Top 8 Easiest Dog Breeds to Train in Australia

One of the most important responsibilities that comes with being an owner of a dog is training your furry friend to know basic commands and how to behave in public. Luckily, some breeds are easier to train than others, so you won’t have to spend as much time teaching them basic manners. The following list features the top five easiest dog breeds to train.

Australian Cattle Dogs

It’s no secret Australian Cattle Dogs (or Blue Heelers) make excellent family pets. These energetic dogs are known for their loyalty and protectiveness, but they also require an owner who will provide plenty of exercise and affection. This breed is a fast learner and has a strong need to know its place in your family hierarchy. A quick read through a few training books or videos should be enough to get you started on your way to training one of these powerful dogs. They’re relatively easy to train, but can tend towards stubbornness, so consistency is key.

Australian Kelpie

The Australian Kelpie is a breed of herding dogs originally developed in Australia for droving cattle over long distances across rough terrain. Kelpies were bred from Dingoes, Collies and other dog breeds by Scottish settlers. They are known for their devotion and willingness to please their owners, as well as their intelligence. At only 10–20 lb (4.5–9 kg), they can be less intimidating than many larger breeds. Still, an untrained Kelpie may be quite active and energetic. It’s recommended that you bring your new pet home when it is between 9–16 weeks old so you can start training immediately; there is some disagreement about whether these dogs should be trained with physical corrections or positive reinforcement only.

Border Collie

This breed of dog comes from working stock and is a natural herder. While they are sometimes headstrong, they are also very quick learners and fairly easy to train. With patience and understanding, you’ll be able to teach your Border Collie anything. It’s best to begin their training at a young age so that you can develop a strong bond with them as well as good habits that they will carry into adulthood. A good Australian breeder would have taught your Border Collie good basic habits before the puppy even reaches you.

German Shepherd

Known for their intelligence, strength and agility, German Shepherds make loyal and dependable companions. Although they need space and attention, German Shepherds are also easy to train thanks to their strong work ethic and desire to please. They’re one of Australia’s most popular dog breeds due in part to their ability to carry out a range of tasks from law enforcement duties, search-and-rescue operations or just being an active family pet.

Labrador Retriever

Labradors are easily trained and can be just as effective in a search-and-rescue capacity as they are as an assistance dog. That’s because they’re eager to please, which makes them great candidates for training programs. However, it’s important to note that Labradors need daily exercise and socialization, so don’t expect him to stick around if you don’t have time for both. They have tremendous love for their families but need a lot of attention. A good tip: Reward your Lab with praise when he does something right.

Poodle

Perhaps one of the most popular dogs in Australia, a Poodle can be trained with relative ease thanks to its natural smarts and eagerness to please. In fact, poodles are often used as service animals because of their keen ability to recognize and respond properly under all circumstances. They thrive on human interaction and will quickly learn commands if they’re given proper attention.

Corgi

If you’re looking for a good companion dog that comes in a little package, look no further than a Corgi. This adorable, large-headed and short-legged pup was bred by Welsh farmers over 1,000 years ago to help herd cattle and protect their families from badgers and foxes. Thanks to their low-slung bodies and stubby legs, these pint-sized pooches are perfect for wrangling sheep all day long—and entertaining you after work is done.

Golden Retriever

These dogs are so well-trained that they can perform search and rescue operations. Their ability to learn commands also makes them great companions for kids who need a dog that doesn’t run around without supervision. People with allergies may also find it easier to live with these dogs, as they are relatively non-allergenic. It’s important to work with your breeder from an early age so you can socialize your dog properly, but Golden Retrievers tend to be eager learners who enjoy pleasing their owners and receiving praise for their achievements!

Summary

It’s no secret that Australians love their dogs, and they’re pretty good at keeping them too. Australian dog breeders have developed a number of different breeds over time and many are quite friendly and easier to train than others. However, make sure you look for ethical Australian dog breeders registered with groups such as RPBA so that you can rest assured that you’re getting healthy puppies that were raised in humane and happy conditions. 

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