16 easiest dog breeds to train, according to experts
Whether you're set on adding a dog – big or small – to the family, there is one quality that ranks high on the priority list, and that's trainability.
There's no doubt that well-behaved dogs are a joy to be around and, according to experts, canines like Corgis, Rottweilers, and English Springer Spaniels share some traits in common that can considerably cut down training times.
"Training your dog can be a rewarding experience, but some breeds tend to pick up new skills quicker than others," says Nicole Ellis, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and Pet Lifestyle Expert with Rover.
"If you’re looking for a dog that’s easy to train, key traits to consider include intelligence, eagerness to please, and a strong bond with their handler. Dogs that are naturally food motivated also tend to excel in training – this is more of a per dog basis generally, as they’re excited to work for rewards. Of course, every dog is an individual, but choosing a breed with these characteristics can help set you up for success."
Below, we've gathered a list of 16 dogs that Nicole and Dr. Abel Gonzalez, Clinical Director at Dutch, agree are among the easiest to train.
Some were developed to be herding dogs, others are guardian breeds, and a few simply make excellent companions. But all should be less challenging to train than most other breeds, leaving you more time for playing...
Labrador Retriever
When it comes to dogs that are eager to learn, Labrador Retrievers make the list according to Dr. Abel Gonzalez, Clinical Director at Dutch, who calls this breed friendly and keen to please.
"They are ideal for service roles due to their trainable nature," he continues. "Commands like sit, stay, and come are essential for every dog to learn, these commands are the foundation of good behaviour."
Corgi
Whether you're talking about a Pembroke Welsh Corgi or a Cardigan Welsh Corgi, these short-legged dogs are easy to train. Two very distinct herding breeds from Wales, they can be distinguished by their tails. Pembrokes traditionally have a tail docked close to their bodies, while Cardigans have a long, foxlike tail.
Cardigans are also larger than their cousins, usually outweighing them by 3.6kg, but both breeds "love learning new cues," Nicole says. "These cute pups are smart, food-motivated, and bred to work closely with people. Corgis excel in obedience as well as agility."
Border Collie
This breed is known for its intelligence and ability to learn complex commands efficiently, according to Abel.
"They excel in agility and obedience competitions," he continues, adding that you can use things from around your home to create an agility course for them to play on.
"It’s a fun way to exercise and mentally stimulate your dog," he says, adding that you can teach them to weave through cones (or bottles), jump over broomsticks, or even do something as simple as crawl under tables.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs get their name from the region of Switzerland where they have long worked on farms, doing everything from pulling carts to driving cattle to guarding livestock. As kind-hearted as they are versatile, their feelings can be easily hurt, so they don't typically take to harsh scolding or discipline. They also don't like being left alone for long periods.
Otherwise, Nicole calls them gentle and eager to please. "They respond well to positive reinforcement and thrive on forming strong, unique bonds and connections with their owners," she adds.
Golden Retriever
These friendly and capable dogs excel when it comes to obedience and service roles. According to Abel, a lot of that is thanks to their trainable and gentle nature.
(Learn the difference between a Labrador and a Golden Retriever here).
Poodles
Poodles of all types – which Abel says includes Standard, Miniature, Toy – are highly intelligent and easy train.
"They excel in obedience, agility, and performing," he continues, adding that one of the fun tricks these dogs can pick up is offering "high fives" or shaking hands when they are introduced to new people, which will promote gentle interactions.
Rottweiler
The Rottweiler is a German dog breed descended from the droving Mastiffs used by the Roman Legion. More recently a protector, search-and-rescue canine, and even a guide dog for the blind, Rottweilers are loyal and highly trainable, according to Nicole.
"It's best when their training starts at a young age," she adds. "This intelligent dog can be quite docile and calm when needed as well."
Papillon
Alert and affectionate, this smaller-sized dog's surprising athleticism and eagerness may be explained by his Spaniel heritage. Nicole calls them tiny but brilliant, noting that Papillons are "quick learners who love tricks and excel in competitive obedience and agility."
Bred to be a companion dog, the Papillon may act out if left alone for long periods. They also bond strongly with other animals.
Shetland Sheepdogs
Abel says that Shetland Sheepdogs combine intelligence with eagerness to please, making them highly trainable and proficient in obedience. They will really love learning how to do activities that boost their brain power and require a little bit of critical thinking.
"Try puzzle toys that require your dog to solve a problem to get a treat for excellent mental exercise," he adds, noting that you can purchase one in most pet stores or make something similar yourself.
English Springer Spaniel
Bred to flush and retrieve birds for hunters, these dogs are energetic and responsive, explains Nicole. "Springers are highly trainable with positive reinforcement," she adds, "and enjoy working closely with their people."
Intelligent and tough, with legendary endurance, this breed is always up for a swim, a good game of fetch, or even a long hike. Gentle instruction works best for the English Springer Spaniel, a dog that wants nothing more than to be by their family's side, no matter the activity.
Bichon Frise
These dogs are no one-trick pony, according to Nicole, who says that they are so good at learning tricks they can compete for American Kennel Club (AKC) trick titles, which include things like balancing on a ball, opening doors, and playing shell games.
Australian Shepard
Want a hardworking pet that is keen to help out wherever they can? Abel says that you'll find that (and more) in an Australian Shepard, because these dogs are work-oriented and intelligent, thriving on learning new tasks and skilled in agility and herding.
"Hide treats around the house or garden and let your dog find them," he suggests. "It’s a fun way to engage their sense of smell and encourage exploratory behaviour."
Border Terrier
A plucky, happy-go-lucky fox hunter hailing from the borderlands of Scotland and England, this rugged little dog breed is known for its independent spirit. Border Terriers are also intelligent and food-motivated, according to Nicole, which makes training fun when you keep it upbeat and rewarding them.
"These dogs may be small but they are sturdy little pups," she says.
German Shepherd
There's a reason why so many people opt for German Shepherd when they're looking for a little added protection around the home or office.
"Many German shepherds love doing schutzhund sport," Nicole says. Schutzhund is German for "protection dog," which is a great way to describe this breed, which is frequently trained to serve on the police force.
Doberman Pinscher
These dogs are smart, loyal, and capable of learning and following complex commands, according to Abel, so it's no surprise that they make his list.
"Teaching your dog to wait before eating a treat placed in front of them is a great way to practice impulse control," he says, suggesting that you begin the training process by starting with short wait times and then gradually increase the duration as your dog gets better at it.
Vizslas
Abel calls this breed affectionate intelligent, eager, and easy to train. "They are known for loyalty and versatility in sports," he says, adding that a fun trick can be to teach your dog the names of their toys. "Start with one toy, and once they’ve learned that, introduce another."
He adds that it can be a lot of fun to teach your dog to bring you their toys by name... for both you and the dog.
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