Many dog owners choose to train their pets themselves. While most dogs benefit from some form of training, each breed responds differently; some pick up commands quickly, while others may be a bit more stubborn.
So, you’ve brought your gorgeous pup home, but what’s next? It might be the dog of dreams, but does it sit when you go “sit” and stay when you tell it to? If you’re an experienced owner, teaching your mutt to be obedient and well-mannered will be easier, but if you’re a first-time owner, this might seem a bit challenging.
If you have a busy lifestyle and don’t want to spend hours and hours training your dog, or just want a well-rounded, easy-to-train dog, there are breeds you should avoid. Wondering which pups to stay clear of?
Here are 7 dog breeds we’d like to warn you against if you’re not enthusiastic about training.
Dog Breeds to Avoid If You’re New To Training Dogs
1. Afghan Hound
Afghan Hounds are elegant dogs with a lavish, long coat that turns heads, and they have an independent nature. While they can be affectionate companions, their aloofness makes them a bit of a challenge for inexperienced owners.
According to the AKC, Afghan hounds can be 25-27 inches tall and weigh between 50-60 pounds. Their silky, long coats demand that you put away your gadgets once in a while to brush and bathe them regularly.
It’s not like these doggos are anti-people; they bond with their humans deeply and become quite dedicated to them.
They’re also dogs with hunting instincts and won’t just give up on their prey drive so easily. Consistent training from an experienced owner is a must in managing their natural tendencies.
2. Basenji
It’s easy to fall in love with this beautiful dog with its pointed ears and muzzle, and gorgeous, smooth coat. Basenji is a breed loved for its relatively quiet nature; it’s called the “barkless dog” because instead of barking, it expresses itself through “yodels”.
If you’re tempted to adopt a Basenji as a new dog owner, get ready for an energetic dog that requires a lot of physical and mental stimulation. It has a feline-like personality; this pup loves to think for itself and won’t just rush to follow every command unless it’s been trained consistently.
This interesting breed has been seen on the ancient artifacts from Egypt, Babylon, and Mesopotamia, and was trained by people in Congo as a hunting companion. It can be up to 17 inches in height and up to 24 pounds in weight.
As a short-coated pup, all it needs is some quick brushing off and on, but it does need early socialization training to get along with other dogs.
3. Chinese Shar Pei
The first thing you’ll notice about a Chinese Shar Pei is how wrinkly its whole body and face are. They’re ancient and sturdy dogs best suited for pet parents who’ve been there and done that. These pooches don’t warm up to just anyone, but love their human family members fiercely; they can be quite protective in nature.
These mutts stand 18-20 inches in height and weigh between 45-60 pounds. These Chinese dogs might struggle putting up with other pets in the home, as they have a prey drive and enjoy being the solo house pets.
This pup does have its perks; like it’s a naturally clean dog, doesn’t need a lot of grooming, and doesn’t bark a lot. It’s prone to some health issues as a brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed; it might have difficulty breathing, especially in hot weather, which it doesn’t tolerate too well.
Training these doggos can be tricky as they don’t appreciate harsh treatment; you have a better chance with positive reinforcement, though.
4. Siberian Husky
This wolf-like dog looks like a thing of the wild with its thick fur, impressive stature, and unique facial features. Siberian Huskies have been used to pull sleds in the freezing regions of Siberia for the Chukchi people. While they have a history of coexisting with and helping humans, these mutts prefer to think for themselves.
While they’re quieter in nature (though they’ll let out occasional woofs), Sibes are not a cake walk when it comes to training and are not the best fit for novice owners. They are loving and friendly to people they’ve bonded with, but can be difficult dogs if you want to teach them new tricks and commands.
Sibes also require daily exercise as an active breed; as per Britannica, they’re not much of swimmers, but enjoy activities like sledding and skijoring, etc.
5. Basset Hound
Basset Hound is one of the most fascinating dog breeds, with its slow, slung body, large droopy ears, and a powerful nose that pushes it to follow scents. They’re quite enduring despite being no taller than 15 inches, with a weight range of 50-65 pounds.
Basset Hound is generally a mild-mannered and calm dog, and a joy to have around with its charming personality. They can be quite entertaining to look at as they move their tiny legs and trot around with their ears flapping.
When it comes to training, these pups can show a stubborn temperament and might need a firm owner. As scent hounds, they have a history of working independently and exploring on their own; they won’t always be up for taking orders from you, especially when they’re intrigued by an interesting smell.
They also tend to shed their short coat a lot and need regular brushing and bathing to keep them healthy. Keeping them on a leash when taking them on walks outdoors is a good idea to keep them from running away.
6. Rottweiler
Rottweilers are sturdy dogs that originated in Germany and were used by farmers to herd livestock. They make smart and loyal pets, especially if trained by an experienced owner who has the time and patience for them.
WebMD states that Rottweilers have a size range of 24-27 inches and 110-130 pounds for males, and 22-25 inches and 77-110 pounds for females. They can become very well-rounded pets and great watchdogs once they’ve been trained properly and have bonded with their humans.
Their looks and sometimes reputation suggest an aggressive dog, but their temperament depends on the methods of training that have been used and the environment they’ve lived in.
It’s better to watch your Rottie around children and small animals, as this breed’s strong personality might pose some problems.
7. Akita
Akita is a beautiful Spitz-type dog with fox-like looks and a furred-up coat that catches attention from afar. These Japanese dogs have been used as hunting, fighting, and police dogs, and make fabulous companions for owners with experience in handling headstrong breeds.
Akitas stand 24-28 inches tall and weigh between 70-130 pounds. With their thick coat, they’re great doggos for people living in cold climates, and might not do so well in hot temperatures. They’re also spectacular jumpers; make sure you have a fence high enough to contain them.
What makes the Akita a challenge for new dog parents is its protective and territorial nature. It’s a loyal and alert breed that tends to be wary of strangers, and it gets attached to its human family members.
However, it’s important to teach it obedience when it’s still a puppy, and set firm boundaries, asserting your authority.
Conclusion
Being a dog owner comes with both blessings and challenges. If you’re a first-time pet parent, it’s often best to begin with a breed that is easier to train and manage. This helps build confidence and creates a smoother start to your journey.
However, no matter how obedient or trainable a breed may be, every dog has its own unique temperament. Individual personality plays a big role in shaping habits and behavior, which is why patience and understanding are key to successful training.
