Adopting a dog for the first time and wondering if you’re up for the responsibilities that come with being a pet parent? After all, being a dog owner isn’t just about feeding your pup and cuddling or walking it; it’s about learning its unique temperament and training it accordingly.
Maybe you’re looking for an easygoing snuggle buddy that can lounge next to you on the sofa. Maybe you want a companion for your long walks and picnics in the park. In any case, as a beginner, you’re going to want a dog that’s easy to train and doesn’t run the other way when you say “Here!”
From large to small, lazy to energetic, whatever specs your doggo comes with, it needs some patience from you and a willingness to spend time with it. However, some dog breeds are more beginner-friendly when it comes to training and require less amount of experience.
Here are 9 easy-to-train dogs you should consider as a beginner.
Easy-to-Train Dog Breeds For Beginners
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
If you have been daydreaming about adopting a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, we can’t blame you. These adorable dogs come in a small size with lots of desirable traits for first-time owners looking for an easy-to-manage pooch.
Cavs not only have enjoyed a past where they were favored by royalty, but they’ve also been trained as show dogs. These compact pups don’t need a lot of space to play in; you can give them their play sessions indoors and train them within your apartment or home.
They’re not only one of the easiest dogs to train, Cavs are quite outgoing and sociable pets, so socialization training and getting them to stay friendly with other pets is also going to be a breeze.
According to AKC, Cavs get along well with children as well; these pooches can be amazing playmates for your little ones.
2. Toy Poodle
Poodles are one of the highly intelligent dog breeds; no wonder they learn new skills, tricks, and commands with so much ease. Toy Poodles are the smallest size variety of this hypoallergenic breed; the others are Standard Poodle and Miniature Poodle.
You can already guess it! Toy Poodles aren’t just amazing pets for apartment dwellers; they’re the best dogs for allergy sufferers who love dogs. They’re happy-go-lucky and playful in nature and enjoy playing games like fetch and agility.
Poodles are water dogs; teaching your pooch to swim is going to get you a wonderful swimming companion. Due to their size, though, it’s better to look after your Toy Poodle in the pool.
As eager to please dogs, they learn fast and follow commands and cues happily. PetMD recommends using positive reinforcement, like treats, to help them pick up new training quickly.
3. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are really pretty small dogs loved for their silky, long coats and adorable faces. These “little lions” have enjoyed a relaxed lifestyle with Chinese aristocrats and are still a popular choice amongst first-time owners who love an easy-going doggo.
Shih Tzus are compact but athletic and spunky, and make excellent family dogs for people who have enough time to groom their silky coats. Start training them at a young age, and you’ll have the sweetest, funniest, and most loving dog to brighten up your home.
Shih Tzus are prone to separation anxiety; it’s important to teach to to spend some time on their own and give them toys to play with in your absence.
4. Brussels Griffon
Clever and sociable, Brussels Griffons were originally used as vermin-hunting dogs in Belgium. While these pups will not disappoint you when it comes to obedience training and following instructions, they also need some care from you.
As a brachycephalic breed, this pup is prone to breathing difficulty and snores, etc, and should stay indoors when it’s too hot or cold.
If you spend a lot of time away from home, you should think twice before adopting this Velcro dog who wants nothing more than its pet parent’s attention.
With their moderate energy levels, these doggos can stay at their healthy weight with some moderate daily exercise and walks.
5. Havanese
One of the cutest residents of the dog world, the Havanese is the national dog of Cuba, and is related to doggos like Bichon Frise and Maltese. There won’t be a gloomy moment with this cheerful little dog around. It’s not just adaptable and portable, but the Havanese is one of the easiest dog breeds to train.
Despite not being large dogs, Havanese are dogs with many talents. Their intelligence and trainability make them great therapy dogs, and they can ace dog sports like agility and obedience as well.
Havanese aren’t just affectionate lapdogs; they make amazing and highly trainable watchdogs, which makes them even more versatile.
Though they look like furred up toys, Havanese aren’t to be taken lightly when it comes to adaptability and courage.
6. Papillon
Papillon is a famously friendly little doggo with butterfly-like ears that make them hard to ignore. This toy breed is a perfect lapdog for people living in shared or limited spaces due to its ability to stay happy and play indoors.
Papillons are one of the smartest toy dogs and thrive when they’re receiving appropriate mental stimulation. Got puzzle toys? Your Papillon would love to play with them.
Whether you live in a warm or cold climate, your Pap can adapt to it pretty well. If it’s your first time bringing home a doggo, Pap is a great choice, not because it’s easy to train, but also because it’s incredibly sweet and playful.
7. Japanese Chin
Japanese Chin (or Japanese Spaniel) is a fantastic small dog for beginners, especially those who have to travel often, as this pooch is very portable.
Though the Japanese Chin’s origin is disputed but it’s most likely enjoyed the company of Japanese aristocrats in the past. It’s an ideal dog for people who want a low-maintenance pup and who listen to them and thrive in smaller spaces.
This joyful breed has some feline-like traits, like grooming itself, which makes it easier for its owners to keep it clean.
Chins won’t warm up to just any stranger at once, which makes it a nice watchdog, but if you have people visiting often, make sure your pup has received socialization training.
8. Yorkshire Terrier
Quite the celebs of the terrier group, Yorkshire terriers are one of the most popular toy dogs among dog lovers. They don’t just do amazingly at dog training, they are great candidate for dog sports like agility and rally.
Purina mentions that Yorkies are very protective and fearless dogs; so if you want a portable watchdog, the Yorkshire terrier is your go-to breed.
As smart dogs, they can be a pleasure to train if you start early; they have a stubborn streak, which can cause problems later if they aren’t well-trained.
Their hair tends to keep growing, so apart from trimming, tying it in a topknot makes it manageable and looks very cute.
9. Pekingese
Pekingese is another ancient Chinese breed that can thrive in any kind of environment and owner. From people with children to elderly ones and those living in apartments, this affectionate pooch cherishes its humans.
Small and quiet, but brave, the Pekingese won’t just bounce around its owner to show affection but will also keep a watchful eye for anything suspicious. They are curious and clownish, and want to be a part of your life and everything you do.
Training your Pekingese is all about forming a strong bond with it and using positive reinforcement to encourage it.
FAQs
What common mistakes should beginners avoid when training their dogs?
i. Not using encouragement and positive reinforcement.
ii. (As per AKC) Letting your dog see your frustration.
iii. Not starting the training early when they’re still puppies.
iv. Not establishing your authority (without being too harsh).
Why are some dog breeds easier to train than others?
Some dogs excel at training more easily than others due to factors like age, individual temperament, and physical and mental health, the owner’s experience level, and breed type.
Can first-time owners train these breeds on their own, or do they need professional help?
While professional trainers are always a good idea, many breeds, like the ones in this list, can be trained by first-time owners.
Conclusion
Choosing the right dog as a first-time owner can make your pet parenting journey a lot smoother and more enjoyable. The breeds we’ve listed here are not only adorable and loyal but also eager to please and quick to learn, a perfect combo for beginners.
Remember, even the easiest dogs to train need your patience, love, and consistency. With the right approach, positive reinforcement, and a little bit of time each day, you’ll soon have a well-behaved furry companion who understands you just as much as you understand them.
So, take your pick, bring home your new best friend, and get ready to start one of the most rewarding experiences of your life: raising and training your own dog.
