These Are the Easiest Dog Breeds to Train, According to Vets and Canine Behavior Experts
Find out which dog breeds are easiest to train and what motivates them most
Training dogs is a multifaceted process usually involving more than just teaching them to sit and stay. What’s more, successful training is not one-size-fits-all as every pup responds to a different, personalized approach. However, certain dog breeds are known for being able to easily pick up certain cues, while others are popular due to their obedient nature and desire to please their owners. According to our experts, these are the most easy-to-train dog breeds.
The easiest dogs to train
A highly trainable dog is often very motivated by human praise, attention and/or treats, explains Jennifer Sperry, DVM, Veterinary Advisor at AKC Pet Insurance. These dogs usually enjoy training sessions and can pick up commands with the right combination of well-designed cues, repetition and reward, she adds.
“A dog’s trainability often reflects their breed’s natural characteristics, including intelligence, energy levels and temperament,” says Dr. Sperry. “Trainable breeds are usually those with histories of working closely with humans, such as herding or hunting breeds, where obedience and attentiveness are essential. However, lower trainability does not imply a lack of intelligence; it often means the breed may have been developed for tasks requiring more independence or self-guided behavior, as seen in some hunting or guarding breeds.”
The breeds that typically exhibit ease in training for behavior modifications, such as not barking or refraining from unwanted behaviors, include the Labrador Retriever, Border Collie and Golden Retriever, explains Kathryn Dench, VetMB, Chief Scientific Advisor at Paw Origins. These breeds share a common trait of being eager to please their handlers, a characteristic deeply rooted in their histories as service and working dogs, she says.
Retrievers
Retriever breeds are incredibly popular and make an ideal family dog. They’re bred to be hunting dogs that work with a high level of cooperation with humans, says Dr. Sperry.
“As such, they’re highly attuned to human cues and respond very well to human interaction and positive reinforcement,” she explains. “This makes them easier to condition and train, with a focus on reducing unwanted behaviors.”
Border Collies
Additionally, Border Collies are bred with a strong work ethic as a herding dog for livestock. They are also highly intelligent, energetic and have a natural drive to herd. This work requires sharp attention and quick learning, making Border Collies adaptable to various training styles, notes Dr. Dench.
They are known to be the best breed to learn commands and complex activities, says Dr. Sperry, which makes them top competitors in dog sports like agility and rally-o, which measures obedience.
Poodles, German Shepherds and Doberman Pinschers
“Breeds like the Poodle, German Shepherd and Doberman Pinscher excel in learning specific commands such as ‘sit’ and ‘give paw,’” says Dr. Dench. “Their intelligence and history as working or performance dogs make them not only receptive but also enthusiastic about engaging in such activities.”
Poodles were originally bred for hunting, so they are particularly adept at following commands that mimic hunting sequences, thriving under clicker training and similar reward-based training systems, she adds.
German Shepherds, or GSDs, were historically bred for herding sheep. Along with Doberman Pinschers, they are often selected to work as search and rescue, police and military K9s.
Potential dog training challenges
No breed is immune to hurdles when it comes to training. Even breeds whose lineage would suggest they could be the smartest dog in the world typically require significant effort and dedication to training.
For example, the incredible level of intelligence and motivation can sometimes cause problems when a Border Collie becomes bored, explains Dr. Sperry. This gift can also lead to stubbornness, notes Dr. Dench.
“Inadequate exercise and stimulation can lead to anxiety or negative or destructive behaviors,” Dr. Sperry says. “Very structured training with a healthy dash of both physical and mental challenge is perfect for this breed. Think obedience and agility.”
Similarly, despite the capabilities of Poodles, GSDs and Dobermans, the challenge often lies in their predisposition to outsmart their trainers, so they need a dynamic training routine to keep them engaged, Dr. Dench explains.
Overexcitement, particularly in puppies, is always a possible challenge, and often manifests as jumping or chewing, but with adequate exercise and mental stimulation, consistent, calm correction and praise for desired behaviors, these challenges can be overcome, Dr. Sperry assures.
Expert tips for dog training
The importance of patience and positive reinforcement is crucial for all dogs across all breeds, experts agree.
“When dogs are first learning a task, they do not yet completely understand it, so being punished for doing it wrong is counterproductive and can create confusion and fear,” cautions Julie Hunt, DVM, Veterinarian with Embrace Pet Insurance. “Instead, rewarding the dog when it gets part or all of the task correct, such as with praise, a treat or a toy will reinforce the desired behavior and move training forward without fear.”
While it may feel intuitive to measure progress based exclusively on how quickly a dog picks up new tasks or the ability to repeat them, it’s important to note that humans are equally responsible (if not more so) for successful dog training. If you’re more consistent with cues and rewards, says Dr. Hunt, you’ll likely see more favorable results.
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