Training a dog doesn’t require expert skills, just patience and determination. Many dog owners, especially those new to it, can feel overwhelmed, leading some dogs to end up in shelters. Dogs can have good days and bad days, which might make training seem tough. But not all dogs are alike! We’ve researched the top 15 dog breeds that are easiest to train and explored why.
Generally, smart dogs are better at understanding what you want them to do. But it’s not just about intelligence. Dogs also need to be motivated by rewards and have a strong bond with their owners, or at least want to please them. Let’s check out the most trainable dogs out there.
Border Collie
These dogs are like workaholics. They love to follow commands all day. When you mix their smartness with their wish to make you happy, training them becomes a breeze.
Poodle
Despite their adorable appearance, poodles were originally bred as water retrievers and they still have those skills! They enjoy learning new commands and tricks, and they’re great at obedience-based canine sports.
Golden Retriever
Even though they might act like the clown of the family, Golden Retrievers have a strong background as gun dogs, which makes them easy to train. They do well in busy homes and are very eager to please their human family, making them great for first-time dog owners.
German Shepherd Dog
Police and military wouldn’t use this breed if they were difficult to train! German Shepherds are one of the smartest dog breeds, but they need tasks to stay engaged or they become bored!
Shetland Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdogs have strong herding instincts, which makes them very attentive and a great starting point for training! Plus, they’re super smart and love to make their human companions happy.
Doberman Pinscher
Training Doberman Pinschers can be straightforward if you use the right methods. Start early, use clear commands with visual cues, and reward them. They’re eager to please and will catch on quickly.
Papillon
The adorable Papillon is a small breed from France, weighing up to nine pounds. Despite their size, they still need training. Fortunately, they’re eager to please, which makes training easier.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Some corgis are smart enough to become psychiatric service dogs! They’re very intelligent and motivated, making them easy to train. Just use positive reinforcement and let their natural enthusiasm help with training.
Australian Cattle Dog
While not ideal for new dog owners, Australian cattle dogs can be trained well. They’re working dogs and get bored easily, so they need tasks to stay content.
Rottweiler
Despite their intimidating appearance, this breed is actually easy to train and learns new commands fast. However, they’re best for experienced dog owners to avoid potential issues if not trained properly.
English Springer Spaniel
You have a few choices to reward your English springer spaniel for behaving well. They enjoy toys but are also really motivated by food. This makes training them easier.
Miniature Schnauzer
These small dogs are smart but can be stubborn, so you need to be patient and keep trying. However, many owners have had great success with them. They’re also very playful!
Vizsla
This breed craves mental challenges, which can be helpful during training sessions. Vizslas enjoy training and are keen to please their owners, forming strong bonds with them.
Blue Heeler
Also known as Australian cattle dogs, these dogs bond strongly with their owners and enjoy impressing them. This trait makes them excellent for training, but you’ll need to provide them with new challenges regularly.
Pit Bull Terriers
The pit bull terrier often faces unfair judgment, with people either loving or hating them. However, with proper training, they can be well-behaved dogs.
