Anyone who has ever seen "Marley & Me" knows that training dogs can be a difficult task. Fortunately, there are some dog breeds that are very intelligent and trainable. They wiill generally be responsive and willing, even if their pet parent isn't a certified dog trainer. If you're looking for a puppy with whom you can form a deep bond, why not consider one of these breeds, presented in alphabetical order:
Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Cattle Dogs, or "Aussies" as they're affectionately known by the many people who love them, are keen, alert, and always ready to learn. Fantastic in sports like agility, flyball, and herding, these silky dogs are one of the most trainable breeds in existence today.
Border Collies
High-intensity, high-energy, and highly devoted, Border Collies are some of the most intelligent and diligent dogs on earth. Bred to work livestock alongside their human companions, they are extremely energetic and need lots of mental and physical stimulation. Border Collies are an incredibly attentive and easy-to-train breed that thrives with a job.
Doberman Pinschers
Doberman Pinschers were once used as the guard and attack dogs for high-level military personnel – a job they excelled at due to their extreme willingness to learn new things and eagerness to please their pet parents. While this active breed will do best with a job, they can also make loving, attentive family companions.
German Shepherds
A favorite of police forces across the country, German Shepherds are intelligent, observant dogs who are happy to learn new things from their handlers. While the German Shepherd requires plenty of early socialization, these highly intelligent dogs will pick up on new things amazingly quickly.
Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers are friendly, sociable, and gentle family pets that love learning from their humans. While puppies are often highly energetic, enrollment in a puppy or obedience class will help them learn new things quickly and easily.
Labrador Retrievers
The most popular dog in America, the Labrador Retriever earned this title partially because the breed is exceptionally willing and easy to train. While puppies are often rambunctious and excitable, their playful and loving nature makes them easy to train as adolescent and adult dogs. Additionally, Labs are easy to housebreak and will learn new tricks willingly.
Poodles
While most people don't realize how eager and intelligent Poodles are, they're actually one of the most intelligent dog breeds on earth. Eager to please and highly devoted to their pet parents, the Poodle is a high-energy dog breed with plenty of attention and obedience to offer.
Shetland Sheepdogs
Charged with protecting entire flocks of livestock, Shetland Sheepdogs are humble, willing, attentive, and smart. They learn new tricks quickly and will watch their pet parents for even the smallest signal.
While all dogs require consistency, firmness, daily exercise and plenty of reward during training, these dog breeds are extremely bright and will pick up on new commands quickly. This does mean that they are also vulnerable to becoming bored and under-stimulated if you don't spend quality time with them every day. However, because they are highly intelligent and devoted, these dogs revel time with their human companions and are always on the lookout for a new trick to master.
Content reviewed by a veterinarian.
Photo ©iStockphoto.com/RichLegg
