Dalmatians are great canine companions. That said, training them is easier said than done, and many people find that Dalmatians can be hard to train. So, is that true? Are Dalmatians hard to train? The short answer is that it depends on the dog, your approach, and when you start training them.
Not only can they be stubborn, but you’ll find that Dalmatians need consistency and have a lot of energy you need to manage. Therefore, if you don’t train them right from the start you can create a lot of bad habits that will make training them later on much harder.
Understanding Your Dalmatian’s Temperament
The best way to determine if a dog is hard to train is to look at their temperament because it controls how they respond to training, activity, and even strangers. According to this in-depth breed guide, Dalmatian’s temperament is a moderate one and they have a lot of energy, along with a desire to be independent sometimes. This is what makes it tricky to train without a good routine, patience, and enough time to expend some of that energy.
That said, Dalmatians are also smart, loyal, and affectionate, so once you find what works you’ll find that they’re great canine companions.
Why Are Dalmatians Hard to Train?
Dalmatians aren’t hard to train right out of the gate but they can be stubborn and annoying to work with if you don’t approach their training right. Learn about some traits that make Dalmatians hard to train below.
High Energy Levels
First and foremost, one of the biggest problems you’ll encounter when training a Dalmatian is their energy level. They have a lot of energy and that can be overwhelming because you need to play with them, walk them, and train them for at least an hour or two daily. Failing to do so can result in stubbornness or an otherwise rowdy dog that will make your training goals seem insurmountable.
Stubbornness
Dalmatians are smart dogs, and while that’s great for understanding commands, sometimes they’re too smart for their own good. Without consistency and patience, you’ll find that Dalmatians can be stubborn, unresponsive, and almost too goofy to train at times. For this reason, you need to spend a lot of time with them and focus on consistency from a young age (if possible).
Independent Nature
Sometimes, your Dalmatian may just want to be alone, and if you attempt to train them while they’re getting some quality me-time, you’ll be met with stubbornness. This is why socialization, positive reinforcement, and a routine are crucial.
Are Dalmatians Hard to Train? It Doesn’t Have to Be With These Tips
Training your Dalmatian doesn’t have to be a nightmare. By following the right training tips you won’t have any problems getting along with your Dalmatian. Discover our top Dalmatian training tips below.
Positive Reinforcement
The best thing you can do for your Dalmatian is start your training regimen with positive reinforcement. Always reward good behaviors with affection, treats, and other rewards to keep your dog happy and eager to learn. Also, never go the other direction and get angry or mean when they mess something up. All this does is scare them and push them more towards being stubborn and independent.
Develop a Routine
Dalmatians tend to be independent dogs, even after they’ve been with you for a while. This means they may like to be alone sometimes, and while that’s okay for them, it might ruin your training goals. To avoid this, create a routine and train your Dalmatian at the same time every day. For example, you can choose after breakfast or before dinner as training times.
Meet Their Energy Needs
Dalmatians are high-energy dogs and you need to meet those energy demands. Otherwise, your Dalmatian may end up running around in circles instead of responding to training. To meet their energy needs make sure you’re taking them for walks or runs daily. The goal is to be active with them for at least an hour.
Train Your Dalmatian the Right Way
Training your Dalmatian doesn’t have to be some annoying process where you don’t get a lot of results. While you do have to account for their independent nature, once you know what makes a Dalmatian tick, training them is as simple as finding a routine and sticking to it. Always use positive reinforcement training and take some time to socialize them for the best results.
