Dog Breeds That Are Easy to Train

Everybody wants that perfectly trained dog--the "Hollywood" dog that does tricks, lies down on command and basically does whatever it's told. And while those dogs have generally spent a lot of one-on-one time with professional trainers, it's true that some dog breeds are easier to train than others. Although any dog can be trained with enough time and patience, these are a few of the breeds that have the intelligence and energy necessary to pick up behaviors quickly, making them to be considered easy to train.

Border CollieThe border collie is a herding dog known for its high intelligence and energy. While those traits make the border collie one of the most easily trained dogs, they are a double-edged sword. The border collie is so intelligent that it gets bored easily if not constantly stimulated, and that boredom can translate into destructiveness. Additionally, its strong herding instinct can actually make it a less-than-desirable pet in houses with young children. However, in an environment where it can get extensive exercise, lots of attention and companionship, and has a job to do, the border collie is responsive to training and learns new behaviors quickly.

Australian ShepherdThe Australian shepherd is another herding dog with intelligence and high energy, although neither in the same amount as the border collie. However the Australian shepherd still needs a great deal of exercise and interaction to keep its energy directed on non-destructive endeavors. With the right amount of attention, it is an easily trained dog that learns quickly and is eager to please.

Labrador Retriever puppyLoyal and affectionate, Labs are easy to train because of their eagerness to please and obedience to their masters. While an intelligent and energetic breed, Labs are less prone to the destructiveness caused by herding dogs--although a bored Lab can still be a menace to the home. They are also excellent family pets, being good with children and other animals. True retrievers, Labs are naturals at "fetch" and love to be in the water.

Golden RetrieverGolden retrievers are similar to Labrador retrievers in intelligence and temperament, with just slightly lower energy levels. Friendly and loyal, with a desire to please their masters and a devoted and obedient nature, golden retrievers are one of the most popular breeds in America and one of the easiest to train.

PoodlePoodles have often been used as performing dogs in circuses and sideshows because of their adaptability and trainability. The breed's origins are as a hunting dog make it a natural athlete, and it is often ranked as one of the most intelligent dogs in the world. Of the three types of poodle (toy, miniature and standard) toy poodles are considered the easiest to train because they have higher energy levels than their larger cousins.