Of of course the overbold dog in the world , the moulding collie , is on this list . But intelligence is n’t the only requirement for antiphonal training .

possibly you ’re anew pet parentcrossing your fingers and hoping your puppy will be the easiest heel topotty train . Or perhaps you want a cagey canine tooth pal to engage inagility trainingorscent work . Regardless of your motive , it ’s always worth your time to help ducky inhabit up to their full potential by usingpositive strengthener trainingfor any acquisition , trick , or task .

Here ’s what might surprise you , though : Theeasiestdogs to educate are n’t necessarily those reckon to be thesmartest stock , accord to Curtis Kelley , CPDT - KA , a trainer , pet behaviourist , and owner ofPet Parent Alliesin Philadelphia .

woman training her border collie with a treat on the sidewalk; easiest dogs to train

Photo: Brie Passano Goldman

" Those in the 50th to 85th percentile are the easiest . In the top 15 percent , you have to start being much crisper about communicating with your dog about everything , " he says .

Why Training Is Important

Life with your pet is more gratifying and less complicated withconsistent training . From teaching them of the essence skills such ashow to walk on a leashand to"drop it"if they encounter something nasty to more dazzling feats , likefun tricksandflyball , you assure the health and eudaimonia of your puppy with worthful mental and strong-arm stimulation . Plus , regular training sessionsstrengthen your bondwith each other .

Kelley suppose the leisurely click to train are not only smart , but they also have just the proper admixture of trust , reactivity ( as in , they ’re eager to participate ) , and motivation . And while intelligence agency and stock temperament significantly impact how well trained a dog is , he adds the most important element is you . " Being patient and actively engaging your hotdog is already one-half of the formula for training success , " he say .

13 of the Easiest-to-Train Dogs

Kelley read the following andiron are mastermind , usually eager to interact with you , and do n’t need that you betooprecise . " Even if you ’re not clear signaling , these dogs are often uncoerced to do guesswork with you , " he says .

Golden Retriever

With such upright flavour , charm , and personality , who would n’t want to drop time instruct agolden retrieverallthe tricks ? These people - pleasing pups use astute instinct inherited from their Scottish Highland ancestors to achieve many skills , including work as compassionate therapy dogs .

Labrador Retriever

For more than 30 years , devotedLabshave reigned as America’smost popular dog breed . First bred in Canada as swear companions for fishermen , these sharp-worded pups continue to service in various role , include as dedicatedservice dogs . They enjoy not only learning from you but alsohiking , camping , and lazing by the ardor as your canine buddy .

Border Collie

await up " well-informed and undertaking - tailor dog , " and there ’s a exposure of a ready - set - goborder collie . Experienced favourite parentscan’t get enough of howtotally coolthis English / Scottish aborigine is . Whether crowd cows , breeze through an lightsomeness course , or put aGuinness World Record for the most trick in a minute , you ’ve got to have your wits about you with this one .

Australian Shepherd

Anotherherding staris the tough and loyalAustralian shepherd , famous for their keen mind and swift reaction . Not in reality Australian , these pup are descendents of European andiron assisting Basque sheepman in the American West . While roaming the tangible range , they also discover to take direction as popular canine tooth doer in westerly movies .

French Bulldog

At first glance , you ’d never know such a cutie was once trained to chase away vermin , but a working dog like theFrenchieis full of surprise ! This bubbly dog is easy to train , especially if she attendspuppy kindergartenfirst so sheresponds well to cuesand does n’t think of everything as playtime !

Boston Terrier

With such a snazzy coating , it ’s no wonder theBoston Terriersports the moniker " America ’s Gentleman . " His roots start in England , but he shortly became a preferent inNewEngland and is now the official state wienerwurst of Massachusetts . Fun - loving , gamy , and completely adorable , his training motivators are treats , pats , and more dainty !

Vizsla

Another one of the loose dog to train , but probably not as well known , is theVizsla(say it with me : VEESH - la or VEEZH - Louisiana ) , a Hungarianhunting bounder . capable to point and retrieve as other as 1 year old , this gorgeous , mellow - vigour lovebugadoresher mankind — she ’s the quintessential " Velcro dog"—andmany participating and experienced dog-iron ownersare amazed by her abilities .

Miniature Schnauzer

German farmers first breed theminiature schnauzerby aggregate astandard schnauzerand other low strain , such as theaffenpinscher , to have a reliable vermin Orion . Now , thesefamily - friendly pupswith spry idea still have a bun in the oven to have a line of work to do , so not only will they succeed atbasic skill training , but they might also provide a list oftricks they ’d like to learnas well .

Papillon

If you have your heart determine on finding the easiestsmall dogto wagon train , take a closer look at a spunkypapillon . As a continental toy spaniel , this angelic and attentive European beauty might notneed a lot of exercising , but she expectsoodlesof attention . Useinteractive toysandindoor gamesto keep her engaged .

Cocker Spaniel

Another spaniel deary is the tenderheartedcocker . Initially bred to be a hunt dog , this smart pooch prefers to be aninstant playmate for kidsand thirstily takes program line on many daily skills and trick .

Shetland Sheepdog

With enough zip and show off to round up an integral flock , Shetland sheepdogsor " Shelties " are small smarties herald from the rugged hills of the Shetland Islands off the coast of Scotland . They harness just about any labor you give them with excitement and attention , and they ’re true diplomats in the menage , getting along with children , other Canis familiaris , and even cat !

Bernese Mountain Dog

Many andiron - lovers are fond of"Berners"not only because they ’re leisurely to train , but also for their high tendency and steadfast fidelity to both two – and four – legged members of their family . These hardworking Swiss farm dogs are ready to aid out on just about any chore with aquick pressure of a clicker : extract cart , driving cattle , orcarrying tenting gearare some of their best-loved ways to add a paw .

Boxer

When the personableboxercomes in for a snuggle sesh , it ’s hard to say no ! Their ancestors were Roman war dogs , and the family tree on their German side includesmastiffs . But boxers are devotee , not battler , and they’reextremelycomical . Boxers also flourish with 30 minutes of day-after-day physical exercise , so construct adog - friendly backyardto teach them fun new tricks .

Dog Training Tips

Kelley says favourite parents can unremarkably get over the necessity andbasic cueswithout the assistance of a trainer . train out our gradation - by - step guides for skills such as :

Here are detailedpuppy grooming instructionsandcrate training crest , too .

" If someone is concerned in training their dog as a hobbyhorse , they can find activities such as agility , scent work , or rally grade taught by certified trainers , " Kelley says . " Additionally , if preferred parent encounter behavioural issues such as growl or lip curls , they shouldhire a certified trainer or behaviorist . "

golden retriever holding stick in his mouth; easiest dogs to train

Brie Passano Goldman

woman giving labrador retriever a high five; easiest dog to train

Filippo Bacci / Getty

tricolor merle australian shepherd sitting on back legs

Eudyptula / Getty

woman with black and white French Bulldog; easiest dogs to train

Edwin Tan / Getty

Boston Terrier dog with head cocked

Rebecca Nelson / Getty

Portrait of Vizla dog standing on a meadow.

Mint Images / Getty

miniature Schnauzer on leash; easiest dogs to train

Brie Passano Goldman

closeup of a white and red papillon running on a sidewalk

Gino Brunner / 500px / Getty

cocker spaniel jumping with ball in mouth

Bill Anastasiou / Adobe Stock

shetland sheepdog or sheltie running in park

yanjf / Getty

woman smiling face-to-face at her Bernese Mountain Dog, one of the most affectionate dogs breeds

Jason Donnelly

boxer wearing a grey and yellow collar on a leash with their owner in the background

Seth K. Hughes / Getty