But there comes a point when you have to back off for a bit. Give them some down time to figure shit out and if they come back spewing shit, then you put them back in their place, then back off again.
Think about working with a feral cat who has never known human affection. If all you do is come after the cat demanding they do things your way because cats should be comfortable with human interaction and touch and affection, you will never break them because there is no trust. If you work with them for awhile, then back off, then work some more, then back off. Eventually they start finding their place. If all you do is come after them, they'll bolt, lash out, and there's usually a loss of blood.