Skip to main content
General Dog Info

5 Possibly Easiest Dog Breeds to Train

Provided content by Christie Wrey

It’s amazing what dogs can do when they’re trained — some even go into the workforce and help save people’s lives. But when you’re getting a new dog, you have to realize that some dog breeds become skilled more quickly than others.

So, if you’re looking for a new fur baby but want one that is easy to train, keep on reading. 

What factors affect a dog’s trainability?

While some dogs are a lot easier to train than others, the breed is not the only factor you need to consider. How fast your dog picks up skills also depends on: 

  • Physical and emotional disabilities; deafness, blindness and anxiety can hinder a dog from being easy to train.

  • The training methods used; some dogs will perform better in one-on-one sessions while others excel in classroom environments. 

What are the most trainable dog breeds?

Here is a list of five easy-to-train breeds. However, there are many others, and you can find and compare dog breeds here if you need more information on a particular canine. 

1. Golden Retriever

Golden retrievers are usually one of the most obedient, intelligent and gentle dog breeds, and these traits can make them very trainable. They generally pick up obedience skills quickly as well as hunting and retrieving (hence the name golden retriever). Due to their gentle and intuitive nature, you’ll often find golden retrievers in the workforce being used as guide dogs, service dogs, and search and rescue dogs. 

2. Labrador Retriever

Labrador retrievers are a dog breed best known for being eager to learn and eager to please, which may make them one of the easiest dog breeds to train. Due to their docile nature, they, too, can make wonderful companions, but they are also commonly found in service roles. 

3. German Shepherd

A dog that is both a loyal friend and protector, the German shepherd is often found on the police force. Their combination of instinct and intelligence may make them one of the easiest breeds to train, and they are generally capable of completing challenging tasks. 

4. Border Collie

A border collie has been ranked as one of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world, and this trait may make them incredibly easy to train. Some border collies can learn a new skill in under five repetitions.

5. Poodles

Regardless of whether they are a standard, a miniature or a toy, poodles are a dog breed that are generally known for their high intelligence and trainability. They might not be used much in the workforce, but these fluffy and friendly dogs are great at learning fun tricks, such as shaking hands and giving high fives. 

Final Thoughts

For a family pet that may be able to pick up on different skills and tricks in a heartbeat, going for any one of these dog breeds can make a welcome addition to your home. 

 

Lee Enterprises newsroom and editorial were not involved in the creation of this content.