Dogs bring so much joy, love, and happiness to a family. There’s absolutely nothing better than a slobbery kiss, a fuzzy cuddle, or a play session with a spunky pup. It’s also so reassuring to know that you have a companion by your side who will love you through thick and thin. However, despite all of the wonderfulness that a dog will bring to your life, they are a huge responsibility. Even though canines have been domesticated for thousands of years, they are still animals (even if it’s hard to think of them as such!), which means that they need to be trained in order to avoid havoc.
While it’s true that any dog can be trained, some breeds are a lot easier to teach than others. If you’re looking for a pooch that will pick up the tricks in a dog training book in no time and will love learning new commands, than any of the following 10 breeds will surely please.
Border Collie
If you’re looking for a medium-sized dog that is incredibly easy to train, than the Border Collie is definitely a great choice. This breed is incredibly intelligent and has tons of energy. They are also intensely loyal and will go above and beyond to make sure that their owners are happy. However, it’s important to note that they do require a lot of exercise and attention, so you should be prepared for lots of walks (a comfortable dog harness is a must). Also, having plenty of interactive dog toys will keep your Border collie entertained and out of trouble, too.
Shetland Sheepdog
Also referred to as a Sheltie, the Shetland Sheepdog is also very easy to train. They are quick-witted and always up for a challenge. Their high energy levels and agility make them very well-suited for various types of competitions, as well as hunting. Like the Border collie – and most dogs that are intelligent and easy to train – the Sheltie does require a lot of attention. Use a dog whistle to teach him new tricks and he’ll pick them up in no time! Also, make sure you have some puzzle toys for dogs on-hand to keep him occupied when you can’t.
German Shepherd
Originally bred to herd sheep in Germany, the German shepherd is incredibly loyal and attentive to the needs of people. They are also quite smart and agile, so it’s no wonder why they often serve as law enforcement, as well as search and rescue dogs. This breed is hard working and very eager to learn. However, German shepherds are genetically predisposed to hip and elbow dysplasia, a condition that affects the joints and can cause pain and reduced mobility. Offering your pet a high-quality dog food for German shepherds and a dog joint supplement can help to offset such issues.
Poodle
The Poodle is often viewed as a “frou-frou” dog because of the showy haircuts that they are often given; however, don’t let their appearance or the stereotypes that surround this breed fool you. The Standard Poodle is a serious dog. In fact, it’s considered one of the most intelligent breeds on the planet! This breed loves to learn, enjoys doing tricks, and is eager to please. But, all of that hair does need to be well-maintained, even if you don’t want him to look “prim and proper”. Make sure you have a high-quality dog shampoo, a sturdy dog brush, and dog grooming clippers on-hand so that you can keep his mane neat and clean (and to avoid serious and even painful matting). You might want to invest in a dog hair dryer, too.
Related: Best Dog Food for Poodles
Norwich Terrier
If you’re interested in a small breed that is easy to train, than the Norwich terrier is a great option. This breed is known to have great social skills and they exude confidence, too. They also thrive on human affection and will go to great lengths to please their owner. The Norwich terrier, like most terriers, is quite smart and will love working on commands with you. They are also pretty easy to care for; feeding him a high-quality food for small dogs, regular exercise, and lots of activity is just about all they need to be happy.
Doberman Pinscher
Their muscular bodies, short hair, and austere appearance often make people fearful of the Doberman Pinscher; however, there’s no need to fear them. This is a fantastic breed that does well with people of all ages. They are quite astute and easy to train; but, they do tend to be a bit high-strung. CBD oil for dogs and medications for dogs can help to ease his temperament and make him a bit more laid-back.
Related: Best Dog Food for Dobermans
Labrador Retriever
One of the most beloved breeds in America, the Labrador retriever is eager to please, highly intelligent, and very gentle. They love to learn new tricks and will excel at anything you teach him. Do note, however, that this breed does tend to suffer from skin allergies; feeding a dog food for allergies may be able to offset any issues.
Related: Best Dog Food for Labrador Retrievers
Golden Retriever
The Golden retriever is another one of the smartest dogs on the planet, which means that they are very easy to train. Add to that the fact that they are extremely dedicated to their human companions and you shouldn’t have any issues teaching him commands. Like his cousin, the Labrador retriever, this breed is also prone to allergies. As such, feeding him a premium-quality dog food for Golden retrievers is recommended.
Papillon
A member of the toy group, the Papillon may be small like other breeds of this classification, but they don’t share some of the other trademark traits of toy dogs, such as stubbornness. In fact, a Pappilon will be quite willing to work with his mater and really thrives when he’s learning new tricks. Do be advised that this breed can suffer from tummy troubles, so offer him a dog food for sensitive stomachs to keep prevent problems.
Havenes
Last, but definitely not least, on our list of the easiest dog breeds to train is the Havanese. This tiny stature of this breed makes him the ideal fit for a small space, such as an apartment. They are very clever and really have a passion for learning new things. They can also be quite comical, so don’t be surprised if you catch him doing silly things to try to impress you!
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