Top 10 Dog Breeds to Train
Considering adopting a dog? Or you just want to know which dog breeds are known to be the easiest to train. This article is for you. Obedience and trainability can be a consideration for many prospective parents for a variety of reasons: you have young children, you want to take your dog to work, or you simply don't have the time and/or money to spend on professional training.
Each breed is known to have a unique personality, and some are better known than others for their obedience. In addition, some breeds have been bred to work cooperatively with humans, which makes them much easier to train: for example, utility dogs, herding dogs and racing dogs.
However, this does not mean that other breeds cannot be trained - quite the contrary.
If training is a fun, enjoyable, caring and ethical experience, then any dog can learn commands and be taught obedience. Frequency (and fun!) is the key!
- Golden Retriever
One of the most popular dog breeds, they are affectionate and loyal, which makes them fairly easy to train. For this reason, they are often family pets.
- The Labrador
Intelligent and very friendly, Labradors are appreciated for their trainability. They are, along with goldens retrievers, the most sought-after breeds for guide dogs as well.
Did you know: Golden Retriever/Labrador crosses are generally the most successful guide dogs because of their trainability and loyalty.
- German Shepherd
The most popular breed used mostly in the police and military, these dogs are large, strong and tireless. They like to please their owners, which makes them very easy to train.
- Border Collie
This breed is considered to be the fastest learner! For this reason, it needs frequent mental stimulation and lots of exercise.
- Poodle
Poodles in all their forms are very willing to learn.
- English Springer Spaniel
Bred for hunting, this breed has a very quick and agile mind that is eager to please, which puts it on the list of the easiest dog breeds to train.
- The Doberman Pinscher
Sharp-eared, alert and fearless, these dogs often assist police forces or work in the security industry - which is not to say that they are aggressive! Their enthusiasm for training and their ability to retain what they learn make them excellent companions.
- Vizsla
A very loyal and enthusiastic breed. They are very eager to please and are known for the strong bonds they form with their owners. Like Border Collies, Vizslas need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation, which means they are relatively easy to train.
- Miniature Schnauzer
This is one of the easiest small dog breeds to train and they are incredibly obedient and receptive to training! They are also quite energetic and will need lots of play and an appropriate amount of walks.
- Butterfly
This breed gets its name from the fact that its ears look like a butterfly! Papillons are very low maintenance, which makes them attractive to owners, especially new pet parents. But they are also one of the easiest small dog breeds to train, due to their liveliness, quick learning curve and desire to please!
Remember, all breeds of dogs can be trained. What matters is the patience of their owners. Even the "easiest to train breed of dog" will not be trained by a frustrated and impatient owner.
Training a dog requires patience, kindness, calmness and knowledge on your part.
