Owning a dog comes with a lot of responsibility. Dogs need a safe environment and a nutritious diet. They need veterinary care. Plus, they need exercise, attention, and plenty of training. It’s no wonder that in addition to searching for a dog who’s easy to own, many people want a dog who will easily learn new tricks (or learn to relieve himself outside).
To be clear, you’ll still need to spend plenty of time training your dog. And dogs who are easy to train often still need lots of your time and energy. But the dogs who are easiest to train will quickly associate commands with actions. And most of the time, they’ll want to please you and follow your instructions.
Check out the adorable dog breeds that have a strong chance of quickly learning what you teach them.
1. Bernese mountain dog
Bernese mountain dog
Bernese mountain dog | iStock.com/RalphyS
The Bernese mountain dog is a friendly breed that takes to training easily. According to the AKC, this “gentle giant” is mild-tempered and loves outdoor activities. This breed needs a moderate level of exercise, which will usually keep your dog from barking or acting out.
The Bernese Mountain Dog Club reports that “with the training essential for ownership of a large working breed, Berners are generally gentle, easygoing, and tolerant.” But they do need plenty of interaction with people. And the club advises training should always use positive techniques.
Next: A people-pleasing dog who loves to clown around
2. Havanese
Havanese puppy running in grass with ball
Havanese | iStock.com/Dorottya_Mathe
The Havanese always wants to please his owner. That means he loves learning new commands and tricks. In fact, the AKC reports the “Havanese are smart, trainable, and natural clowns.” This dog breed is a good choice for novice dog owners.
But keep in mind he wants company and loves being the center of attention. According to the Havanese Club of America, the major concern with a Havanese puppy “is to provide adequate socialization for the pup to become a good citizen both in the home and the community. This usually involves exposure to a lot of other people and other dogs.”
Next: An intelligent dog who wants to use his energy pleasing his owner
3. Border collie
Border collie puppy
Border collie | iStock.com/JLSnader
If you’re an experienced dog owner and simply want a dog who will take to training well, you might want to consider a border collie. The border collie has tons of energy but wants to please you. The AKC advises, “The uncanny intelligence, athleticism, and trainability of border collies have a perfect outlet in agility work.” Translation? This workaholic dog will never be a couch potato. So you’ll need to expend some of your own energy keeping him busy.
The Border Collie Society of America reports you’ll also need to make time for ongoing training “in obedience, obedience, obedience!” Activities, such as agility, flyball, rally, herding, and tracking, all enable your dog to learn new mental skills. And they can help you provide your border collie with the vigorous daily exercise he needs.
Next: A spunky little dog who’s very quick to learn
4. Miniature schnauzer
Miniature schnauzer lying on the grass
Miniature schnauzer | iStock.com/Elen11
The miniature schnauzer finds it easy to learn new commands. But you’ll definitely to work to keep this high-energy dog occupied. And you’ll have to train him not to bark excessively. Fortunately, the AKC explains, “This breed craves human companionship, which, combined with the breed’s intelligence, makes him easy to train for all kinds of activities. He is alert and spunky, but also obedient to commands.”
The American Miniature Schnauzer Club reports the breed benefits from basic obedience training and ongoing socialization. But they are “obedient and quick to learn, extremely devoted, very playful, and very affectionate.”
Next: A surprisingly laid-back — and trainable — terrier
5. Border terrier
Two border terriers in the snow
Border terriers | iStock.com/shellhawker
The border terrier is often considered a highly trainable dog. And he’s laid-back for a terrier — but don’t think that means he won’t need a lot of activity. The AKC explains the border terrier is “described as ‘hard as nails’ when working, but at home they’re good-tempered, affectionate, and trainable.” With plenty of exercise, they can live just as happily in the city as in the country.
According to the Border Terrier Club of America, the border terrier wants to please you. “This makes it easy to train basic house manners, such as housebreaking, walking on a leash, leaving garbage alone, leaving clothes and kids’ toys alone, not jumping on people or furniture, sitting and staying, and coming when called (barring the presence of a squirrel or rabbit).”
Next: An upbeat and playful dogs who take orders from you or your kids
6. Boxer
boxer puppy
Boxer | iStock.com/ElizabethHoffmann
The boxer is an intelligent and even-tempered dog who learns new commands easily. According to the AKC, these very active dogs “enjoy physical and mental challenges.” But they are also “upbeat and playful. Their patience and protective nature have earned them a reputation as a great dog for children.”
The American Boxer Club reports though many boxers succeed at performance events, the “same innate intelligence that makes him quick to learn also gives the boxer a mind of his own.” The club adds that a trainer needs to stay “purposeful and patient.”
Next: A large dog who makes a great pet, guardian, and athlete
7. Doberman pinscher
Doberman dog lying outdoors
Doberman pinscher | iStock.com/onetouchspark
Only experienced dog owners should consider a Doberman pinscher. But if you’re able to provide consistent training and leadership, he can become a friendly member of your family. Just remember Dobermans, like many other dogs, can become destructive and aggressive if you let them become habitually bored or lonely.
According to the AKC, the Doberman who is well trained and socialized “is a loving pet, a world-class family guardian, [and] a versatile canine athlete.” The Doberman Pinscher Club of America reports these dogs require intelligent handling but are versatile in activities, including search and rescue, obedience, and work as a guide or therapy dog.
Next: A dog who can learn just about any job
8. German shepherd
German shepherd sitting on grass
German shepherd | iStock.com/diego_cervo
The German shepherd is eager to please and ready to work. And as the AKC reports, this very active breed needs regular mental and physical exercise. However, devotees love the breed for its loyalty, courage, and “the ability to learn and retain commands for an amazing number of specialized jobs.”
The German Shepherd Dog Club of America reports simple training should begin the moment your puppy arrives home. A German shepherd puppy can learn his name and basic commands as early as 8 weeks old.
Next: A dog who’s smart and bossy, but takes well to training
9. Pembroke Welsh corgi
Pembroke Welsh corgi
Pembroke Welsh corgi | iStock.com/Anna-av
The Pembroke Welsh corgi is an active little dog who loves having a job to do. The AKC explains, “The Pembroke responds well to training and loves his family, but he may try to herd you.” Corgis (and corgi owners) benefit from obedience classes. And the AKC promises, “The time you spend in training, especially during the first year of your pet’s life, will be repaid many times over by giving you a well-behaved companion, one that is bonded to you and your family for the rest of his life.”
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America that corgis “are intelligent dogs, trainable and good with children.” Nonetheless, “this breed is bright and bossy — if you aren’t in charge, they will happily assume the role and a problem is much harder to correct than prevent.”
0 Response to "Easiest Dog Breeds to Train"
Post a Comment