Before getting a puppy make sure their breed is not too hard to train!
Firstly, it is essential to understand that in this article we are talking about dog breeds that are generally quite difficult or easy to train, especially for novice pet owners who have no experience in this domain. Of course, this process differs from person to person, as well as the techniques that they choose to use, namely that some of them can be more effective than others.
In fact, there are some dogs that are well-trained and can execute various commands, such as “sit”, “stay”, “no” or “go”, but some of them are probably not socialized enough to get along well with other creatures or strangers. If you’re ready to adopt a dog, you should know that if they are not socialized and trained properly, they won’t make the difference between a normal stranger in the park or a potential criminal robbing your house, so they will act aggressively in both scenarios or on the contrary, they will welcome them with joy.
For example, the German Shepherd dog breed is considered among the most intelligent dogs out there, being extremely agile, affectionate, muscular, and brave, but even though they are super smart, they aren’t easy to train, especially for novice parents. They need special techniques, games to stimulate their minds, and other training sessions to emphasize their qualities.
In addition, people who want to enlarge their family and add another dog, even if they already have others, need to opt for various training sessions that will differ from those involving a single pet, as they have to make them get along together.
With that said, in order to help you find your perfect dog, here are some dog breeds that are easy or hard to train, according to animal experts. Read on to find out more info!
Border Collie
- Easy to train
- Dog breed group: herding dogs
- Weight: 30 to 45 pounds
- Life span: 12 to 15 years
The Border Collie dog breed was initially developed to control sheep, and their unlimited energy levels made them good for this type of job. They are easy to train and extremely intelligent, so they can be really good at obedience competitions.
Of course, they can make excellent family companions, but you need to provide them with enough daily exercise and mental games to keep their minds sharp. Not only are they sensitive when it comes to their personality and interaction with their parents, but they are also very receptive and able to predict their owners’ commands in advance.
If you don’t help them consume their energy, they will develop destructive behavior – but this is quite common in neglected dogs and cats. That’s why you should train them properly and spend more time with them.
Labrador Retriever
- Easy to train
- Dog breed group: sporting dogs
- Weight: 55 to 80 pounds
- Life span: 10 to 12 years
Many people don’t know this, but the Labrador Retriever is America’s main breed registered within the American Kennel Club. They are some of the most popular dog breeds in the world. They are easy to train and can be excellent companions for any type of family, even for novice parents. However, if you want to adopt this dog breed, it is important to pay more attention to their diet, because they tend to eat too much and become obese.
According to animal experts, they need at least 30-60 minutes of exercise a day, if you can’t help them consume their energy, they will develop destructive behavior. Labrador Retrievers are very curious so they tend to explore the world on their own, but make sure that they have current identification and a microchip.
Afghan Hound
- Hard to train
- Dog breed group: hound dogs
- Weight: 50 to 60 pounds
- Life span: 10 to 12 years
The beautiful Afghan Hound dog breed is extremely elegant, affectionate, and adaptable which can make excellent family companions. Unfortunately, they are quite difficult to train, especially for novice parents. They are famous for their ability to run fast over long distances. A few decades ago, they were also used for hunting large prey.
In general, puppies are very affectionate and want their people’s attention all the time, but a mature dog is really independent and most of the time they don’t want to be hugged or petted. They are funny and affectionate when they want to be, but indifference is their main personality trait.
Nevertheless, if you still want to adopt this pretty dog breed, you should keep in mind that grooming is essential. Their training sessions can be challenging because they are very independent creatures. Also, animal experts say that house training can be quite difficult.
English Bulldog
- Hard to train
- Dog breed group: companion dogs
- Weight: 40 to 50 pounds
- Life span: 8 to 12 years
Even though they are very affectionate with their family members, it’s no secret that the English Bulldogs can be really stubborn and lazy. In fact, they hate physical activity, but you need to take them for a walk every day if you want to keep them healthy and fit. They’re also sensitive to cold weather and are prone to develop apnea.
Usually, males are larger than females and both are sociable and affectionate animals. It seems that they can get along well with other pets or with children. The English Bulldog can be a slow learner, which can make your training sessions more challenging.
According to Catherine Gilmartin, a certified dog trainer in Connecticut, she absolutely loves English bulldogs, however they are incredibly hard to train, she admits.
Basset Hound
- Hard to train
- Dog breed group: hound dogs
- Weight: 50 to 65 pounds
- Life span: 10 to 12 years
The Basset Hound dog breed is an excellent family companion with a muscular and heavy body and short legs – which are actually the result of dwarfism called achondroplasia. According to animal experts, they are considered ‘scent hounds’, which means that they were bred to hunt by following the scent of their prey. Now, if you’re currently living in the suburbs, there might be little danger around. However, this pup’s friendly personality still makes it perfect to have fun with the large family – from kids to the elderly.
Of course, they are devoted to their people and have a friendly personality, but they are not so easy to train, especially because they are stubborn. So, if you want to adopt such a dog, you need a lot of patience, but everything is worth it!
Standard Poodle
- Easy to train
- Dog breed group: companion dogs
- Weight: 6 to 70 pounds
- Life span: 12 to 15 years
One of the most important rules to keep in mind when it comes to Poodles is to never spoil them and train them properly, otherwise, they will feel like an alpha dog of the family. “They’re another example of a breed that may not be for the novice dog owner mainly because they will find their own trouble to get into if their intelligence isn’t harnessed correctly,” says Gilmartin.
If you are still curious about dog breeds, then make sure to read more about them here, where we present you with the most laid-back and best breeds for seniors!
