{"id":9901,"date":"2023-01-10T12:38:20","date_gmt":"2023-01-10T12:38:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/blog\/uncategorized\/easiest-dog-breeds-to-train\/"},"modified":"2023-05-25T14:09:47","modified_gmt":"2023-05-25T14:09:47","slug":"easiest-dog-breeds-to-train","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/en-us\/blog\/puppy-training\/breed-specific\/easiest-dog-breeds-to-train\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 8 Easiest Dog Breeds to Train"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Have you ever wondered what the cleverest dog breed is? You\u2019ve probably thought about it in terms of what the easiest dog breed to train is, we bet. Well, the easiest breed to train often comes down to a few factors and opinions. What the breed was originally bred for is often a clue as to how smart and easy to train they are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What you need to know for sure is that it\u2019s important to train dogs no matter what their IQ is. In this article, we\u2019ll list out what – in our opinion – are the easiest dog breeds to train and why. Don\u2019t worry, we\u2019ll also share what the best way to approach them is – we don\u2019t keep our secrets to ourselves. Let us tell you this: some dogs pick up things quicker than others, but all dogs are clever. Lucky for you, this means they can all be trained with the Zigzag app! The Zigzag training app<\/a> gives you a personalized program based on your pup\u2019s age and breed, so you can train them in the right way and at the right time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

All of our training is based on positive reinforcement<\/a> and the latest research on bringing up a happy healthy puppy. There\u2019s nothing to worry about – we\u2019ll hold your hand every step of the way. In fact, our team of professional dog trainers<\/a> are available 7 days a week to help you through any hiccups you run into.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo by Mathis Jrdl<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Why is training my dog important?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Well-trained dogs have a better understanding of how the human world works and how to behave in it, which will help them feel more confident in it. Dogs thrive on knowing what\u2019s expected of them, so training is a great way of providing them stability. Dogs are always learning, but training a new puppy as soon as you bring them home, whether they\u2019re a rescue puppy or one from a breeder, gives them the best start in life. It will help turn them into well-rounded adult dogs, that are happy and comfortable living in a human world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Top 8 Easiest dogs to train<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The easiest dog breeds to train are \u201cbiddable breeds\u201d. These tend to be those who were originally bred to work with humans in a particular role. Over centuries, these breeds have been taught how to look to us for instructions and directions. Today, this helps make them easier to train.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Border Collie<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s no surprise that the Border Collie<\/a> comes high on the list of easiest dogs to train. They are one of the cleverest breeds as they learn so fast, just like they run. However, they are almost too clever for their own good and can be a challenge for some people due to their high intelligence levels (and blasting energy). Speaking of energy, you might want to turn to agility<\/a> tricks and lessons to keep them busy and entertained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The German Shepherd<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

German Shepherds<\/a> are a working breed that is hugely loyal and responds well to positive training<\/a> and routines<\/a>. No wonder they\u2019re well-loved by the police – they make the perfect partners. German Shepherds need to be given a job and stimulation, so they don\u2019t go off on their own getting into trouble, but they\u2019re an easy breed to train as they\u2019re so keen to work with you. They have an incredible work ethic, so you\u2019ll often see them working in dog sports like Obedience<\/a> or Working Trials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo by PartTime Portraits<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Labrador Retriever<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Labradors<\/a> are one of the easiest dog breeds to train, as they enjoy the learning process tremendously. Originally, they were bred to help with hunting and to simply be a friendly family dog. Training was and continues to be simple because they\u2019re extremely food motivated; making treats your best tricks to pull out. Just make sure you don\u2019t overfeed them<\/a>! Labs look like they\u2019re never full, but trust us on this – everyone has a limit to how much they should eat. Just ask my uncle Pat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Golden Retriever<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Golden retrievers<\/a> are lovely. Similar to Labradors, they\u2019re extremely biddable and are an easy breed of dog to train. Gentle and loyal and bred originally to help hunters, they\u2019re a great family dog and enjoy all kinds of training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Poodle<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Get this – Poodles were the original circus dogs. Crazy to think there were such things back in the day, but it\u2019s true. Before a life of sequins and sparkles, Standard Poodles\u2019 high intelligence meant they originally worked as hunting dogs to retrieve games. Today, Poodles still love the challenge of complex tricks and enjoy clicker training<\/a>, so you\u2019ll have a great time training them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Shetland Sheepdog (Shelties)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

They may look like small fluffballs, but Shelties are an intelligent breed you\u2019ll find relatively simple to train. They were originally bred for herding sheep in the Shetland Isles (hence the name) and make brilliant dogs for agility<\/a>. Maybe they can help herd your thoughts into one place, hey?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Papillon<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Papillons are an easy breed to train and will excel with trick training<\/a>, agility<\/a>, and basic obedience cues<\/a>. They may look a lot like other toy breeds that seem like quite the challenge to train, but they are bright and clever little dogs that are quick to learn. Check out our article on clicker training<\/a> and see what these pocket rockets can do – they might like them! Papillon means \u2018butterfly\u2019 in French by the way. Says nothing about their training skills – just funny to know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Staffies<\/a> are enormously fond of two things: cuddles and training. They\u2019ll do anything to make you happy and earn one of those lovely hugs of yours. Staffies are known as \u2018the nanny dog\u2019 because they\u2019re so good with children, so you bet they make the best family dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo by David Clarke<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Best way to approach training a new dog:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you have a new dog, there\u2019s no time to waste in training. You\u2019ll want to get started from day one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s how we suggest you approach training:<\/p>\n\n\n\n