If you’ve ever lived with a Scottish Terrier — affectionately known as a “Scottie” — you know these spirited little dogs bring personality in spades. Their bold independence and signature stubborn streak can make training both a challenge and a rewarding adventure when approached the right way. With patience and the right tools, learning how to communicate and bond through training becomes one of the most fulfilling parts of raising a Scottie, and positive reinforcement is the key that unlocks their cooperation and joy. In this article we’ll walk through strategies that really work for even the most strong-willed Scottie!
Understanding Your Scottie’s Stubborn Nature
Scottish Terriers were bred to work independently — hunting vermin and making decisions on their own — so it’s no surprise they can seem downright stubborn during training sessions. Their intelligence means they learn quickly, but only when they see value in what you’re asking. This is why positive reinforcement — rewarding what you want, not punishing what you don’t — works best with this breed. By turning training into a game where your Scottie gets frequent wins, praise, and tasty treats, you’ll tap into a mindset where cooperation feels rewarding, not like a chore.
Positive Reinforcement Techniques That Work
At the heart of positive training for Scotties is recognizing effort and good behavior instantly. Use short, frequent sessions (just a few minutes at a time) and always follow commands immediately with praise, physical affection, and small rewards. Keeping sessions short is crucial because Scotties, like many terriers, have a short attention span — and long lessons can quickly lose their interest. This technique helps your dog associate the desired behavior directly with a positive experience, making them more eager to repeat it.
Treat timing matters: if your dog sits when you say “sit,” deliver the reward within a second or two. That helps your Scottie make the mental connection between what you asked and the behavior you want.” It’s a game of clarity, consistency, and fun — and over time you’ll see dramatic improvements in their response rate.
Tasty Rewards That Keep Scotties Engaged
The right treat can make all the difference in motivating your stubborn Scottie. Soft, small bites work especially well during training because they can be eaten quickly. Try using Small Bites With Lamb, delicately flavored and easy to chew during a session, or mix it up with Small Bites With Salmon for variety. These bite-sized morsels help maintain focus without interrupting the training flow. Reward variety keeps your Scottie guessing and happy to give that next excellent response!
Consistency Is Your Best Friend
Consistency goes hand-in-hand with positive reinforcement. Always use the same cues for commands (“sit” rather than mixing in “sit down”), and make sure all family members use the same words so your Scottie isn’t confused. Establishing a routine — same time, same signals, same expectations — helps your dog understand what you’re asking over time. When commands and expectations don’t change, your terrier becomes confident and less likely to resist learning.
Incorporating Fun into Training
Training doesn’t have to be all commands and corrections. Scottish Terriers respond exceptionally well to play-based learning. After a successful session, toss in a quick game of fetch or tug-of-war so your dog associates learning with joy and connection. Short games between training bouts invigorate your pup’s mind and prevent boredom, a common source of stubborn pushback. Many Scotties love challenges that engage both their body and brain, keeping them keenly interested in what comes next.
Patience, Praise, and Progress
It’s important to remember that training a Scottie isn’t a race — it’s a partnership. Some behaviors take longer to learn than others, and that’s okay. Celebrate every small victory, whether it’s a perfect “sit” in the kitchen or a calm wait at the door before a walk. Praise builds confidence, and confidence breeds cooperation in these headstrong terriers. Over time, your Scottie will start to seek out obedience because it means attention and delicious rewards — not because they have to.
Training Beyond the Basics
Once your Scottie masters basic commands with positive reinforcement, it’s worth adding new challenges — agility games, trick training, or even scent work. Enriching your dog’s mind beyond the basics keeps them engaged and happy. A well-trained Scottie isn’t just polite — they’re confident, curious, and deeply connected to you. Harness that stubborn energy and turn it into one of your dog’s greatest strengths!
Final Thoughts: Building a Happy Scottie
Training a stubborn Scottish Terrier might take patience, but when you use positive techniques and delicious rewards, you’ll find your dog not only learns better but enjoys the process. Treat-based reinforcement plus consistency and fun turns training from a battle into a bonding experience. And along the way, you’ll build a stronger, more joyful relationship with your loyal Scottie companion. Who knew stubbornness could be so sweet?
