These breeds will outsmart you and then ignore everything you say.
Some dogs are known for their intelligence, but being smart doesn’t always mean being easy to train. In fact, some of the brightest breeds are also the most stubborn, independent, and difficult to handle. They don’t see much point in following orders, and their strong-willed nature means they’ll happily ignore commands when it suits them. If you think intelligence equals obedience, these dogs will prove you wrong.
A dog that refuses to listen can turn basic training into an uphill battle. From hounds that would rather follow their nose than your voice to highly independent thinkers who question every command, these breeds will test your patience. If you want a dog that follows instructions without hesitation, these 12 breeds might make you rethink your decision.
1. Beagles will ditch training the second they catch a scent.
Beagles may be affectionate and fun-loving, but training them is another story. They were bred as scent hounds, which means their noses rule their brains. The moment they pick up an interesting smell, every bit of training goes out the window. Getting them to focus on commands is nearly impossible when their instincts are telling them to track down something far more exciting. According to Reader’s Digest, their food drive can be used as motivation, but even that has limits.
Their independent nature means they are perfectly happy ignoring commands if they don’t see a benefit. They might learn basic tricks, but expecting them to recall in an open field? That’s a gamble. They also have a tendency to howl, which makes them even more challenging to control. If you want a dog that actually listens, a Beagle may not be the right choice.
2. Siberian Huskies will outthink you and then run away.
Siberian Huskies are incredibly smart, but that intelligence doesn’t translate into obedience. These dogs have a fiercely independent streak, making them one of the hardest breeds to train. They were bred to pull sleds, not take orders, and that mentality still dominates their personality today. As stated by Reader’s Digest, they are prone to barking and have a knack for escaping.
Huskies are also known for their high energy levels, which means they get bored quickly. If training sessions aren’t engaging enough, they’ll simply ignore you. Their stubbornness is legendary, and they have no problem doing things their own way. Trying to enforce discipline on a Husky can feel like arguing with a teenager who thinks they know best. Unless you have endless patience and a very secure fence, training a Husky can feel like an impossible task.
3. Jack Russell Terriers will outlast your patience before they listen.
Jack Russell Terriers are small, but their energy levels are through the roof. These dogs are nonstop motion machines, which makes training an exhausting task. They have a high prey drive, meaning they’re more interested in chasing things than paying attention to you. According to Reader’s Digest, they require engaging training sessions to stay focused.
Even when they’re interested, their stubborn streak can make things difficult. They have no problem testing boundaries and pushing limits, which means training is never straightforward. If they don’t get enough exercise, their pent-up energy turns into destructive behavior. Getting a Jack Russell to follow instructions requires endless patience and a deep understanding of their high-energy mindset.
4. Malamutes will pretend not to hear you, no matter how many times you call.
Malamutes are large, powerful dogs that were bred to work, but training them is anything but easy. Much like their Husky relatives, Malamutes are independent thinkers who aren’t particularly interested in following human commands. According to Reader’s Digest, their strong will makes them resistant to training.
One of the biggest issues with Malamutes is their tendency to ignore commands unless they find them worthwhile. They require firm, consistent training, but even then, they often decide that listening is optional. Their size and strength make them difficult to handle, especially if they decide to take matters into their own paws. If you’re not an experienced trainer, a Malamute will quickly take charge of your household.
5. Doodles have an unpredictable mix of intelligence and stubbornness.
Goldendoodles and Labradoodles may seem like the perfect combination of intelligence and obedience, but their trainability is anything but consistent. These designer dogs inherit traits from both Poodles and Retrievers, meaning their personalities can vary wildly. Some are eager to please, while others take after their more stubborn ancestors, making training an unpredictable process. According to Reader’s Digest, their food motivation can sometimes make training easier, but it isn’t a guarantee.
Their high energy levels add another challenge. Doodles need constant engagement and stimulation to stay focused, and if training sessions aren’t exciting, they lose interest quickly. They are also prone to separation anxiety, which can lead to destructive behavior when left alone. While some Doodles are highly trainable, others will test your patience with their selective listening. If you’re not prepared for the uncertainty that comes with this mixed breed, training could be an uphill battle.
6. Basenjis will do whatever they want, no matter how much you beg.
Basenjis are often called “barkless dogs,” but that doesn’t mean they’re quiet or easy to train. These ancient African hunting dogs have a strong sense of independence and a stubborn streak that rivals any breed. They’re intelligent, but they see no reason to obey commands unless it directly benefits them. According to Pride & Groom, training a Basenji requires endless patience and a creative approach.
Their natural instincts take over in a heartbeat. If they see something worth chasing, they’re gone, and no amount of calling will bring them back. They are also notorious escape artists, capable of climbing fences and squeezing through small openings. Keeping their attention during training requires a high-value reward, and even then, they may still choose to ignore you. If you want a dog that follows commands consistently, a Basenji is a guaranteed challenge.
7. Bulldogs will simply refuse to move when they don’t feel like it.
Bulldogs are famous for their stubborn personalities, and training them can be an exercise in frustration. They’re intelligent dogs, but their laziness often gets in the way of progress. Once a Bulldog decides they don’t want to do something, there’s little you can do to convince them otherwise. According to US Service Animals, they are one of the most difficult breeds to train due to their sheer determination to resist.
Their independent nature means they don’t respond well to commands, especially if they perceive them as unnecessary. They also tend to be food-motivated, but even that isn’t always enough to encourage obedience. Bulldogs require short, engaging training sessions to hold their attention, but even then, their stubborn streak often wins. If you want a dog that listens and follows instructions without resistance, a Bulldog might not be the right choice.
8. Basset Hounds would rather nap than learn commands.
Basset Hounds may look slow and easygoing, but training them is an entirely different story. These scent hounds are ruled by their noses, meaning they’re easily distracted by interesting smells. Once they catch a scent, their selective hearing kicks in, and all training efforts become pointless. According to Pride & Groom, Basset Hounds are among the slowest learners when it comes to training.
Their laid-back nature also makes them difficult to motivate. Unlike high-energy breeds that respond well to stimulation, Basset Hounds would much rather lounge around than practice obedience. Housebreaking can be particularly frustrating, as their stubbornness makes them resistant to routine schedules. If you’re looking for a dog that is eager to please and quick to learn, this breed will make training a long, slow, and often futile process.
9. Borzois will chase anything that moves and ignore your calls.
Borzois are elegant, intelligent, and independent—three traits that make them notoriously hard to train. These sighthounds were bred to chase, and once they see movement, nothing else matters. Their natural instincts override any training, making recall nearly impossible in open spaces. As stated by Petcube, Borzois are not known for their obedience and tend to ignore their owners.
They also have an aloof personality, meaning they don’t feel the same need for human validation as other breeds. Traditional training methods often fail because they simply don’t care about pleasing their owners. If training isn’t interesting enough, they will disengage completely. Without a secure fence and dedicated training, keeping a Borzoi under control is a major challenge. If you want a dog that listens off-leash, this breed will be nothing but trouble.
10. Australian Shepherds will push boundaries until you give up.
Australian Shepherds are often praised for their intelligence, but that intelligence comes with a tendency to challenge authority. These dogs are independent thinkers who will push their limits just to see what they can get away with. According to Reader’s Digest, their high intelligence means they get bored quickly, making training sessions difficult.
Without enough mental stimulation, Australian Shepherds can become mischievous and even destructive. They need constant engagement to stay focused, and they thrive on structured activities. Training requires short, frequent sessions packed with variety—otherwise, they’ll tune you out. If you don’t stay one step ahead of them, they’ll start outsmarting you, making obedience training a battle of wits. If you aren’t prepared for a dog that needs constant challenges, this breed will test your patience every day.
11. Chinese Shar-Peis are as aloof as they are stubborn.
Chinese Shar-Peis are fiercely independent dogs with a strong-willed personality. They were originally bred as guard dogs, which means they are naturally wary of strangers and difficult to train. According to Bark Post, their reluctance to follow commands makes them one of the toughest breeds to train.
Socialization is a major challenge with this breed. Without proper exposure to different people and environments, they can become highly suspicious and even aggressive. Their independent nature means they don’t respond well to repetitive training techniques, so owners have to get creative. They also have a strong territorial instinct, which can make obedience training feel like a losing battle. If you want a social and obedient dog, a Shar-Pei will be an uphill struggle.
12. Pekingese think they are in charge and won’t hesitate to remind you.
Pekingese may be small, but they have the confidence of a much larger dog. These regal little dogs have a stubborn streak that makes training frustrating. They were bred as companion dogs for Chinese royalty, and they still carry an attitude of superiority today. According to Bark Post, Pekingese have no problem ignoring commands if they don’t see the point.
They are intelligent, but their independent nature makes them resistant to training. If they feel like a command is beneath them, they will simply refuse to obey. Without proper boundaries, they can become snappy and difficult to manage, even with their owners. Their confidence can make them aggressive toward larger dogs, leading to trouble in multi-pet households. If you’re looking for an obedient lap dog, Pekingese will challenge you every step of the way.
Some dogs may be incredibly intelligent, but that doesn’t mean they’re easy to train. These breeds are proof that intelligence often comes with stubbornness, independence, and a refusal to follow commands. Training them requires patience, creativity, and a strong understanding of their unique personalities. If you want a dog that listens without resistance, avoiding these breeds will save you from endless frustration.