Dog training can be one of the most rewarding careers in the world, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. As a professional dog trainer, I’ve had the opportunity to work with hundreds of breeds, each with their own quirks, temperaments, and behavioral issues. While I genuinely love dogs, I can’t deny that there are certain breeds that make my job significantly more difficult.
In this article, I’ll be discussing the dog breeds that I personally hate working with—not because they’re bad dogs, but because they present unique challenges that make training more frustrating, time-consuming, or even dangerous.
Disclaimer: Every dog is an individual, and their behavior is influenced by genetics, socialization, training, and environment. Just because a breed is listed here does not mean all dogs of that breed are untrainable or bad pets! This is based on my personal experiences as a trainer.
1. Chihuahuas – The Napoleonic Tyrants
Chihuahuas are small dogs with big personalities—and not always in a good way. They are often overly defensive, stubborn, and aggressive, especially if they haven’t been properly socialized. Many Chihuahua owners fail to correct bad behavior early on, assuming that because their dog is small, they don’t need training. This results in a dog that:
- Barks excessively at everything
- Tries to bite strangers and other dogs
- Displays severe resource guarding behavior
- Becomes extremely possessive of their owner
One of the biggest issues I face with Chihuahuas is their lack of motivation to train. Unlike food-motivated breeds like Labradors, Chihuahuas often don’t care about treats, making it hard to reinforce good behavior. Additionally, their small size makes them difficult to correct without being overly harsh.
2. Siberian Huskies – The Drama Kings and Queens
Huskies are undeniably beautiful, but they can be a nightmare to train. These dogs are independent, vocal, and incredibly stubborn. Some of the challenges I face when training Huskies include:
- Extreme vocalization – Huskies scream, whine, and howl more than any other breed.
- Escape artistry – Many Huskies will find a way out of any yard, crate, or leash situation.
- Independence – Unlike working breeds that want to please their owner, Huskies tend to do what they want, when they want.
- High energy levels – If they don’t get enough exercise, they become destructive and hard to manage.
Training a Husky requires an insane amount of patience, consistency, and energy. Owners who don’t commit to this often end up with an out-of-control dog.
3. Dalmatians – The Hyperactive Wild Cards
Dalmatians are one of the most misunderstood breeds. Thanks to movies like 101 Dalmatians, many people assume they make great family pets. Unfortunately, Dalmatians are high-strung, stubborn, and extremely difficult to train.
Some of the biggest issues I’ve encountered with Dalmatians:
- Hyperactivity – They require hours of exercise, or they become destructive.
- Aggression – Poorly bred Dalmatians can be prone to fear-based aggression.
- Deafness – A large percentage of Dalmatians are born deaf, which makes training even harder.
- Poor impulse control – They get easily overstimulated and can be difficult to calm down.
Most people aren’t prepared for the level of work needed to properly train and manage a Dalmatian, which is why they often end up in shelters.
4. Jack Russell Terriers – The Energizer Maniacs
Jack Russells are one of the smartest but most difficult breeds to train. They are overflowing with energy, incredibly stubborn, and have strong prey drives, making them hard to control off-leash.
Common Jack Russell training challenges:
- Excessive barking – They bark at anything that moves.
- Relentless energy – If they don’t get enough physical and mental stimulation, they will tear up your house.
- Strong prey drive – They will chase and kill small animals, making recall training difficult.
- Aggression towards other dogs – Many Jack Russells do not tolerate other dogs well.
While they can be great for experienced owners, they are a nightmare for casual pet owners who don’t know how to handle their intensity.
5. Chow Chows – The Aloof and Unimpressed
Chow Chows are beautiful, but they are also one of the most difficult breeds to train. Unlike affectionate dogs that seek human interaction, Chows are incredibly independent and aloof. Many act more like cats than dogs.
Challenges with training Chow Chows:
- Extreme stubbornness – They don’t respond well to commands.
- Aggression issues – If not properly socialized, they can become aggressive towards strangers and other animals.
- Poor recall – They are one of the hardest breeds to train off-leash.
- Low motivation – Many Chow Chows are food-selective, making rewards-based training difficult.
Training a Chow Chow requires patience, consistency, and a deep understanding of canine behavior.
6. Afghan Hounds – The Beauty With No Brains
Afghan Hounds are one of the most elegant and beautiful dog breeds, but they are also incredibly difficult to train. They are independent, stubborn, and have a very low drive to please their owners.
Challenges I face when training Afghan Hounds:
- Lack of motivation – They often don’t care about treats or praise.
- Poor recall – They are notorious for running away and ignoring commands.
- Sensitive temperament – They shut down easily if training is too strict.
- Strong prey drive – Like many sighthounds, they will chase anything that moves.
Afghan Hounds require a patient and experienced owner who understands their unique personality.
7. Great Danes – The Gentle Giants With No Manners
While Great Danes are generally sweet-natured, their size and lack of body awareness make them a challenge to train.
Common issues I see with Great Danes:
- Lack of impulse control – They don’t realize how big they are and can accidentally knock people over.
- Short attention spans – Many Great Danes get bored easily.
- Separation anxiety – They are prone to extreme anxiety when left alone.
- Fragile health – They suffer from many health issues that can complicate training.
Because of their size, poor training can make them a liability if they jump, pull, or behave aggressively.
Conclusion: Love The Breed, Hate The Training
At the end of the day, I don’t truly “hate” any dog breed. However, as a professional trainer, some breeds present significantly more challenges than others. Whether it’s stubbornness, aggression, excessive energy, or lack of motivation, certain breeds require much more effort to train than the average pet owner is ready for.
If you’re considering getting one of these breeds, make sure you’re ready for the challenge! Proper training, patience, and an understanding of their unique traits can make all the difference.
Do you have experience training any of these breeds? Let me know in the comments!
Ravi Kumar has a BCA & Master’s degree in Mass Media and over 8 years of experience writing about government schemes, Yojana, recruitment, and the latest educational trends.
