German Shepherds are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and versatility, but they also have a reputation for being a little stubborn at times.
Many owners mistake this stubborn streak for disobedience, when in reality, it’s often a simple communication gap between the dog and the owner.
The good news is that this behavior is not only common but also manageable.
Why Are German Shepherds Stubborn?
German Shepherds are not naturally defiant, but their behavior can sometimes come across as stubborn. Understanding the root causes behind this will help you work with your dog more effectively rather than against them.
1. Intelligence & independent thinking
German Shepherds rank among the most intelligent dog breeds. While this intelligence makes them quick learners, it also means they can think for themselves.
Sometimes, your GSD may assess a situation and decide that their choice is better than yours, leading to what looks like stubborn behavior.
This is why mentally stimulating activities are essential — they give your dog the challenge they crave, helping reduce independent, stubborn decisions.
2. Strong herding instincts
Originally bred for herding and guarding livestock, German Shepherds have strong instincts to control movement and make decisions on their own.
This independent decision-making was highly valued in working dogs, but in a home setting, it can sometimes show up as stubbornness or ignoring commands.
RELATED: How To Stop a German Shepherd From Herding
3. Protective nature
German Shepherds are naturally protective of their family. If they sense a potential threat or feel that a situation requires their attention, they might ignore your commands, not out of disobedience, but because they are prioritizing what they think is a more important task — protecting you.
4. Boredom or lack of stimulation
A bored German Shepherd is a stubborn German Shepherd. These dogs need both physical exercise and mental challenges to stay balanced.
Without enough stimulation, they may resist commands simply because they’re frustrated, restless, or trying to find ways to entertain themselves.
An excellent way to prevent this is by incorporating interactive and puzzle toys into their daily routine.
5. Inconsistent training or leadership
GSDs thrive under clear rules and confident leadership. Inconsistent training, mixed signals, or lack of boundaries confuse them and encourage them to make their own decisions.
What may look like stubbornness could just be a result of unclear expectations from their human.
Proven Tips to Manage Stubbornness in German Shepherds
If you are dealing with a stubborn German Shepherd, don’t worry — you are not alone. Many GSDs show moments of strong will, but with the right techniques, you can turn this stubbornness into responsiveness and loyalty.
1. Establish yourself as a calm, confident leader
German Shepherds naturally look for a leader they can trust. This doesn’t mean you need to be dominant or harsh — far from it.
True leadership comes from being calm, consistent, and confident. Avoid shouting or punishment. Instead, earn your dog’s respect by setting clear expectations and following through calmly.
2. Importance of clear communication and boundaries
Your GSD needs to understand what is expected of them. Clear, simple commands work best. Avoid changing words or gestures for the same action.
Set firm but fair boundaries at home and during training, and always reward the right choices. If your dog understands you clearly, stubbornness will often fade.
3. Stay consistent
German Shepherds are highly intelligent but need consistency to succeed. Use the same commands and rules every time.
A major source of confusion (and stubbornness) is when one family member allows behaviors that others correct. Make sure everyone is on the same page.
4. Make training engaging
GSDs need more than just obedience—they need to have fun. Use positive reinforcement such as treats, praise, and playtime to reward good behavior.
Mix obedience sessions with enjoyable activities like fetch, agility, or nose work.
If you want ready-made, structured games that stimulate your dog’s brain while improving obedience, the Brain Training for Dogs course (affiliate link) is an excellent resource designed specifically for intelligent and strong-willed dogs like German Shepherds.
5. Meet their physical and mental needs
Your German Shepherd will struggle to focus if their energy is not being channeled properly. Daily walks, structured exercise, and interactive play are essential. But don’t stop at physical exercise — mental stimulation is just as important.
Puzzle toys, scent games, and training challenges are great ways to meet their mental needs.
You can explore my curated Interactive & Puzzle Toys (Amazon list) to find toys that keep your GSD engaged, happy, and less likely to act out.
6. Short and frequent training sessions
Long training sessions often backfire, leading to frustration and stubbornness. Instead, aim for short but frequent sessions throughout the day, about 5–15 minutes each.
These short bursts keep your dog’s attention sharp and make learning more effective and fun.
If you’re just starting with your German Shepherd’s training, you might want to check out my guide on Basic Training Commands for German Shepherds.
7. Patience and understanding
Remember, stubbornness is often a sign of intelligence. A German Shepherd who tests boundaries is often just thinking for themselves — which is part of what makes them special.
Avoid frustration, stay patient, and view these moments as opportunities to build a stronger relationship.
If your dog tends to get frustrated or anxious easily, some items from my Separation Anxiety Solutions (Amazon list) may help create a calmer learning environment.
8. Know when to seek professional help
If your dog’s stubbornness turns into more serious behavior issues, such as aggression, extreme fear, or complete refusal to cooperate, don’t hesitate to consult a qualified dog trainer or behaviorist.
Early intervention will save you and your dog from unnecessary stress.
Signs of a Stubborn German Shepherd
Not sure if your German Shepherd is being stubborn or just confused? Here are some common signs that GSD owners often notice when their dog is displaying stubborn behavior:
1. Ignoring commands they clearly know
One of the most common signs is when your dog ignores a command you know they have learned.
They may sit and look at you without moving or go about their business as if nothing was said. This is usually not a lack of understanding but a test of your patience and leadership.
2. Selective listening
Your German Shepherd might obey one command enthusiastically but act like they’ve never heard another.
This selective obedience often points to a strong-willed dog who is picking and choosing when to listen based on what they find worth their effort.
3. Testing boundaries
German Shepherds are intelligent and love to test limits. They may push back against rules to see if you are serious or consistent.
Skipping commands, ignoring known house rules, or trying to “negotiate” with body language are common signs of boundary testing.
4. Slow or reluctant responses
Sometimes, your dog will technically comply — but very slowly or reluctantly. This can be their way of showing disinterest or mild resistance without fully disobeying.
5. Acting like they didn’t “hear” you
This is a classic GSD move. Your dog may suddenly become “deaf” to commands, even though you know they can hear you just fine. They might look away, sniff the ground, or pretend to be busy.
Common Mistakes Owners Make
Before labeling your German Shepherd as “stubborn,” it’s important to reflect on whether common training mistakes might be contributing to the problem. Even experienced owners sometimes fall into these traps:
1. Being too harsh or too soft
German Shepherds need balanced leadership. Being too harsh can make them fearful or defensive, while being too soft may cause them to disregard you altogether.
They respond best to calm, confident guidance. Harsh punishments or yelling often backfire, damaging the trust between you and your dog.
2. Inconsistency in rules and commands
One day they are allowed on the couch, the next day they aren’t — sound familiar? Inconsistent rules confuse your dog and make them seem stubborn when they’re really just unsure of what you want.
Everyone in the household should agree on commands and rules to create a clear and stable environment.
3. Not giving enough mental and physical exercise
A German Shepherd with pent-up energy is almost guaranteed to act out or resist commands. Regular walks are not enough for this highly active and intelligent breed.
Without daily mental and physical outlets, stubbornness becomes almost inevitable.
Your dog needs at least 60 minutes of exercise per day. A tired dog is a well-behaved dog — read more about how much exercise a German Shepherd really needs.
4. Expecting too much too soon
While GSDs are fast learners, they still need time and repetition to fully understand and generalize commands.
Expecting perfection too quickly often leads to frustration for both the dog and the owner. Be patient, break tasks into smaller steps, and reward even small improvements.
5. Using punishment instead of positive reinforcement
Punishment may suppress a behavior temporarily but often leads to fear, anxiety, or defensive stubbornness.
German Shepherds respond much better to positive reinforcement — rewarding them for what they do right instead of only correcting mistakes.
Praise, treats, play, and interactive toys are much more effective in shaping lasting good behavior.
Some stubborn behavior may actually be stress-related. Learn about managing separation anxiety in German Shepherds.
Conclusion
German Shepherds are not naturally “bad” or “defiant” — they are simply intelligent, independent thinkers who need the right kind of guidance. With clear communication, patience, and structure, you can turn moments of stubbornness into valuable learning opportunities. Embrace the process, enjoy the journey, and remember — with the right approach, your GSD’s strong will can become one of their greatest strengths.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is my German Shepherd so stubborn?
German Shepherds are highly intelligent and independent, which can make them seem stubborn. Often, it’s not defiance, but a result of confusion, boredom, or lack of proper stimulation.
2. How do you discipline a stubborn German Shepherd?
Discipline should focus on calm leadership, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Avoid harsh punishment, and instead reward good behavior to motivate your GSD.
3. Can training fix my German Shepherd’s stubbornness?
Absolutely. Structured training using clear commands, patience, and engaging activities can turn stubbornness into cooperation. Courses like Brain Training for Dogs can be especially helpful for smart breeds like GSDs.
4. What toys help with a stubborn GSD?
Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and scent games are excellent for mentally stimulating a German Shepherd. You can find some great options in my Interactive & Puzzle Toys list.
5. Is stubbornness a sign of a bad German Shepherd?
Not at all! Stubbornness is often just a sign of intelligence and an independent spirit. With the right approach, you can channel this into obedience and build a stronger bond.
