Easiest Dog Breeds to Train: 14 Top Picks for Effortless Training

Dog training can be a challenging task, especially if the breed you are working with is not naturally obedient or intelligent.

However, some dog breeds are easier to train than others. These breeds are known for their trainability, intelligence, and eagerness to please their owners. 

Understanding Dog Training

Training a dog is not just about teaching them basic commands like "sit" and "stay." It is a process that involves mental and physical stimulation, consistency, and positive reinforcement.

One of the key factors in training a dog is their trainability. Some breeds are easier to train than others due to their intelligence, eagerness to please, and ability to learn quickly.

However, this does not mean that other breeds cannot be trained. With consistent training, any dog can learn the basics.

Positive reinforcement is a highly effective training method that involves rewarding good behavior rather than punishing bad behavior. This can include treats, verbal praise, or toys.

Consistency is also crucial in training a dog. It is important to use the same commands and reward system every time to avoid confusion.

Mental and physical stimulation are also important in training a dog. Dogs need exercise and playtime to keep them physically and mentally healthy.

A bored dog is more likely to misbehave and become destructive.

Confidence is another important factor in training a dog. A confident owner who is consistent in their training methods will help their dog feel more secure and confident in their own abilities.

Overall, training a dog takes time, patience, and consistency.

By understanding the principles of positive reinforcement and providing mental and physical stimulation, owners can help their dogs become well-behaved and obedient companions.

Top Easiest Dog Breeds To Train

When it comes to training dogs, some breeds are easier to train than others.

Here are 14 of the easiest dog breeds to train:

Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, and for good reason. They are highly intelligent, eager to please, and have a great temperament.

They are also very trainable, making them excellent service dogs, hunting dogs, and family pets.

Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are another popular breed that is known for their friendly and obedient nature. They are highly intelligent and love to learn new things, making them easy to train. They are also great with children and make excellent family pets.

German Shepherd

German Shepherds are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and trainability. They are often used as police dogs and service dogs due to their ability to learn quickly and their strong work ethic.   They are one of the easiest dog breeds to train.

Papillon

Papillons are small dogs with big personalities. They are highly intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train. They are also very active and love to learn new tricks and commands.

Shetland Sheepdog

Shetland Sheepdogs, also known as Shelties, are highly trainable and intelligent dogs. They are often used in agility competitions due to their speed and agility. They are also great family pets and love to please their owners.

Border Collie

Border Collies are highly intelligent and energetic dogs that are often used as working dogs on farms. They are highly trainable and excel in obedience competitions and agility trials.

Poodle

Poodles are highly intelligent dogs that are often used in shows and competitions. They are highly trainable and excel in obedience training. They are also hypoallergenic, making them a great choice for people with allergies.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are small dogs with big personalities. They are highly intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train. They are also great with children and make excellent family pets.

Doberman Pinscher

Doberman Pinschers are highly intelligent and trainable dogs that are often used as police dogs and service dogs. They are highly obedient and have a strong work ethic.

Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature Schnauzers are highly intelligent and trainable dogs that make great family pets. They are also hypoallergenic, making them a great choice for people with allergies.

Belgian Malinois

Belgian Malinois are highly intelligent and energetic dogs that are often used as police dogs and service dogs. They are highly trainable and have a strong work ethic making them one of the easiest dog breeds to train.

English Springer Spaniel

English Springer Spaniels are highly trainable and intelligent dogs that are often used as hunting dogs. They are also great family pets and love to please their owners.

Pumi

This is a breed that many people might not be familiar with.  However, they are one of the easiest dog breeds to train. 

Pumis are highly intelligent and active dogs that are often used as herding dogs. They are highly trainable and excel in obedience competitions and agility trials.

Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dogs are highly intelligent and trainable dogs that are often used as working dogs on farms. They are also great family pets and love to please their owners.

Their laid-back personality makes be one of the easiest dog breeds to train.

Characteristics Of The Easiest Dog Breeds To Train

When it comes to dog training, some breeds are easier to train than others. The most easily trained breeds are known for their intelligence, attentiveness, and sensitivity.

These dogs are quick learners and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods. Here are some characteristics of easily trained breeds:

Intelligence

Intelligent dogs are easier to train because they can quickly learn new commands and understand what is expected of them.

Some of the most intelligent dog breeds include the Border Collie, Poodle, and German Shepherd.

These breeds are known for their problem-solving skills and ability to learn complex tasks.

Easy to Train

Breeds that are easy to train are also known for their obedience and willingness to please their owners. These dogs are quick learners and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods. Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and Beagles are some of the easiest breeds to train.

Well-Behaved

Well-behaved dogs are easier to train because they are already accustomed to following rules and commands. Breeds that are known for their good behavior include the Bichon Frise, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and Shih Tzu.

These dogs are typically calm, gentle, and eager to please their owners.

Attentive

Dogs that are attentive are easier to train because they are focused on their owners and are more responsive to commands.

Breeds that are known for their attentiveness include the Australian Cattle Dog, Doberman Pinscher, and Rottweiler. These dogs are highly trainable and excel in obedience training.

Sensitive

Sensitive dogs are easier to train because they respond well to positive reinforcement training methods.

Breeds that are known for their sensitivity include the Border Collie, Greyhound, and Whippet. These dogs are highly attuned to their owners' emotions and are more responsive to praise and rewards.

Overall, the most easily trained breeds are intelligent, easy to train, well-behaved, attentive, and sensitive.

These dogs are quick learners and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods.

With patience, consistency, and plenty of praise and rewards, any dog can be trained to be a well-behaved and obedient companion.

Training Commands and Tricks

Training a dog can be a fun and rewarding experience for both the owner and the dog. The easiest dog breeds to train are those who are intelligent, eager to please, and have a good attention span.

Some of the most basic commands that any dog should learn include sit, come, stay, and heel.

Basic Commands

Sit

The sit command is one of the first commands that a dog should learn. It is a simple command that can be taught by holding a treat above the dog's head and saying "sit" while gently pushing their hindquarters down.

Once they are sitting, give them the treat and praise them.

Come

The come command is another important command that can be taught by calling the dog's name and saying "come" while gently pulling on their leash. When they come to you, give them a treat and praise them.

Stay

The stay command is essential for keeping a dog safe in potentially dangerous situations. It can be taught by having the dog sit, and then say "stay" while holding your hand up in front of their face. 

Gradually increase the length of time that they stay before giving them a treat and praise.

Heel

The heel command is used to keep a dog walking calmly beside you. It can be taught by having the dog walk beside you on a leash and saying "heel" while gently tugging on the leash to keep them in place.

When they walk calmly beside you, give them a treat and praise.

Tricks

Fetch

The fetch command is a fun trick that can be taught by throwing a ball or toy and saying "fetch" while pointing to the object. When the dog brings the object back, give them a treat and praise.

Roll Over

The roll over command is a more advanced trick that can be taught by having the dog lie down, then saying "roll over" while gently guiding them onto their back. When they roll over, give them a treat and praise.

Potty Training

Potty training is an essential part of training any dog. It can be taught by taking the dog outside to a designated potty area on a regular schedule and rewarding them with a treat and praise when they go potty in the right spot.

Off-Leash Training

Off-leash training is important for allowing a dog to have more freedom while still being under control. It can be taught by gradually increasing the amount of time that the dog is off-leash in a safe, enclosed area while still responding to commands and returning when called.

Overall, training a dog takes patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. By teaching basic commands, tricks, potty training, and off-leash training, owners can have a well-behaved and happy companion.

Choosing the Right Breed for Your Lifestyle

Getting a dog is a big decision that requires careful consideration. One of the most important factors to consider is the breed of the dog.

Different breeds have different personalities, energy levels, and needs. It is essential to choose a breed that fits your lifestyle and personality to ensure a lifelong commitment.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) recommends considering the following factors when choosing a breed:

Size

Size is an important factor to consider when choosing a breed. Small breeds like Chihuahuas and Shih Tzus are great for apartment living and are easy to handle. Larger breeds like Great Danes and Mastiffs require more space and are better suited for larger homes with yards.

Energy Level

The energy level of a breed is another important factor to consider. Herding breeds like Border Collies and Australian Shepherds are high-energy dogs that require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. Breeds like Bulldogs and Basset Hounds are more laid-back and require less exercise.

Purpose

Different breeds were bred for different purposes. Some breeds were bred to be family pets, while others were bred to be guardians or working dogs. It is important to consider the purpose of the breed when choosing a dog.

Personality

Each breed has its unique personality. Some breeds are more outgoing and friendly, while others are more reserved.

It is essential to choose a breed that matches your personality and lifestyle.

However, this list of 14 are the easiest dog breeds to train.

of The AKC provides a comprehensive list of breeds and their characteristics to help potential owners make an informed decision.