The Independent and Strong-Willed

The Independent and Strong-Willed

Personality: Self-willed, independent, not overly reliant on owner

Characteristics: 

Strong-willed, Intelligent but with a mind of their own; they may not obey blindly.
Has selective interests (e.g., following a scent) and may not be highly motivated to please.
Prone to wandering off if something catches their interest
Require clear leadership and early socialization.

Training Strategies:

Requires patience;  motivate with high-value rewards/toys;  respect their independence, avoid forceful methods
Motivate from within: Use what truly interests them (e.g., a special treat, a favorite toy, or the chance to explore) as a reward for cooperation.
Make training a game: Keep sessions engaging and respect their independence;  avoid forceful methods that cause resistance.
Patience and consistency are vital: It may take more time to build reliable responses.  Use clear, consistent commands.