Dogs have been described as man’s best friend which according to many is an apt description. However, we must recognize the fact that there are dogs that are more trainable than others. For a dog to be considered as “easy to train”, it must display the natural ability to take commands, as well as learn skills, and tricks very fast. Obedience is another character trait that must be present in a trainable dog because it is only when a dog is quick to obey commands that it is categorized under the easiest dog breeds to train.
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Dogs That Are Easy To Train
1. Poodle
The Poodle breed comprising of the toy, miniature, and standard Poodle excel at dog shows for a reason. A healthy mix of intelligence, versatility, playfulness, and liveliness made the breed an ideal competitor that can not only follow orders but equally lead a pack. Poodles raised in family settings are known to be incredibly social with everyone, including other household pets, mingling perfectly with species and ages. The dog’s intelligence and obedient nature makes it very trainable, this snooty show dog is one of the best dog breeds for younger children
2. Labrador Retriever
When the talk is about the most popular dog breed in all of the United States of America, the Labrador Retriever tops the list and you don’t need to look very far to see the reason for this popularity. Though it can be whimsical on occasions, the Labs are known for being cheerful, friendly, and sociable. In fact, a Lab is comparable to a Golden Retriever which makes a terrible guard or watchdog because of its excessively playful nature.
The breed is highly trainable and the rate at which it learns new tricks and skills has been described as incredible. The pup displays an even-keeled temperament and a natural love for the great outdoor which can be fun for training sessions. The Labrador Retriever breed is a trainer’s dream – just get ready to play, run, and laugh with this eager-to-please pup that has no aggressive tendencies towards people or other animals.
3. Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is aptly described as an all-American, family-friendly pup that imbibes new habits very fast. Their trainability stems from the fact that Goldens love people and are always eager to make their human family happy. A patient dog that moves with the flow, the Goldies Retriever makes both training and picking up positive habits very easy. The breed cannot be used as a guard dog because one of its habits is meeting people and making new friends. Goldies are just too welcoming, even with complete strangers.
4. German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is known to be a protector to the core. A devoted and smart pup that loves to work, the GSD has been engaged in various fields for years – in search and rescue, guide and assistance, law enforcement, and more. The pup is very easy to train and when assigned a task, it will willingly dedicate itself to it. Mental and physical stimulation are necessary parts of a GSD’s training, thus, the ideal place to train this furbaby is in a big yard or a park.
5. Havanese
An eager-to-please pup that loves imbibing new tricks and commands, the Havanese is described as trainable, and smart, and their physical appearance makes the title “natural clowns” an apt one. A novice dog parent cannot go wrong with the breed but you must understand that the dog is a diehard attention seeker and loves being noticed and showered with plenty of attention. Pet parents who decide to adopt this breed must provide it with early socialization; this way, your pooch can become a good citizen at home and in the community.
6. Border Collie
An energetic dog that constantly wants to please its owner, the Border Collie is a good choice for experienced pet parents who are on the lookout for a pup that will take well to training. This workaholic dog’s athleticism, uncanny intelligence, and trainability can find a perfect outlet in activities like herding, agility work, rally, flyball, and tracking. As the dog is put through all these, it not only learns new tricks and skills, but it answers its need for daily vigorous exercise. To keep the breed, pet parents just have to expand their own energy as this pooch can never become a couch potato.
7. Boxer
Despite its fierce physical appearance, the Boxer is one dog breed that is known to be even-tempered. Thanks to its high intelligence, this pup can learn skills, tricks, and commands easily. This playful and upbeat dog is quite active and enjoys both mental and physical challenges. The Boxer is dubbed “a great dog for kids” because of its patience and protective disposition.
8. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Though a small dog, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi loves to work and responds very well to training. Thus, pet parents are advised to start obedience training early. Once you get it right during the dog’s first year of life, you will end up with a perfectly behaved canine companion that will be bonded to the family for life. The Pembroke Welsh corgi is one dog that is completely devoted to family; it may even try to herd its family members on occasions.
The breed is described as intelligent, bright, trainable, good with kids, but can also be bossy. Thus, if are not quick to assume the role of a pack leader, your canine friend will waste no time in wielding the big stick, and this kind of problem is best prevented than corrected.
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9. Shetland Sheepdog
Also known as Shelties, the Shetland Sheepdog is an incredibly sensitive dog that is described as active, affectionate, trainable, loving, but also protective of its human family. The pup is very easy to train and loves to please; it is equally active and athletic as the dog excels in dog sports and agility competitions. A good companion dog, Shelties doesn’t take well to being left alone for a long time. Your Shetland Sheepdog is great as a therapy dog but they must start socialization from the puppy stage. This way, the dog will learn to remain happy and stable in very busy situations.
10. Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers are incredibly loyal to family and its small size notwithstanding, the pup can be a handful. Initially bred to function as a ratter, this four-legged-buddy is highly energetic, full of spunk, feisty, and can vocalize a lot. What this means is that your Miniature Schnauzer is not an indoor-only dog and can never thrive in an apartment or close quarters where there are loads of strangers, including other pets. At least, this can be salvaged through plenty of training, and luckily, the breed is among the easiest dogs to train.
Recap Of Easiest Dogs To Train
- Poodle
- Labrador Retriever
- Golden Retriever
- German Shepherd
- Havanese
- Border Collie
- Boxer
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi
- Shetland Sheepdog
- Miniature Schnauzer