Experts Say These Are the Easiest Dogs to Train

When it comes to dogs that are eager to learn, Labrador retriever’s make the list according to Dr. Abel Gonzalez, Clinical Director at Dutch, who calls this breed friendly and eager to please.

“They are ideal for service roles due to their trainable nature,” he continues. “Commands like sit, stay, and come are essential for every dog to learn, these commands are the foundation of good behavior.”

Whether you’re talking about a Pembroke Welsh corgi or a Cardigan Welsh corgi, these short-legged sweeties are a snap to train. Two very distinct herding breeds from Wales, they can be distinguished by their tails. Pembrokes traditionally have a tail docked close to their bodies, while Cardigans have a long, foxlike tail.

Cardigans are also larger than their cousins, usually outweighing them by 8 or so pounds, but both breeds “love learning new cues,” Ellis says. “These cute pups are smart, food-motivated, and bred to work closely with people. Corgis excel in obedience as well as agility and make super cute swimmers.”

There’s a reason why so many people opt for German shepards when they’re looking for a little added protection around the home or office. “Many German shepherds love doing schutzhund sport,” Ellis says.

Schutzhund is German for “protection dog,” which is a great way to describe this breed which is frequently trained to serve on the police force.

These pups are known for their intelligence and ability to learn complex commands efficiently, according to Gonzalez.

“They excel in agility and obedience competitions,” he continues, adding that you can use things from around your home to create an agility course for them to play on.

“It’s a fun way to exercise and mentally stimulate your dog,” he says, adding that you can teach them to weave through cones (or soda bottles), jump over broomsticks, or even do something as simple as crawl under tables.

Bernese mountain dogs are named for the region of Switzerland where they have long worked on farms, doing everything from pulling carts to driving cattle to guarding livestock. As kindhearted as they are versatile, Berners’ feelings can be easily hurt, so they don’t typically take to harsh scolding or discipline. They also don’t like being left alone for long periods.

Otherwise, Ellis calls them gentle and eager to please. “Berners respond well to positive reinforcement and thrive on forming strong, unique bonds and connections with their owners,” she adds.

These friendly and capable dogs excel when it comes to obedience and service roles. According to Gonzalez, a lot of that is thanks to their trainable and gentle nature. “Walking nicely on a leash is more of a necessity than a trick, training your dog to walk without pulling makes walks more enjoyable for both of you,” he says of a favorite pooch pastime.

You could be forgiven for thinking this adorbs bundle of floof might skate by on looks alone, but the Havanese is a surprisingly brainy and adaptable puppers. “These cheerful little dogs are highly people-oriented and love engaging in training, especially when it feels like play,” notes Ells. “People are often fooled by how smart these dogs are.”

The only breed native to Cuba, the Havanese in particular excels at learning tricks and even makes a great watchdog. Like the Bernese mountain dog, this is a sensitive pooch that responds best to gentle, patient training methods.

A relative of Australia’s famous wild dingo, this indefatigable and tenacious breed was developed to move livestock across long, inhospitable distances. “Incredibly intelligent and hardworking, they excel with consistent training and need plenty of mental stimulation to stay engaged,” Eliis says. “Remember, this is a breed that is bred to be working long shifts and would do best with someone that can supply a lot of enrichment.”

In particular, the Australian cattle dog makes a great running partner. Participation in agility and obedience training and activities should also help keep this endlessly energetic fellow happy and healthy.

Poodles of all types—which Gonzalez says includes Standard, Miniature, Toy—are highly intelligent and easy train.

“They excel in obedience, agility, and performing,” he continues, adding that one of the fun tricks these dogs can pick up is offering “high fives” or shaking hands when they are introduced to new people, which will promote gentle interactions.

Big but anything but a bruiser to his family, the Rottweiler is a German dog descended from the droving mastiffs used by the Roman Legion. More recently a protector, search-and-rescue canine, and even a guide dog for the blind, Rotties are loyal and highly trainable, according to Ellis. “It’s best when their training starts at a young age,” she adds. “This intelligent dog can be quite docile and calm when needed as well.”

Alert and affectionate, this fun-sized Fido’s surprising athleticism and eagerness may be explained by his spaniel heritage. Ellis calls them tiny but brilliant, noting that papillons are “quick learners who love tricks and excel in competitive obedience and agility.”

Bred to be a companion dog, the pap may act out if left alone for long periods. If you’re going to be away from the house all day, consider getting another dog—papillons also bond strongly with other animals.

Gonzalez says that Shetland sheepdogs combine intelligence with eagerness to please, making them highly trainable and proficient in obedience.

They will really love learning how to do activities that boost their brain power and require a little bit of critical thinking. “Try puzzle toys that require your dog to solve a problem to get a treat for excellent mental exercise,” Gonzalez says, noting that you can purchase one in most pet stores or make something similar yourself.

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Developed in England to flush and retrieve birds for hunters, these dogs are energetic and responsive, according to Ellis. “Springers are highly trainable with positive reinforcement,” she adds, “and enjoy working closely with their people.”

Intelligent and tough, with legendary endurance, this breed is always up for a swim, a good game of fetch, or even a long hike. Gentle instruction works best for the English springer spaniel, a dog that aims to please and wants nothing more than to be by his family’s side, no matter the activity.

These dogs are smart, loyal, and capable of learning and following complex commands, according to Gonzalez, so it’s no surprise that they make his list.

“Teaching your dog to wait before eating a treat placed in front of them is a great way to practice impulse control,” he says, suggesting that you begin the training process by starting with short wait times and then gradually increase the duration as your dog gets better at it.

These pups are no one-trick pony, according to Ellis, who says that they are so good at learning tricks they can compete for American Kennel Club (AKC) trick titles, which include things like balancing on a ball, opening doors, and playing shell games!

Want a hardworking pup that is eager to help out wherever he can? Gonzalez says that you’ll find that (and more) in an Australian Shepard.

He says these dogs are work-oriented and intelligent, thriving on learning new tasks and skilled in agility and herding. “Hide treats around the house or garden and let your dog find them,” he suggests. “It’s a fun way to engage their sense of smell and encourage exploratory behavior.”

A plucky, happy-go-lucky fox hunter hailing from the borderlands of Scotland and England, this rugged little scamp is known for his independent spirit. But he’s also intelligent and food-motivated, according to Ellis, which makes training fun when you keep it upbeat and rewarding for him. “These dogs may be small but they are sturdy little pups,” she says.

No matter how well-trained they are, border terriers will usually give chase when confronted with smaller critters. So, while they love to explore and require quite a bit of exercise, they should only be allowed off-leash in fenced areas.

Gonzalez calls this breed affectionate intelligent, eager, and easy to train. “They are known for loyalty and versatility in sports,” he says, adding that a fun trick can be to teach your dog the names of their toys. “Start with one toy, and once they’ve learned that, introduce another.”

Gonzalez says it can be a lot of fun to teach your dog to bring you their toys by name… for both you and the dog!

Often picked for police work, the Belgian Malinois is exceptionally trainable, and even has an innate desire to protect, according to Gonzalez.

“Each dog has its own personality and learning pace,” he continues. “Tailor the training to what they enjoy most. For example, a food-motivated dog might excel in tricks that involve treats, while an energetic dog might enjoy an agility course more.”

Gonzalez says these quick learners can do all kinds of tricks once you teach them, including things that involve agility training!