eager-to-please breeds, training a Shih Tzu can be challenging due to their independent streak, mentions Petplan. Treats and praise? Absolutely.
Another training challenge is their selective hearing. They’re masters at pretending they didn’t hear you, only to perk up the second they hear the treat bag rustle. Keeping training fun and engaging is the only way to hold their attention.
Shih Tzu can also be a little too confident for their own good. Despite their small size, they don’t hesitate to challenge bigger dogs. If they aren’t socialized properly, they can become territorial or even snappy. Early introductions to different people and pets help prevent this diva behavior.
Leash training? That’s another battle. Shih Tzus love to stop and sniff everything, and they walk at their own pace—meaning they’re either dragging behind or stubbornly refusing to move. If you expect a brisk walk, you’ll be disappointed. A little patience can help keep them moving.
3. Pug
Pugs might be known for their goofy personalities and folded fur, but training them? That’s a whole different story! These little comedians love to make people laugh, but when it comes to following commands, they tend to do things on their own terms. It’s like negotiating with a toddler!
One of the biggest training challenges with Pugs is their stubbornness as stated by Hill’s Pet. They aren’t exactly disobedient—they just get easily distracted by, well… everything! Keeping their focus requires short, fun, and reward-based training with plenty of patience.
House training can be a nightmare. Pugs are slow to catch on, and their laziness doesn’t help. If it’s cold, rainy, or just too much effort, they’ll happily skip going outside. You might find them giving you their signature “sad eyes” look instead of following through with potty time. Frequent potty breaks and positive reinforcement are key to avoiding accidents.
Pugs are clingy little shadows who hate being alone. Leave them for too long, and you might come home to a full-blown tantrum—barking, whining, or even destructive chewing. Teaching them independence early on is crucial unless you want a permanent sidekick.
One thing that makes training even harder? Their love for food. Pugs will do anything for a treat, but they also tend to overeat. If you rely too much on snacks for training, you might end up with an overweight, stubborn pup who only listens when snacks are involved. Balancing praise with small rewards keeps them motivated without adding extra pounds.
4. Pekingese
Ever tried convincing a Pekingese to do something they don’t want to do? Good luck! These little fluff balls were bred for Chinese royalty, and they still carry themselves like emperors. If they don’t see the benefit in following your command, they’ll simply ignore you. Who’s training who? That’s the real question!
According to AKC, these are serenely independent and strong-willed dogs that aren’t people-pleasers like some other breeds; they make their own decisions. Commands? They’ll follow them when they feel like it. Training sessions need to be short, engaging, and filled with rewards to get their cooperation.
Unlike some breeds that thrive on routine, these dogs prefer to do things on their own terms. If they’re not in the mood to go outside, they’ll hold it—or worse, find a more “convenient” place indoors. Consistency and patience are key, but be prepared for plenty of accidents along the way.
Another challenge? They’re not big on obedience. Pekingese were bred to be companion dogs, not working dogs, so they don’t feel the need to take orders. They’re more like royalty who expect you to cater to their needs. Instead of forcing commands, make training seem like a fun game—otherwise, they’ll just walk away.
Pekingese can be territorial and aloof, especially around strangers or other pets. If they’re not properly introduced to new environments, they can develop a “top dog” attitude, barking at anyone who dares to invade their space. Early exposure to different people and animals helps curb this royal stubbornness.
5. Pomeranian
If there’s one thing a Pomeranian is absolutely sure of, it’s that they run the show. These tiny fluff balls may look adorable, but don’t let their cuteness fool you—they have big personalities and even bigger attitudes. Training them? Well, let’s just say they prefer to be in charge.
Speaking of barking, Pomeranians love the sound of their own voice. They’ll bark at anything—strangers, other dogs, the wind, even a leaf blowing across the yard. Teaching them the “quiet” command is essential, but don’t expect them to give up their love for barking completely.
Poms can be incredibly stubborn dogs when it comes to potty training. If it’s too cold, too wet, or just too much effort, they might decide that indoors is a perfectly fine option. Frequent potty breaks, consistency, and lots of praise are key—because accidents will happen, no matter how hard you try.
Pomeranians have no idea how small they are. They’ll boldly challenge much larger dogs without a second thought, acting like they own the world. Without proper socialization, they can become overly bossy or territorial. Early exposure to other dogs and people is crucial for nurturing a well-rounded and confident pet, states Petplan.
Poms love to prance and pull in every direction, acting like tiny royalty surveying their kingdom. They have a lot of energy and will try to dictate the pace of the walk. A well-fitted harness and structured training help them understand that walks should be cooperative—not just a parade in their honor.
6. Yorkshire Terrier
These little dynamos have the heart of a lion and the attitude of a rockstar. They may be small, but they are incredibly stubborn and independent, which makes training a challenge. Yorkies don’t just follow orders—they evaluate whether your request is worth their time.
One major reason Yorkies are hard to train is their strong-willed nature. These dogs have a history of hunting rats in textile mills, so they’re used to working alone and making decisions for themselves. Because of their independent mindset, training has to be consistent, firm, and packed with rewards to get their cooperation.
Yorkshire Terriers are notoriously difficult to house train, says Orvis. They don’t like being told when and where to go, they might just refuse to go outside altogether. Patience, a strict schedule, and positive reinforcement are essential. Expect accidents along the way—because Yorkies love doing things on their own terms.
They have no problem pulling on the leash, chasing after birds, or trying to challenge a dog ten times their size. They need early and consistent leash training to prevent them from becoming little leash-pulling rebels. A harness works better than a collar since Yorkies are prone to tracheal collapse.
And then there’s the barking. Oh, the barking! Yorkies have a big attitude and a LOT to say. They’ll bark at anything—a noise, a stranger, a shadow, or just because they feel like it. Teaching them the “quiet” command is a must, but let’s be honest—Yorkies love to be heard. If you’re looking for a silent pup, this is not the breed for you!
7. Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers are packed with energy, attitude, and an unstoppable will. These little firecrackers were originally bred for fox hunting, and that intense drive is still very much alive. Training them? Well, let’s just say you’ll need patience, creativity, and a whole lot of energy.
One of the biggest hurdles in training a Jack Russell is their sky-high intelligence combined with stubbornness. They learn fast—but only what they want to learn. If something seems boring, they’ll tune you out completely. They love problem-solving, so basic commands won’t hold their attention for long.
Then there’s the independence factor. Jack Russells don’t blindly follow orders. They think for themselves and often decide that their way is better than yours. If you’re not firm and consistent, they’ll happily take charge of training (and the entire house).
According to WebMD, Jack Russells have an endless energy supply. These dogs don’t just enjoy exercise; they need it. A tired Jack Russell is a well-behaved Jack Russell. Without enough mental and physical stimulation, they’ll find their own “fun” (which usually involves destruction). Got an expensive couch? Not for long!
Socialization is another must. Without it, Jack Russells can become territorial, aggressive dogs, or just plain bossy. They need early exposure to different people, places, and animals to help them learn that not everything is a threat. If left unchecked, they can develop a serious case of small dog syndrome—thinking they’re the toughest dog on the block.
Quick Fun Fact: Did you know Jack Russells can jump up to five feet in the air? That’s right! Their athleticism is off the charts, which is why they excel in agility training—if you can keep up with them!
Conclusion
When it comes to dog training, hard-to-train micro dog breeds can challenge even experienced pet owners. While some dog breeds are easy to train, others—like the Shiba Inu and Brussels Griffon—have an independent streak and strong-willed nature, making them some of the hardest dog breeds to train. These intelligent dogs often require consistent training, positive reinforcement methods, and early socialization to develop good habits.
Despite their small size, these dogs have big personalities. Some toy breeds, like the Shetland Sheepdog and Standard Poodle, are highly intelligent, but their curious and sometimes stubborn nature can make dog training tricky. Unlike working dogs, which were originally bred for specific jobs, many micro dog breeds were bred as companion animals and may not have the same drive to learn commands like sit or recall. They need physical and mental stimulation.
While training a strong-willed, independent breed can be tough, it’s not impossible. Using reward-based training, short but engaging training sessions, and obedience training from an early age helps create a strong bond between the dog and its owner. Even Siberian Huskies and Great Pyrenees, known for their independent nature, can learn through structured training. The key is patience, understanding each particular breed’s intelligence and ability, and tailoring the training methods accordingly.
In conclusion, while micro dog breeds may be small in stature, their training can present significant challenges due to their stubborn and independent nature. Breeds such as the Dachshund, Pomeranian, and Chihuahua are known for their intelligence but can be resistant to commands, requiring patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement to successfully train. Understanding each breed’s specific traits and motivations is crucial for effective training. Despite the hurdles, the reward of having a well-trained micro dog is a deepened companionship, marked by mutual respect and understanding, demonstrating that even the most obstinate breeds can become cherished, obedient pets with the right approach.