If you’re thinking about becoming a dog owner, chances are that you already have an idea of the kind of dog that you might like. This is a great starting point, but before you take home the next adorable puppy you see, there are a few things to consider.
While all dogs can be trained, some breeds seem as though they have an easier time learning commands. Choosing a pet by breed is a great way to assure they'll have characteristics you're looking for and behaviors that will align with your lifestyle.
The best breed for a first-time dog owner is a dog that matches your energy and attention level. If you want a dog that can go running with you, choose an athletic dog with endurance. If you prefer a lazy lap dog, then it's best to avoid high-energy dog breeds.
Easy-to-train dogs are more adept at forming an association between a prompt (such as the word "sit"), an action (sitting), and a consequence (getting a treat) very quickly. Other dogs need more time, patience, and repetition during training. Fortunately, certain dog breeds have relatively predictable energy levels, sizes, looks, and grooming needs.
Here are some of our favorite dog breed for first time owners:
Characteristics and natural instincts of dogs always vary and there are many other factors that can shape your dog’s character and temperament. Dogs who are easy to train often still need lots of your time and energy, the key is knowing what your pooch is built for and how to motivate them.
A FREE phone consultation is available for all dogs.
We do appointments by scheduling only as we are not open to the public. No dog is permitted on our property without undergoing a complete behavior assessment and temperament test.
“Hi Dillon, After conferring with Nicholas, I can confidently give the following opinion of the effect of your training: We adopted a 4 year old Doberman from our local animal shelter, where he was described as “smiling" and not aggressive with other shelter dogs. Within a few weeks in our house his true personality emerged; while he was happy to go on walks, he was very aggressive with approaching dogs. Three times he snapped at a family member who came into my son's room or approached my son unexpectedly. He also bit me twice resulting in stitches. The veterinarian recommended returning him to the animal shelter, having him euthanized or administering a high dose of a sedative daily. At that point, I contacted Dillon of Full Potential K-9 to come to my son's apartment and do a behavioral evaluation. The "smiling" trait, he said, was actually an aggressive expression in certain cases, but he felt that the Doberman was one he could work with. Dillon picked the dog up at my son's apartment and worked with him for 4 weeks in a board and train situation. During that time, Dillon sent texts, pictures, and videos to describe progress and lingering problems. Now the dog is off sedatives, much friendlier to visitors, and obeys commands well on walks and in public. Dillon was realistic, though, about the Doberman needing to be my son's only dog. So, in summary, Dillon has an accurate eye for evaluating and correcting canine behavior and is honest in telling us what problems still remain. The photos of our dog at Dillon's home look like he is having fun there and is treated as a member of the family, so I would definitely send our dog back for further training or boarding as needed.”
