Top 11 Easiest Dogs To Train

Are you planning to adopt a pup and train it yourself? Training a dog is an enjoyable process. It's true, especially if you have a puppy who learns quickly.

While each dog has distinct characteristics, a first-time owner should select canines that are easier to teach. It ensures avoiding a variety of undesirable habits and disasters. 

If you're considering getting a dog for the first time, be sure to check out our blog, 'Best Dog Breeds For First Time Owners'.

If you are new to dog ownership or want a dog you can train effortlessly, understanding which species are the most trainable is crucial. Some canines make training a breeze—from listening to directions to perfecting tricks, it's all easy peasy. 

Let's look at the top 11 easiest dogs to train so you can select the ideal partner ready to learn and have fun with!  

11 Easiest Dog Breeds To Train 

Training your pets, whether service dogs, family environments, emotional support dogs, or watchdogs, is necessary. They are among our most valued animal friends. However, not all species are easy to teach, and if they aren't well-mannered, they may cause a lot of worry. 

Without owners knowing how to train a stubborn dog and teaching their pets the basics, dogs can exhibit numerous undesirable behaviors. You will see barking, yanking on the harness, breaking household goods, and not associating well with humans or other animals. Unfortunately, several pets are abandoned and put at rescue centers when the owners can no longer manage them. 

So, which are the easiest dog breeds to train?

1. Border Collie

These clever canines are outstanding herding athletes and undoubtedly sharper than you realize. People originally trained this breed to collect and herd sheep by hearing sounds from a far distance. They also reason for themselves.

Remember that border collies require proper concentrated attention, time, and exercise. It's worth making the effort because collies are among the most devoted dog breeds available. To help your pup adjust to new individuals, animals, and settings, we advise focusing on toilet training, socialization, and instructions like "stay" and "sit." 

2.German Shepherd

Pet dogs, service dogs, guide dogs, herding, or watchdogs have one thing in common- They are mainly German Shepherds. No wonder they are so popular because these dogs are the easiest dog breeds to train for family life or work.

Because of their great protective senses, it is critical to teach them early so they do not feel threatened when there is none.

Pet owners should train their dogs for brief periods- roughly five to ten minutes, several times daily. Marathon sessions are not ideal for pups since their concentration spans are too short.

Furthermore, puppies' growing bodies require enough relaxation and sleep; hence, they take frequent pauses. Training before meals and delivering goodies can also be practical, as food is a powerful motivation.

3. Papillon

The Papillon is a small dog breed that's easily trainable. They are part of the toy dog group and have cute butterfly-shaped ears. Papillons are confident, smart, mischievous, loving, and happy. Papillons are the least aggressive dog breeds you will come across. They are great for new dog owners because they learn tricks and obedience quickly. 

Even though they are small, you will be surprised by how active they remain and how much they love to play. You can teach them several tricks, and they enjoy activities like agility courses.

They are go-getters and love exercising. Their love for mental stimulation is the reason you can train Papillons easily. Some fun tricks and agility courses would be great for this breed.

4. Labrador Retriever

According to an American Kennel Club poll, the Labrador retriever is America's second most popular dog. It is the easiest dog to train and the best hiking dog.

Labrador puppies are eager to please and among the cutest ones. You will love teaching them. The pups have an abundance of personality; they are friendly, gregarious, and lively. 

However, you must use caution while dealing with young dogs. It is crucial to remember that puppies are naturally curious and can quickly get into chaos, such as consuming items they shouldn't. That type of conduct isn't simply unpleasant; it may be deadly. You'll want to teach pets to "leave it" or ignore anything they shouldn't pick up.

5. Golden Retriever

A golden retriever is considered the happiest, most friendly sporting dog. The stellar pooch also makes for a great therapy and service dog, thus being very easy to train.

These dog breeds are the best for seniors. They have evolved from the earlier days, originally bred to fetch waterfowl for hunters. Because of their loving and pleasing nature, they respond impressively to playtime and verbal praise. 

Reward-based or positive reinforcement training is a humane and effective way to train such dog breeds. So give them treats and snacks, belly rubs, and affectionate ear scratches, and you are good to go. It improves the bond and provides the desired behavior.

6. Border Terrier

Border terriers are happy, loving, and enjoy working, which is ideal for obedience lessons. They excel at competitions, which are non-competitive tests to evaluate a dog's hunting abilities.

Hence, they are another breed of dog that is easiest to train. If your puppy enjoys training, there is something to rejoice about. It indicates that your training is working, and your pet is having fun and enjoying pleasing you.

It is acceptable if your objective is merely to have your dog walk on a leash without tugging or heel off-leash. Just understand that any form of training will need work on your behalf.

A lot of success in teaching is determined by how much time a pet parent devotes to interacting with their pup. It is why numerous pet owners think that having a puppy is difficult. Finally, it is always beneficial to both parties.

7. Poodle

The poodle, a pleasant and high-spirited breed in various sizes, is France's national dog. But get this: these are not French dogs. They were initially bred in Germany as duck-hunting dogs; the word poodle comes from the German word "pudel," which means "to splatter in the water."

Poodles with curly hair are among the most fashionable puppies. They are also among the most clever, contributing to their ease of training. Poodles are athletic and naturally prone to be sweet companions.

They pick things up quickly and like the challenge of picking up new skills and activities in addition to training. However, they require constant mental and physical activity, so provide your poodle with numerous energetic activities and toys, such as puzzle feeding bowls.

8. Doberman Pinscher

One of the easiest dog breeds to teach is the majestic Doberman pinscher. German tax collector Herr Louis Doberman first created these canines in the middle of the 1800s because he required a brave dog to follow him around and keep him safe. 

Eventually, Dobermans became military canines, police dogs, and finally, friends. They require a lot of stimulation and activity, but they also like cuddles on the couch. They are renowned for being brave, obedient, clever, and loyal.

Because of their size, it is vital to start regular training early on so they can understand how to obey canine commands like "stand," "stay," and "no" politely on a leash without dragging.

9. Welsh Corgi

Guess who the most obedient dogs are? The Cardigan Welsh and Pembroke Welsh corgis. They are loving pets and were part of the royal family, her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's family. She owned more than 30 corgis in her entire life! 

They are quick-witted and intelligent, with a nature to work and herd. They are receptive to training and are always willing to learn new games or exercises. Since it is strong-willed, daily exercises and exposure to a new setting would be good.

They will adjust quickly. Corgis are good with kids, too. As experts, we suggest you give them plenty of exercise daily.

10. Shetland Sheepdog

The Shetland sheepdog, or sheltie (as people call them casually), is a beautiful dog that many love instantly. It's a medium-sized canine breed originally from Scotland's Shetland Islands. Shelties are friendly and good with families. They like challenges and, hence, are the most trainable dogs.

They are known to be easy to train because of their clever instincts. There is also the fact that they like to please people. They are great at doing tricks and running around. Many sheltie owners teach them lots of things, not just basic activities.

The essential thing when training them is to stay calm. If they are quiet- then things will go your way. They are known for teaching things gently and with positive reinforcement.

11.Mixed-Breed Dog

Lastly, we would say that mixed-breed dogs also come on the list when someone asks what are the easiest dog breeds to train. The shelter has plenty of well-mannered pups for you to choose from.

You can talk to the shelter owner or supervisor about their temperament, history, and other information. Shelters also have plenty of training programs for dogs to start preparing for adoption. 

You may find mixed-bred or purebred dogs eager to please humans. They are often loving and obedient to the family; they may just need a little polish in manners. 

Useful Dog Training Tips 

If you are a new pup owner, there are a few things to know about training them. You should not delay training, as pups grow fast and their cognitive minds tend to change quickly. There's hope for a bright future if the foundation training is intense. 

Here are a few things you should know before adopting a dog for the first time:

1. Find what treats they enjoy

Some dogs may be more toy-oriented initially, while others may prefer expensive treats. To ensure a seamless training procedure, determine what motivates your dog before you begin.

2. Decide what you want to teach them

Check with them to see which commands and skills are appropriate for your puppy to learn and when. You could also read several guides and articles with helpful tips on essential signals and top dog training applications. The internet is also a great place to start your research.

3. Practice

We often repeat this: Dogs pick new skills via repetition. This implies that you should repeat the lectures with equal patience each time. We're confident you'll succeed. Even the most intelligent dog breeds, such as Border Collies, need a lot of practice to have well-honed talents.

4. Generalize 

Your dog should not just sit, settle, and stay in your living room, but wherever you want them to. Assist your dog in mastering the final generalization ability by having training sessions in as many diverse places as possible. You can take them to a park, a bustling street, or a gym outside. 

Every dog has a unique quality in them. Find out what it is and curate creative lessons. They have high learning capabilities in new ways if you put in your efforts. 

Traits That Make It Easy To Train Dogs 

The easiest dogs to train do not always have many things in common. When selecting an easily trained dog, it is essential to consider all the factors besides the breed type. The following are some points to remember

1. Age

Age is one of the topmost traits you should look into. Younger dogs are generally more receptive to training. They are willing to learn,  learn faster, and retrieve information better.

These are the main reasons we suggest you train your pup in its early years. Adopting an adult dog may be difficult to train from scratch, but that is not the case with pups.  

2. Distraction levels

Distractibility ranges between dog breeds, depending on the setting and the dog's traits. An advanced focus level will guarantee the finest outcomes as it will make it easier to educate dogs. First, begin by training in a silent location where dogs cannot come across interruptions. 

3. Physical and mental health

Before the initial training, check with a vet. Why? You need to know whether your dog is in a healthy mental and physical state. Proper training is vital. It will not negatively influence their health. 

4. Energy levels

Dogs do not need high energy levels for the basics since they will only be practicing a few straightforward commands. However, if you intend to teach the dog to an advanced level, it should have enough stamina to keep up with the program.

Always keep the sessions brief and observe how your pet reacts to instructions. Remember to end the session and try again later if you see any signs of fatigue. 

Let The Training Begin!  

It is a thrilling moment in your life to get a cute little pet, so make sure you do your homework and choose the best dog for you before you take the plunge. There are several ways to train them, but remember, don't forget to appreciate and have fun with the process!

You can exhaust an intelligent dog with enrichment activities and intellectual challenges, but they can't replace plenty of training and time spent with the canine. It covers everything, from instructing them to unwind and calm down to fundamental training techniques.

While certain breeds could be more self-sufficient and less reliant on humans, all dogs require training. Understanding what drives your dog is key to teaching it how to live in our world and be well-mannered.

You can use specific tools during the training process. Confused about where to buy them? With Doodle Couture's exclusive and high-end products by your side, you will be in safe hands. Try our harnesses, leashes, collars, and other accessories. They will help train your furry friend smoothly.