Small Dogs have unique personalities and come in distinct groups, sizes and coats. The small dog breeds make extraordinary pets for families with children, the elderly, and young adults. Most dogs regardless of their sizes are trainable, but some are easier to train than others.
If you are looking for a small dog to become a member of your household, there is a breed that will fit in the family. The most challenging thing about being a pet owner is the training process. Once you select the breed preferred for your family, consider the method to use in training your dog. The way you train your pet affects the outcome of the training method.
Based on research collected from the American Kennel Club, dog breeds have their own distinguishable personality, heritage of genetics, and spontaneous drives. Those traits impact their ability to train. Some breeds work independently or cooperate with pet owners.
Dr. Stanley Coren, a dog researcher, selected four top small dogs easy to train as the Poodle, Papillon, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, and the Miniature Schnauzer. The most trainable breeds are from the working, herding, and sporting groups. The top four small dogs above made the list of the easy-to-train pets.
10 Small Dog Breed Easily Trained
1. Poodle
The poodle is highly intelligent compared to other dogs. Poodles are great workers and love to please their pet owners. They come in standard, miniature, and toy with woolly and wiry coats.
2. Papillon
The papillon is a toy breed with ears resembling a butterfly. Papillons enjoy pleasing their owners. They are engaging and exciting as pets in the home. The small dogs are very curious, active, and quick to learn new things and train.
3. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a small dog breed that is trainable. The dog breed is enthusiastic and responsive to training and learning new tricks. The small breeds are phenomenal as dog sport competitors.
4. Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzer is small, playful, and looks forward to pleasing its pet owner. The stocky dogs are unafraid and have a high rating in trainability.
5. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are in the smallest dog breed group. They are tiny and nationally known in Mexico as its symbol. Although they are small-sized dogs, their personalities are enormous. These dogs are alert and loyal to their pet owners. While they are vivacious and sassy, the breed has grace.
6. Maltese
You will love the Maltese breed of small dogs. They make adorable pets and known for their long-length and silky coat. The Maltese has a charming and playful personality.
7. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise breed is a child-friendly and family pet. The small dogs adapt to children easily and other people. They are alert, intelligent, playful and less difficult to train. If you seek a pet with performance abilities, the Bichon Frise is the best selection of all small dog breeds.
8. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terrier is a toy dog with a full-length coat. You and the family will enjoy the present of this lapdog. Its coat is golden tan and steel blue with a silky texture and look. The small dogs can be occasionally bossy, but mostly, they are loving, brave, and mindful.
9. German Spitz
The German Spitz breed is the most devoted, spunkiest, and attentive of the small dog breeds. You can easily train and teach the German Spitz. The breed is a watchdog for your home and gets alone with people, children, and other dogs.
10. American Eskimo
American Eskimo breeds come in standard, miniature, and toy sizes. The physical characteristics of the breeds are their smiling faces, black noses, and sparkling white coat. They have sharp intelligence, are very expressive in behavior, and train easily.
Tips on Training Your Small Dog
Most dogs of all sizes are trainable. The pet owner must be consistent and ensure the dog has playtime. You must be patient in training sessions to avoid or reduce anxiety and aggressiveness in your pet.
A study conducted by the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna reported that pet owners can contribute to and cause their dogs to have anxiety and be aggressive. The University’s scientists noted the key factors contributing to anxiety were playtime and lack of consistency.
The Poodle is number one on the list of small dogs easy to train. All the top dog breeds are trainable with your commitment to playtime and consistent training. Spend as much time possibly to bond with pet and avoid punishment.
