YOUR PET
Selecting an easier-to-train dog breed
Metro Creative Connection
Training is one of the most effective ways to keep companion animals safe and secure . When prospective pet owners begin looking for a new dog , one of the first thoughts that may come to mind is trainability and whether certain breeds are more readily trainable than others .
The pet food manufacturers at Honest Kitchen indicate that many factors can make a difference in how easily a dog will train , and breed is just one of them . Certain traits can suggest trainability , but how the animal was bred , raised and socialized can affect how well a dog takes to training as well .
The American Kennel Club reports that certain dogs are more willing to comply with owner requests , while others are bred to work independently and may be less likely to immediately respond to commands from their owners .
Certain traits can make some dogs a little easier to train than others . For example , dogs that are food-motivated and enjoy being around people may be more easily trained than those without such traits . Though there ’ s no guarantee any dog will take to training , the following are some breeds that are generally considered training-friendly .
• Border collies : Collies are bright and energetic dogs that like to herd with their agility and intelligence .
• Australian shepherd : Another herding dog , Aussies have a natural focus on their owners and are bred to work with those owners in challenging environments .
• Doberman pinchers : Dobermans are smart and attentive to their owners . They have traditionally been employed as guard dogs and require careful training and socialization to be tolerant of strangers .
• German shepherds : These workhorses serve many different roles because of their affinity for learning tasks . Like Dobermans , look for a well-socialized German shepherd to avoid anxiety and wariness with people .
• Poodles : Poodles are popular because they don ’ t shed much , but also because they are an intelligent , obedient and versatile breed .
• Golden retrievers : Golden retrievers are not the No . 1 family dog for nothing . Goldens are very intelligent and amiable . They often will do anything to please their owners . Labrador retrievers also take to training well and are very affectionate .
• Papillon : Smaller dogs are often dubbed “ stubborn ” or “ independent .” But papillons are incredibly smart and trainable and are naturally focused .
The pet advisement site K9 of Mine warns that some of the smartest , most easily trained dogs may not necessarily be the easiest to live with . They can get bored easily and destroy things around the house if they can ’ t keep their minds occupied . This is a factor to consider when selecting a breed as well . M www . meridianstar . com
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