Training a dog is an integral part of being a pet parent. When it comes to developing good canine habits and discouraging undesirable behaviors in your dog, sometimes you may need extra support. We’ve rounded up some innovative tech helpers and breed suggestions to make training your pet as easy as saying “sit.”
Trainability by breed
When choosing a dog breed, it’s imperative to realize that some dogs are much easier to train than others. A dog’s intelligence and temperament dictate how straightforward it will be to train. Taking that into account, certain breeds may be a better fit if you are short on time or patience.
So while it’s tempting to make a decision based purely on aesthetics, if training is a make-or-break part of pet parenthood for you, you’ll want to take breed into account when searching for your new four-legged companion.
Top four easiest dog breeds to train
Poodles
Initially bred for hunting, poodles love to work and are happier with tasks to perform. These infamously puffy dogs are one of the most intelligent breeds and enjoy the mental stimulation that training provides.
Labrador Retrievers
This high-intelligence breed originated in Newfoundland, where it worked alongside fishers in the cold northern waters. Today, Labrador Retrievers from breeders such as Snowy Pines White Labradors are easily trainable family dogs with an evergreen eagerness to please their masters.
German Shepherds
The German Shepherd was bred as a herding dog, as indicated by its name. German Shepherds are brilliant working dogs, and many can learn new commands with only a few repetitions.
Collies
Collies are not only beautiful, but they are also highly receptive to training. These Scottish herding dogs are hard workers and ready to please, making them excel at obedience instruction.
Golden Retrievers
One of the most popular family dog breeds, Golden Retrievers are affectionate and intelligent companions. This golden-coated breed’s bird-dog heritage makes them easy to train. These pups make excellent guide dogs, search-and-rescue animals, and family pets.
Top 4 most difficult breeds to train
It’s also good to know which breeds are more challenging to train. Some breeds were developed to work independently without much direction, making them more stubborn during training.
Many intelligent and high-energy breeds grow bored quickly, meaning training can be a hair-pulling time for both of you. Avoid the following stubborn breeds if you don’t want to commit to a lengthy and intense training regimen.
- Australian Cattle Dog
- Basset Hound
- Great Pyrenees
- Chow Chow
Now that you’ve got an idea of the best and worst breeds for your fully-trained aspirations, here are a few technologies that will help you teach your dog commands in no time.
8 technologies that will help you train your dog
Take your training to the next level with these high-tech gadgets to help with the most common dog training tasks.
Indoor pet training mat
If you don’t want your dog on the furniture or other areas in your home, an indoor training mat can help you get the point across even when you’re not watching. A device such as the SVD Electronic Training Mat or the PetSafe ScatMat can be placed just about anywhere you don’t want your dog to go. These mats have several settings for sounds, a safe static shock, or both. When your dog comes into contact with the mat, it will trigger the signal to let him know he’s out of bounds.
Puppy potty trainers
Potty training your dog requires a lot of time and patience. Fortunately, potty training technology is now available to make the process smoother. Using a product such as the Pavlovian Puppy Potty Trainer can reduce training time. The mat on this device senses when the dog has gone potty and dispenses a treat to reinforce good potty habits. While you’ll still need to work with your pooch to keep training on track, this technology has your back.
Sonic frequency sound waves
You may want to discourage many behaviors in your dog, and sonic frequency sound wave technology is available to support your training efforts. Handheld sonic devices, such as the PetAGree, emit an ultrasonic tone audible only to your dog. The sound gets the dog’s attention without harming your pet. You can use this technology to keep your dog from jumping on people, chasing cats, digging, and other unwanted behaviors.
Activity trackers
Human activity trackers have become trendy fitness tools in recent years. Now you can track your dog’s activity with devices made specifically for your furry friend. Activity trackers such as the FitBark 2 Dog Activity Monitor records information on your dog’s physical activity, sleep quality, distance, calorie balance, and more to help you keep him fit and healthy. It also enables you to detect abnormal activity when you can’t see your pet. This insight helps you adjust your training regimen to correct any unwanted behaviors.
Pet camera with treat dispenser
When you’re away from your pet, keep the training on track with a pet cam that incorporates a treat-dispensing system, such as the Furbo. These training helpers allow you to see and talk to your pet from anywhere using an app. You can see and correct unwanted behaviors and provide rewards using the treat dispenser function.
Doggy doorbells
Another potty training tool that’s gone high-tech is the wireless dog doorbell. Place one of these next to the door where you want to let the dog out and teach him to ring it when he needs to do his business. Many of these, such as the Mighty Paw Smart Bell 2.0, comes with an app so you can monitor the dog from a distance and have customized rings and voice recording capabilities.
Anti-barking devices
There are a few types of training technology available to stop excessive barking. Collar-style devices like the Stopwoofer are available that emit beeps and vibrations when barking occurs. Handheld sonic devices can be used to discourage barking when you are present. Bark detectors such as the Kaiertcat Anti Barking Device can be used outdoors and will emit a high-pitched sound when your dog barks nearby.
Automatic spray deterrents
Another option for keeping your dog away from certain areas is a motion-sensor activated spray system like the PetSafe SSSCAT. You place the compact spray sensor in a place you don’t want your dog to enter. When activated, it releases a short burst of unscented liquid to surprise your pet and teach him to stay away.
Time to tackle training
Now that you’re familiar with the latest dog training technologies, you’re all set to get great results. There’s a gadget to tackle even the most challenging dog training tasks. You and your dog will be happier and healthier with the boundaries and respect that positive training provides.
