Looking for a furry companion that's easy to train and a breeze to live with?
Look no further than small dog breeds! Despite their tiny size, these pups pack a big punch when it comes to trainability and obedience.
But with so many breeds to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. That's why we've put together a list of the top 11 easiest small dog breeds to train, so you can find the perfect pup for your lifestyle.
From lap dogs to therapy dogs, these breeds are known for their intelligence, eagerness to please, and trainability.
Whether you're looking for a new family pet or a companion for agility training, these small breeds are sure to win your heart.
So, without further ado, let's dive into the list of the easiest small dog breeds to train. Get ready to meet your new best friend!
Boston Terrier: A Friendly and Eager to Please Breed
The Boston Terrier, also known as the "American Gentleman," is a small, compact breed that originated in the United States in the late 19th century. They were originally bred as fighting dogs, but over time, they were bred for their friendly and outgoing personalities.
This breed is known for being highly trainable and eager to please, making them a great choice for families looking for a new pet.
One of the reasons for their intelligence is their history. The Boston Terrier was developed by breeding the now extinct bulldog and the white English Terrier. The breeding was done to create a dog that had the strength of a bulldog and the intelligence of a terrier.
This breeding created a dog that was easy to train. They have a keen sense of smell and an ability to learn quickly, which makes them a great companion for obedience and agility training. A fun fact about Boston Terrier is that they are one of the few breeds that come in a variety of colors, including black, brindle, and seal.
Toy Fox Terrier: An Intelligent and Trainable Breed
The Toy Fox Terrier is a small and energetic breed that originated in the United States in the early 20th century. They are a small but mighty breed that packs a big punch in terms of intelligence and trainability.
These little dogs are highly adaptable and eager to please, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners or those looking for a companion that's easy to train.
With their high energy levels and playful personalities, Toy Fox Terriers are sure to keep you on your toes and provide endless entertainment.
In addition to their trainability, Toy Fox Terriers are also known for their intelligence. They are quick learners and excel at obedience training, agility, and other dog sports. These clever canines are also known to be highly observant and can pick up on their owner's cues and commands with ease.
Whether you're looking for a loyal companion to keep you company or a small dog that can compete in agility competitions, the Toy Fox Terrier is an excellent choice.
Miniature Schnauzer: A Trainable and Loyal Breed
The Miniature Schnauzer is a small, intelligent and highly trainable breed that originated in Germany in the late 19th century.
They were developed by breeding the Standard Schnauzer with smaller breeds such as the Affenpinscher and the Pinscher.
This small but mighty breed is known for its trainability and eagerness to please its owner – and they’re also a pint-sized bundle of energy, thanks to their genetic history. Whether you're looking for a playful companion or a competitive, intelligent show dog, the Miniature Schnauzer is the perfect choice.
With their distinctive beard and eyebrows, Miniature Schnauzers are easily recognizable and make a great addition to any household.
They are highly intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement training.
They are also highly adaptable and make great city or country dogs. Their playful, outgoing personalities make them great with children and other pets. Overall, the Miniature Schnauzer is a fun-loving and loyal breed that makes a great addition to any family.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi: A Trainable and Energetic Breed
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is the ultimate small and mighty pup. This adorable breed hails from Wales, and they've been around since the 12th century.
But don't let their size fool you, these dogs are full of energy and are highly trainable. They were originally bred to herd cattle and sheep, and also for hunting small game, which has given them a strong work ethic and an ability to learn quickly.
But it's not just their brains that make them great companions, their energy level is off the charts, too.
They need plenty of mental and physical stimulation to keep them happy, so they're perfect for active families.
And did we mention they're cute as a button?
Just ask Queen Elizabeth II, who's been a fan of the breed for over 70 years. She's often seen with her Corgis at the palace and they've been featured in many of her official portraits.
So if you're looking for a small but mighty companion, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is definitely worth considering.
Shetland Sheepdog: An Intelligent and Trainable Breed
Meet the Shetland Sheepdog, a breed known for their intelligence and trainability.
These pups, also known as "Shelties," are an excellent choice for families and individuals looking for a loyal and loving companion.
Their small size and friendly nature make them a perfect fit for apartment living, and their herding instincts make them great at agility and obedience training.
But don't let their small size fool you, these dogs have a big personality.
They are known for their strong sense of loyalty and devotion to their owners, and they will do anything to please them. They are highly trainable and excel in obedience and agility competitions. With the right training and socialization, the Shetland Sheepdog can be a well-behaved and loving companion that will bring joy to your life.
Other breeds that are easy to train include:
-Bichon Frise
-Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
-Chihuahua
-Maltese
-Pomeranian
-Shih Tzu
Training Method: How to Teach Intelligent Small Dog Breeds
When it comes to training small dogs, it's important to keep a few key things in mind. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your training sessions:
- Use positive reinforcement: Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool when it comes to training small dogs. By providing rewards such as treats and praise for good behavior, you can help shape and reinforce the behavior you want to see in your dog. This type of training can help build trust and a positive relationship between you and your dog, making training more effective and enjoyable for both of you.
- Keep training sessions short: Small dogs have shorter attention spans than larger breeds, so it's important to keep training sessions short and sweet. This will help your dog stay focused and engaged, and prevent them from getting bored or frustrated. Aim for training sessions of around 10-15 minutes, and gradually increase the length of the sessions as your dog's attention span improves.
- Be consistent: Consistency is crucial when it comes to training small dogs. By sticking to a regular training schedule and using the same commands and rewards every time, you can help your dog understand what is expected of them. This will make training more efficient and effective, and help your dog develop good habits and behavior.
- Make it fun: Small dogs thrive on mental and physical stimulation, so it's important to make training sessions fun and engaging. Mixing up different types of training, such as agility training and obedience training, can help keep your dog interested and motivated. Incorporating games and play into your training can also be a great way to make it more enjoyable for your dog.
- Use small, easy to carry treats: Small dogs are, well, small, so it's important to use small treats that are easy to carry and give as rewards during training. Using treats that are too large or hard to carry can make it difficult for you to reward your dog quickly, which can negatively impact the effectiveness of your training.
- Start early: Starting training early is an important step in helping your small dog learn and understand commands. Puppies have a natural curiosity and eagerness to learn, and starting training early can help them develop good habits and behavior, and make it easier for them to understand and respond to commands as they grow older.
- Use a training collar: A shock collar for small dogs can be used as an effective tool to teach obedience and correct behavior in dogs, when used responsibly as intended. Even the best dog will get distracted sometimes. For example, if your dog sees a squirrel, its nature is going to be to chase after the squirrel, but this could be dangerous. What if the squirrel was running into the road as your dog was chasing it? No matter how smart your dog is, a shock collar could help you bring your dog’s attention back to you.
Training Intelligent Small Dogs: More Tips and Tricks
Are you considering adopting one of the easiest small dog breeds to train that we listed above?
Or are you already the proud owner of a miniature pooch with a big brain?
Then you know that training even intelligent dogs has its challenges. After all, there’s a bit of a communication barrier.
However, with the right approach and techniques, you can unleash the full potential of your furry friend and make training a fun and rewarding experience for both of you. Here are two of the best tips and tricks for training intelligent small dogs.
Tip #1: Start Early, Start Small
The earlier you start training your small dog, the better.
Puppies have a natural curiosity and a desire to please, which makes them the perfect candidates for training. However, keep in mind that their attention span is limited and they tire easily, so it's important to keep training sessions short and sweet.
For example, start with simple commands like "sit" and "stay" and reward your pup with treats and praise for a job well done. Gradually increase the difficulty of the commands as your pup gets older and more skilled.
Use a vibrating collar for small dogs to help with consistency and to help with recall when your dog is off-leash.
Tip #2: Use Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is one of the most effective ways to train small dogs.
This method involves rewarding good behavior with treats, praise, or other positive stimuli, such as a favorite toy.
For example, if your dog successfully completes a command, give them a treat and lots of praise. This will help to build a positive association between the command and the reward, making it more likely that your dog will repeat the behavior in the future.
Avoid using negative reinforcement, such as scolding or punishment, as it can lead to fear and anxiety in your dog.
In conclusion, small dog breeds can be a great addition to any family. With the right training, they can be well-behaved, obedient, and easy to train. The breeds mentioned above are known for their trainability, eagerness to please, and intelligence, making them the perfect lap dogs for the family. Remember to use positive reinforcement, keep training sessions short, and be consistent in your approach. With the right training methods, you'll be able to enjoy the company of your furry friend for years to come.
What Makes Some Small Dogs Easier to Train Than Others?
Small dogs are known for their cute and cuddly personalities, but when it comes to training, not all small breeds are created equal. So, what makes some small dogs easier to train than others?
First, let's talk about genetics.
Some small dog breeds were specifically bred for certain tasks, such as hunting or herding.
These breeds, such as the Pembroke Welsh Corgi or Australian Cattle Dog, have a strong work ethic and are naturally inclined to please their owners, making them easier to train.
On the other hand, breeds that were bred solely for companionship, such as the Shih Tzu or Pomeranian, may not have the same drive to work and may require more patience and positive reinforcement during training.
Another factor that plays a role in a small dog's trainability is their energy level.
High-energy breeds, such as the Jack Russell Terrier or Australian Terrier, are often more eager to learn and play, making them more responsive to training.
However, low-energy breeds, such as the Pekingese or Lhasa Apso, may be more laid-back and may require a more gentle approach to training.
Lastly, the individual dog's personality and temperament also play a role in their trainability. Some small dogs may be more independent and stubborn, while others may be more eager to please and eager to learn.
An example of a small breed that is known for being easy to train is the Papillon. The Papillon is a small, toy breed of dog, weighing between 4 to 9 pounds and standing 8 to 11 inches tall. The breed is known for its intelligence, good-natured disposition and trainability. Due to its small size and energy level, it's a great breed for apartment dwellers. They are also great for first-time dog owners, as they are easy to train, and easy to get along with.
However, even the easiest to train dogs might exhibit unwanted behavior from time to time. If this is the case, then you might want to consider a no shock training collar for small dogs. Instead of shock, the collar uses sound or vibration, allowing you to communicate with your dog by getting its attention.
Why Wiggle Kingdom?
Our training collar is specifically designed for small dogs and offers a variety of training methods including sound, vibration, and shock.
But that's not all - we understand the importance of convenience and customer satisfaction. That's why we offer FREE shipping and same day shipping if you order by 3 pm PST. We're based in Los Angeles, CA, so you can trust that your order will arrive quickly. Plus, we stand behind our product with a one year unconditional warranty.
At Wiggle Kingdom, we're not just in the business of selling training collars - we're also passionate about animal welfare. That's why we donate 1% of all sales to animal shelters to support their important work.
Don't settle for a one-size-fits-all training collar for your small dog. Choose Wiggle Kingdom for a tailored solution and the peace of mind that comes with our commitment to quality and animal welfare. Order yours today!