Do you think it's possible to train any breed to a good pet standard?

buzzyzoe

Hi guys,

I am thinking about buying my first dog and am looking at different breeds to try and narrow down what to get. I have plenty of experience with dogs but none with training them. I've done lots of research into training techniques (I've got a 10 page document that is still a work in progress!) and I think I've got a good idea of the theory behind training (obedience training, clicker training, positive reinforcement methods, puppy training classes etc) but I imagine the practice might be quite different!

In my research into different breeds, some are said to be much more trainable than others, which I totally understand, but I suppose my question is if you put time and effort into the correct training methods (doing multiple short sessions each day with a puppy), will you generally find that any breed can reach a good level of obedience? Or are the harder to train breeds likely to lack this ability even if you put lots of effort into trying to teach them?

I mentioned pet standard in the title as I'm not looking to enter any dog shows or anything, but I would like a relatively well-behaved dog that is toilet trained, isn't overly mouthy or vocal and can master the basic set of commands (sit, stay, heel, come etc) Of course I know that dogs are dogs and they will never be perfect, but as I will be caring for him/her on my own, I would like them to be obedient.

The breeds that I'm currently considering are pomeranian, cocker spaniel, or goldendoodle, all of which seem to vary in trainability/intelligence/energy levels quite a bit (again I'm aware that dogs can be very individual even within the breed). I'm hoping to work out what the best things are to prioritise - any help gratefully received I really want to provide the best possible home for my pup and make sure that I'm doing things the right way.

sheramber

I have no experience of poms but cocker spaniels can be very busy dogs and goldendoodles can be manic.

Some dogs take longer to grasp things than other, even with a breed.

I have had a golden retriever who was easy to train and very responsive but had another than didn't want to use her brain.

I have had three Dalmatians. The first was a steep learning curve for a first time owner who had grown up with dogs in the family. The next two were a dawdle as I knew how to train them.

Visit dog shows and talk to breeders. Find out their breed traits from them.

Avoid adverts for pups. A good breeder does not need to advertise . They will have a waiting list for their pups.

bertiewhite

To echo Sheramber's comments - every breed has particular traits which need to be researched. I give the following examples:

I used to have Bearded Collies, one of which had never even seen a sheep but he would always try to round humans up when we walked and had the "Beardie bounce".

I currently have Leonbergers who will lean against people they like - they all do it apparently. The Leonberger is also supposed to have a long adolescent period, something which I have experienced with both my dogs.

And I always laugh at my Husky owning friends who complain that she always pulls (no way, really???)

Mojisola

Why not rehome a dog? At least visit a few rehoming centres and see if any of the dogs catch your eye?

elsien

The short answer to your question is yes.

The longer answer is:
Not all dogs respond the same way, and you have to find what motivates and works for them, even if the basic techniques are the same.

Make sure your puppy is well socialised, not just with other dogs but we th people and the environment.

Get help if you need it - sometimes if something isn't working, a trainer can see the picture more clearly because you're too close.

Think about what they were bred for - when Gitdog has had to be returned downstairs for the 6th time in less than an hour, he's a terrier. They're bred to be stubborn, persistent and independent minded. If you don't want that then a terrier isn't for you. For example.

Don't get cross with your dog even when he's being an !!!!!! - you'll both end up frustrated and his behaviour is communication. You need to work out what he's trying to tell you, and often it's just that he doesn't understand.

It's usually the owner that needs training rather than the dog.

Know your limitations. Some dogs with all the training in the world are going to take off after a small furry. So don't let them off lead in that situation.

If I can train a 2 year old completely untrained and bullying bull terrier to do agility (admittedly in his own unique way) and become a calm(ish) household pet, you should be able to train a puppy. He (when he chooses) can sit, stand, stay, retrieve, do a couple of tricks. His recall is !!!!! and always will be.

Owain_Moneysaver

I think any breed can.

Not necessarily every dog can though.

gettingtheresometime

Beagles.....the most stubborn, bl00dy minded pig headed breed ever created.

GlasweJen

elsien wrote: »

The short answer to your question is yes.

The longer answer is:
Not all dogs respond the same way, and you have to find what motivates and works for them, even if the basic techniques are the same.

Make sure your puppy is well socialised, not just with other dogs but we th people and the environment.

Get help if you need it - sometimes if something isn't working, a trainer can see the picture more clearly because you're too close.

Think about what they were bred for - when Gitdog has had to be returned downstairs for the 6th time in less than an hour, he's a terrier. They're bred to be stubborn, persistent and independent minded. If you don't want that then a terrier isn't for you. For example.

Don't get cross with your dog even when he's being an !!!!!! - you'll both end up frustrated and his behaviour is communication. You need to work out what he's trying to tell you, and often it's just that he doesn't understand.

It's usually the owner that needs training rather than the dog.

Know your limitations. Some dogs with all the training in the world are going to take off after a small furry. So don't let them off lead in that situation.

If I can train a 2 year old completely untrained and bullying bull terrier to do agility (admittedly in his own unique way) and become a calm(ish) household pet, you should be able to train a puppy. He (when he chooses) can sit, stand, stay, retrieve, do a couple of tricks. His recall is !!!!! and always will be.

I have a rescue border terror, her recall is so poor off lead that she's not trusted any more except in our terrier proof garden or at the dog park.

Anything smaller or fluffier is a toy, cats MUST be chased and humans, well she'll listen sometimes.

But she's really clever and can open drawers, push buttons and work out puzzles in an instant so she has that going for her.

Sagaris

gettingtheresometime wrote: »

Beagles.....the most stubborn, bl00dy minded pig headed breed ever created.

Yes, but those faces! I have got friends who have trained their beagles to do agility (one has even appeared at Crufts and done very well), being very food motivated helps! As a general rule, they are not good off lead (scent hounds) but one of ours has excellent recall (ex puppy farm breeder who is very attached to us) - so you never can tell!

[Deleted User]

gettingtheresometime wrote: »

Beagles.....the most stubborn, bl00dy minded pig headed breed ever created.

I think that's a bit harsh. Our two are now almost as manageable as unruly normal dogs and it only took 10 years to get them to this level of reduced disobedience !!!

I do think certain breeds are inherently harder work than others, but there are always exceptions within each breed. You can read all the information on breed characteristics you can find and absorb all the latest training theories, and still get a heck of a shock when face to face with your own furball. If you love them enough you'll always find a way to get along. But do keep a bit of slack in your budget for extra help from a trainer or behaviorist, as this can help for the more intractable problems.

buzzyzoe

sheramber wrote: »

I have no experience of poms but cocker spaniels can be very busy dogs and goldendoodles can be manic.

Some dogs take longer to grasp things than other, even with a breed.

I have had a golden retriever who was easy to train and very responsive but had another than didn't want to use her brain.

I have had three Dalmatians. The first was a steep learning curve for a first time owner who had grown up with dogs in the family. The next two were a dawdle as I knew how to train them.

Visit dog shows and talk to breeders. Find out their breed traits from them.

Avoid adverts for pups. A good breeder does not need to advertise . They will have a waiting list for their pups.

Thank you for this, I've been looking into the breed traits as much as possible I'll have a look into some dog shows too!