Some people are thrilled about the idea of owning a dog, but are intimidated at the thought of having to go through a rigorous house training in order to have their dog behave the way they desire. Any way you cut it, having a dog is a responsibility and will require commitment to invest in the dogs well being, time and patience and awful lot of love.
The time put in to living ones dog will be paid back ten fold in a happy, healthy, and loving companion for life. That being said, a dog that requires less training can be more appealing to potential dog owners that have busy lives. Therefore we have compiled a list of top 10 easiest dogs to train. Enjoy!
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What makes a dog easy to train?
When people speak about dogs that are easy to train, they are generally referring to the intelligence of the dog. So intelligence plays a major role in what makes a dog easy to train. All dogs are individuals, and other factors may come in to play, such as environment. If a dog is in a distracting environment that is not conducive to learning or has attention issues it will be harder to train no matter the breed.
Methods of training also play a factor in how well a dog may learn. If you have never owned or trained a dog before, we suggest you read about dog training tips and methods to help get the most out of your training sessions with your pooch. For a full list of dog commands, click here.
Click here for our top picks for the best training treats for dogs.
German Shepherd
We couldn’t think of a better place to start than with the German Shepherd. This breed simply has it all. Immensely intelligent, incredibly loyal and a great family pet. They can be aloof with strangers but make fantastic guard dogs for their owners. Because of their intelligence and ability to learn quickly, German Shepherds are one of the easiest breeds to train. They have been trained and used for important duties by military and police, security, as well as helping people with disabilities. This breed takes their training seriously and are able to perform a multitude of important tasks. One needs to look no further for a dog that’s easy to train.
Golden Retriever
What’s not to love about these wonderful dogs? They are among the most friendly breeds, getting along with other pets and children alike. Ever playful, Goldens are a delight to have around. This breed makes our list not just because of its intelligence, but for the intense desire to please their owners. They want nothing more than to make their family proud. Because of this they make great students and as long as you keep the treats coming, they can train and play until your worn out!
Border Collie
Used as herding dogs, not only are collies incredibly bright, but they are remarkably athletic as well. Full of energy and work ethic, this breed can handle serious training sessions. Their athleticism, agility, and quick thinking make them stellar dogs for competition. If one wants a dog that’s easy to train, a Border Collie may be what they are looking for. Just be sure you have enough energy to keep up!
Australian Shepherd
Similar to the Border Collie, Australian Shepherds were made for herding. They also have similar physiques, and both are excellent specimens when it comes to their athleticism and natural abilities. Australian Shepherds are one of the most intelligent breeds in the world, so one need not worry about their dog not being able to keep up in their training. Like the Collie, Aussies have an insane amount of energy. So this should be kept in mind for someone considering getting one. This breed will require much attention and would not fit for someone that doesn’t have the time or energy to match.
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Shetland Sheepdogs
Yet another herding dog, the Shetland Sheepdog is a great fit for this list. The Sheltie is the smaller cousin of the Collie, and boasts a beautiful long and dense coat. Shelties are some of the best competition dogs in the world, and are top class in obedience and herding. Like the Collie, they are working dogs and need a trainer that is disciplined and well prepared. When it comes to training and the ability to learn quickly, the Sheltie is top notch.
Papillon
The Papillon is a small but active toy dog. Boasting excellent agility skills, the Papillon is also a top competitor in skills and agility trials. But this breed isn’t just quick in their legs, they also have quick minds to match. They are fast learners and one of the easiest toy dog breeds to train. Though tiny, the Papillon packs a lot of energy into its training.
Labrador
Labradors are one of the most popular breeds in the country for a reason. Well rounded and great family dogs, Labs make great companions for many. But they also make for great students, as they want to please their owners in any way they can. Though Labs are loveable family dogs, they have energy to spend just like other breeds. Owners should keep these labs busy with walks and other fun activities such as swimming and fetch.
Australian Cattle Dog
Add yet another herding dog to the list. Clearly there is a trend here, as herding dogs are naturally intelligent enough and are asked to accomplish the tasks that are required of them. But the Australian Cattle Dog is deserving of their spot on this list, as they are highly intelligent dogs that are fantastic herders. Hardy and agile, these dogs have an excellent work ethic, and potential owners should be forewarned that this breed needs tasks in order to keep them from becoming bored and destructive. Giving them plenty of training and duties to be done will make these cattle dogs more at home.
Rottweiler
Rottweilers have been used for many purposes for eras. Military and police have used them, as well as security and rescue teams. Rotties make great guard dogs, and though loving to their family, can be quite intimidating to strangers. Extremely territorial and cautious, this breed should be trained early to get it accustomed to people. These dogs are confident in their abilities and make for excellent trainees.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Don’t let their short stature fool you, Corgis can be fearless and courageous herding dogs. Surprisingly athletic and agile, these dogs do amazingly well in the competition world. Though they have short legs, they make up for it with their high energy and sturdy bodies. Corgis are one of the most popular breeds in the world because they possess many great qualities, including their undying cuteness. But one of the many qualities that makes them stand out is their intelligence, which should make training one a breeze.
We hope you enjoyed this list of top 10 easiest dogs to train. No matter what breed interests you, all dogs require patience and attention in order to be successful in their training. Give your pup a distraction free environment and plenty of treats to make for a good and productive classroom!
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