Discovering which dog breeds are the easiest to train can be a thrilling journey for any dog owner. Having a well-trained dog isn’t just a chance to show off your dog-ownership skills — it makes your life easier, so you don’t have to worry about an “accident” or the liability of having an ill-behaved pet. These eight dog breeds are not just easy to train; they are a joy to work with, shining when picking up new tricks and behaving like model (canine) citizens.
Border Collie
The Border Collie isn’t just easy to train; it’s a canine Einstein! Originally bred to herd sheep, your Border Collie is intelligent and energetic. This pooch thrives on tasks and challenges and loves doing things that allow them to demonstrate their intelligence. But remember: a bored Border Collie is a trouble-making Border Collie, so keep him entertained.
Labrador Retriever
Is there anything a Labrador Retriever can’t do? Labs are the quintessential family dog—lovable, friendly, and eager to please. Their cooperative nature and natural affinity for people make them easy to train. Because of their ability to focus and follow instructions, labs excel at obedience training and are often used as service and therapy dogs.
Poodle
Whether it’s a Standard, Miniature, or Toy Poodle, these curly-coated cuties are brainy beyond belief. Poodles were originally bred as hunting dogs, and their intelligence and versatility even came in handy for American troops during the two World Wars. But because poodles have a “military” background (going back as far as the 17th century!), they respond well to structure and discipline.
German Shepherd
German Shepherds are the superheroes of the dog world. Renowned for their roles in police work, search-and-rescue missions, and service dogs, their loyalty and trainability are unmatched. This breed thrives on structure and clear communication, making training a dream. They’re naturally protective and love having a job—a bored German shepherd is a trouble-making German shepherd.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers (the blond-haired cousins of Labs) are “poster pups” for friendly, trainable dogs. Their sunny disposition and eagerness to please make them a top choice for families and trainers alike. They’re gentle, patient, and exceptionally responsive to positive reinforcement. Golden Retrievers are also great with kids and other pets, so they’re easy to handle in almost any situation.
Australian Shepherd
Don’t let their fluffy coat fool you—Australian Shepherds are serious about learning. Like the Border Collie, Aussies were bred for herding, which means they’re natural problem-solvers and quick thinkers. They’re also highly energetic, so they’ll appreciate any chance to combine training with physical activity.
Shetland Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdogs, or Shelties, are like miniature Border Collies in terms of intelligence and trainability. These adorable fluffballs are sensitive, attentive, and eager to learn. Shelties excel at agility and obedience training, and their sweet, loyal nature makes them a joy to work with. They’re incredibly responsive to positive reinforcement and clear instructions.
Doberman Pinscher
for their intelligence and loyalty, Dobermans are quick learners who, like poodles, thrive on structure and positive reinforcement. They’re naturally protective and love having a job, making them great for obedience and advanced training. Dobermans bond closely with their humans, which motivates them to please them and, thus, follow their commands.
Tips for Training Your Dog
Whether your pup is easygoing and amenable to training or a stubborn little thing looking to do what he wants, these tips will help you with all your training missions.
- Use Positive Reinforcement: Reward good behavior with treats, praise, or playtime to encourage cooperation. Negative reinforcement, such as punishments, does not have the same efficacy.
- Stay Consistent: Dogs thrive on routine and clear commands, so set the boundary and stick to it at all costs. Don’t let their pleading eyes trick you into parting with unearned treats!
- Engage Their Minds: Trainable breeds love mental stimulation, so incorporate puzzles or training games into your day, even for only 20 minutes.
Keep It Fun: A happy dog learns better, so turn Fido’s training into a game rather than a chore.
Let Walk! ATX Help You With Dog Training…and All Your Other Needs!
As a full-service pet care company offering walking, bathing, housesitting, boarding, training, and consultations for your companion’s unique needs, Walk! ATX is pleased to be a part of the community for both our two- and four-legged clients. No matter what Fido needs, call us at (512) 655-9557 and let us know how we can best serve you! We’re pleased to help our two- and four-legged friends in the greater Austin area.