Animal expert unveils the easiest dog breeds to train for family life

Dog training guru Mark Vette has revealed his top choices for the “easiest dog breeds to train.” For his study, he zeroed in on pooches that “fit most easily into normal family life and are most trainable and manageable within that context.”

“I’m not looking at the most highly intelligent breeds who would best excel at agility or high-level training challenges,” he clarified, pointing out that some of the brainiest dogs might not be the best match for newbie pet parents. The UK’s favourite, the Labrador retriever, along with French bulldogs, cocker spaniels, and dachshunds, are all the rage, but do they make Mark’s cut?

German shepherd resting on grass — The German Shephard is also on the list
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From cuddly poodles to devoted shepherds, here are the dog breeds Mark believes could seamlessly integrate into your home life. “Standard, miniature, and toy poodles are known for their ability to grasp commands quickly, making them excellent family pets,” the expert noted.

He lauds the Poodle as an intelligent breed that’s a breeze to train and eager to please, as reported by the Express. Mark also heaps praise on the German Shepherd as a top-notch family companion, highlighting their loyal and protective nature.

He added: “They are highly intelligent, loyal and courageous and tend to have a great rapport with their handler, which contributes to their trainability. “However, while they’re sharp and easy to train, they require plenty of activity and exercise to stave off boredom and frustration, and their guarding instinct calls for a confident owner to keep it in check.”

Golden Retrievers are the epitome of a “great family dog” with their friendly disposition, according to a top dog trainer. They’re known for being “tolerant, devoted to their family and food oriented, which also helps [with training], reports the Mirror.

“Labrador Retrievers take the lead as one of the “easiest dogs to train” because they’re naturally “people-pleasing, stable and confident”.

Trainer Mark notes that Labradors have a “strong desire to work and learn with their favourite humans”. The Papillon is not just a pretty face; these “quick learners” are a “delightful companion”, and it’s one of his personal favourite dog breeds.

Border Terrier dog with toy, — Border Terriers are on the list too
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The expert stated a Border Terrier is “relatively easy to train”, making them one of Mark’s personal favourites. Border Terriers may be small, but they pack a punch in trainability, being “relatively trainable” and characterised as “determined, energetic and loyal”, traits that can win over any dog lover.

Lastly, the Australian Shepherd is a brainy breed that “loves people,” and it’s one of his personal favourite dog breeds.

The expert stated that a Border Terrier “learns new things quickly”. These dogs, introduced to the UK from Australia in the mid-1980s, are full of vim and vigour, thriving on staying busy and engaged with ongoing training.