Easy-to-Train Large Dog Breeds
Training a dog can be a challenge, especially if dealing with a stubborn breed or lacking experience in the area. Luckily, some breeds are easier to train and can even be managed by a non-experienced handler.
In this article, we will talk about the 11 large dog breeds that are easy to train.
1. German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is a noble-looking, large, muscular, and agile dog with all-purpose working skills. It is very loyal and obedient. Because of its unique look and work ethic, the German Shepherd is one of the most popular breeds. To train a German Shepherd, use positive reinforcement and rewards. The breed loves pleasing and is smart, making the training a pleasant experience.
Personality Traits: Confident, Smart, Courageous
Trainability: High (5 out of 5)
Average Lifespan: 7-10 years
2. Standard Poodle
The Poodle is a symbol of elegance and dignity. It is also one of the smartest dog breeds in the world and the national dog of France. The dog comes in different colors and has eye-catching curls. Because of its high IQ and love of pleasing its owner, the Poodle is very easy to train. With consistent training, they grow up into well-behaved adults that excel in obedience competitions and agility.
Personality Traits: Very Smart, Active, Proud
Trainability: High (5 out of 5)
Average Lifespan: 10-18 years
3. Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is a Scottish gundog with a friendly face and affectionate personality. Today, it is one of the most popular dog breeds worldwide. Because of its intelligence, this dog is used for many tasks, from service duties to being a guide dog for blind people. Obedience training and socialization are imperative and can be upgraded with more advanced training classes.
Personality Traits: Friendly, Intelligent, Devoted
Trainability: High (5 out of 5)
Average Lifespan: 10-12 years
4. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is the synonym of the perfect dog - fun, loving, and eager to please. Originally used for duck-retrieving purposes, the modern Labrador is a great companion and loving friend. Training this dog starts with socialization and is followed by basic obedience. As a high-energy dog, the Labrador also requires physical challenges and mental stimulation to channel its spirits.
Personality Traits: Friendly, Loyal, Outgoing
Trainability: High (5 out of 5)
Average Lifespan: 11-13 years
5. Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher is a fearless and loyal dog, thus deserving of its rep as the best protection dog. Originally developed to protect tax collectors, the breed is known as the “Devil dog.” Dobermans are a breeze when it comes to training. Because of their intelligence, they learn fast and have long attention spans. As with all dogs, positive reinforcement is the best training approach.
Personality Traits: Alert, Fearless, Loyal
Trainability: High (5 out of 5)
Average Lifespan: 10-12 years
6. Chinook
The Chinook is a tawny-coated and muscular dog from New Hampshire. It is a people-oriented dog that loves pleasing its owners and adores children. With sled dogs in its lineage, the Chinook is hard-working. Positive reinforcement and consistency are the definitions of training success. This dog loves jumping on people, so this is something that needs to be addressed early on.
Personality Traits: Smart, Patient, Devoted
Trainability: High (4 out of 5)
Average Lifespan: 12-15 years
7. Leonberger
The Leonberger is a powerful dog with a formidable size, gentle nature, and calm demeanor. The breed was born in Germany and used as a working dog. Today, Leonbergers are well-known for being easily trainable. To raise a well-mannered Leonberger, start with socialization and obedience training. Because of their size, it is vital to start training early while the dog is still manageable.
Personality Traits: Playful, Friendly, Gentle
Trainability: High (5 out of 5)
Average Lifespan: 7 years
8. Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois is a strong and squarely-built dog. The breed is well-known for its intelligence and sharp mind. It resembles the German Shepherd but has longer legs and finer bone structures. The Belgian Malinois is very easy to train - it is extremely smart and eager to please. Obedience and early socialization are imperative. It is also important to manage the breed’s strong prey drive.
Personality Traits: Hardworking, Confident, Smart
Trainability: High (5 out of 5)
Average Lifespan: 14-16 years
9. Bearded Collie
The Bearded Collie is a shaggy-coated dog with a charismatic appearance. The breed hails from Scotland and is a big fan of outdoor activities. Developed to be a working dog, the Bearded Collie is a fast learner and likes having a job to do. For best training success, it is important to be consistent and start with simpler tasks such as puppy obedience training and early socialization.
Personality Traits: Bouncy, Smart, Charismatic
Trainability: High (4 out of 5)
Average Lifespan: 12-14 years
10. Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound stands over 30 inches in height, hence being one of the tallest dog breeds in the world. Originally, the breed was used for hunting Irish Elk and dispatching wolves. Today, Irish Wolfhounds make great companions. They are very smart, fast learners that love pleasing their owners. Training an Irish Wolfhound starts with socialization and basic puppy obedience training.
Personality Traits: Courageous, Calm, Dignified
Trainability: High (4 out of 5)
Average Lifespan: 6-8 years
11. Rottweiler
The Rottweiler is a massive dog with an imposing stature and formidable facial expression. The dog’s history is intertwined with the history of the Roman Empire and is a symbol of hard work and loyalty. For successful training, the owner must establish the role of pack leader and use positive reinforcement. Once leadership is established, it is time for basic obedience training and socialization.
Personality Traits: Loving, Loyal, Confident Guardian
Trainability: High (5 out of 5)
Average Lifespan: 9-10 years
Conclusion
All in all, the above-reviewed large dog breeds are easy to train and suitable for inexperienced handlers. Generally speaking, they are smart and love to please, thus making the training sessions a breeze.
When approaching these breeds, it is best to use positive reinforcement and tons of rewards and praise. It is also important to be consistent with the training efforts and patient. Even with easily trainable breeds, success does not come overnight.
