Do Different Dog Breeds Respond Differently To Training?

We all love dogs and appreciate them, well, at least most of us do.

Do different dog breeds have different learning abilities? This is a common question asked by many pure breed pet owners. Well, the answer is relatively straightforward- your dog’s ability to learn new skills and tricks could be less a product of the training you expose it to than the underlying genetics.

Research conducted among 101 dog breeds revealed that behavioral characteristics like aggression and trainability were most likely to be depicted among genetically similar feline breeds.

However, some professional dog trainers hold that all dogs use the same principles applied in human learning in their training exercise regardless of the breed.

But, is this true?

Let us find out!

Dog Trainers Agree that Training Can Be Streamlined Over Time

Every dog trainer will agree that each dog will be able to learn the same traits if they are exposed to similar learning principles. However, some breeds will indeed take longer in the training session than others. This reveals the strong link between your dog breed and its training abilities. Here are the major learning principles that dogs are exposed to in training sessions:

-Holding their feet up for nail grinds
-Using children to train on tying their shoes
-Performing tricks
-Mouth opening
-Flossing

Looking at these attributes, it is clear that even though the dog breed will determine the end-training reward, it has no relationship with the canine’s ability to train and learn a new behavior.

The great lesson from mixed dog breeds

There are different beliefs that Bouviers are lazy, Terries are can never be trained, Basset Hounds take long to comprehend, and Rottweillers must be exposed to a firm training hand. Similarly, some people believe that Poodles are the smartest hound breeds, Chihuahuas make great ankle-biters, Irish Setters can be very ditzy, Beagles howl, and Pit Bull Terries are aggressive.

We need to appreciate that different dog breeds will require specialized training skills that are dependent on their respective environments.

Some dog breeds are generally known for their abilities to take training naturally and easily. However, intelligence plays a crucial role in your dog’s ability to learn (no matter the breed). Every dog will have its instinct, personality, and genetic heritage that will influence its trainability.

If you need help training your dog, consider a wireless dog fence collar.

Here are the 5 dog breeds that are easy to train

#1 Border Collie
Border Collies are known to be very intelligent and easiest to train dog breeds because of their top-notch instincts and working abilities. They do very well in obedience and agility training.

#2 Poodles
Poodles are obedient and very intelligent. This reveals why they are easy to train, have minimal shedding, and are very versatile.

#3 Miniature Schnauzers
Apart from their nature as the best companion dogs, Miniature Schnauzers are generally easy to train (when the right techniques and approaches are used). Though strong-willed, they need consistent reward-based training sessions.

#4 Labrador Retrievers
Since Labs are always eager to please their owners, training becomes very easy and natural. They socialize well with humans and are food-motivated (which works very well in training). You only need to check the portions and type of treatment to ensure that their shapes remain perfect.

#5 German Shepherd
German shepherds are a motivated breed that are exceptionally loyal dog breeds that are eager to work and ready to please. They are also very easy to train. These traits reveal why they are used as military and police dogs.

If some dog breeds are easy to train, is it true that other dog breeds will give you a headache in the training session? Well, yes, some dog breeds are hard to train. They may take too long to grasp the training concepts than the five breeds mentioned above.

Here are the top 5 hardest dog breeds to train

#1 Beagles
Beagles are considered dog breeds that have a nose for everything. Even though beagles have high amounts of energy, they are hard to train, are independent, and will take very long to get accustomed to commands. However, you may get one if you have the patience. The training is doable.

#2 Rottweiler
The Rottweiler breed is a bit controversial. Apart from the intimidating appearance Rottweillers are very stubborn, overly protective, and will require a lot of time for proper training. You must be very patient when training a Rottweiler.

#3 Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are known for their beauty and immense activity. However, they require dedicated training and will act out when they get bored. Some people find it difficult to care for Siberian Huskies because they need a lot of involved training. Even though you may pair your Husky with another (of the same breed), you need to take chances as the training may not bear fruit.

#4 The Basset hound
Owning a Basset Hound can be very stressful as they are known for being very hard to housebreak. You may be faced with tons of frustrations to train a do breed that takes a lot of time to catch on to. Remember, a Basset Hound will naturally follow her nose. As such, getting positive reinforcement can be ideal when dealing with this dog breed. You will also need a lot of patience.

#5 The Afghan Hound
Afghan Hounds are known to be very intelligent. However, they will make it quite tough in the training session. They will want what they want and when they want! Similarly, Afghan Hounds will listen to the command issued, adopt for a while, but change their minds later. This makes it very frustrating to train an Afghan Hound. It is a great dog breed for someone who doesn’t mind an independent-minded canine.

#6 The Chinese Shar-Pei
Chinese Shar-Peis are cute and very cuddly. However, they have the least training potential. They are not very friendly and territorial. These attributes make it difficult to train Chinese Shar-Peis.

What Kind of Dog Breeed Do You Have?

Dogs can be more beneficial to our lives, especially in times like these when more geeks are working from home. If you are looking for the right breed, re-read above!