Top Dog Training Tips for Every Breed

Training your dog is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have as a pet owner. Not only does it help you get to know your dog better, but it builds trust and confidence between dogs and their owners, ensuring that both live happy and healthy lives.

However, a lot of people tend to make stereotypes and generalizations based on certain dog breeds. Things like "all pit bulls are aggressive" or "all chihuahuas are mean" or "all bulldogs are lazy" are just that - stereotypes. While there are some commonalities between certain categories of dog breeds, it is much more important to remember that every dog is an individual, and even two dogs from the same breed and litter can act completely differently.

General Categories of Dogs

Every dog is an individual, but there are some things certain breeds have in common. These are not hard rules, but more like tendencies certain dog breeds may have, usually related to what types of tasks they were originally bred to do.

• Small / Terrier Breeds

These are the Chihuahuas, French Bulldogs, most terriers, and most other small dogs. Most of these dogs were originally designed to be "ratters" - small dogs that would hang around the house and hunt small vermin like rats or mice. As a result, these dogs often are very strong-willed and tend to like being given tasks to do on their own time. As a result, they often struggle at learning tasks and tricks initially, but can be very good at turning those tricks into regular behaviors. Most of these dogs are also attention-seekers and are very motivated by cuddles and praise!

• Hunting / Hound Breeds

Dachshunds, Beagles, Basset Hounds, and other similar breeds fill out this category. They are most known for their distinct howls and bays, and most of them have the best senses of smell even by dog standards. They were originally designed to be hunting and tracking dogs, so they love games and activities that use those hunting instincts. However, this heightened intelligence means that they need more mental stimulation than other breeds, and they also tend to be a bit louder!

• Working Breeds

These are bigger dogs like Huskies, Rottweilers, Mastiffs, and other dogs bred to perform a specific task. While some (like Huskies and St. Bernards) were sled dogs or traveling companions, a lot of the dogs in this category were designed to be guard dogs. These dogs are incredibly lovable and aloof, but some of them can be a bit dopey and may take a bit longer to pick up new tricks. However, they are also incredibly eager to please and are more than willing to learn, no matter how long it takes.

• Sporting Breeds

These are the most well-known dog breeds, like Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers. These dogs are incredibly athletic and require lots of physical exercise to keep in shape, as they also tend to eat anything they can get their mouths on because their instincts expect that much activity. They make amazing family dogs, but work best when the whole family is available to take them for ample walks and playtimes.

• Herding Breeds

Australian Cattle Dogs, Border Collies, German Shepherds, and other similar dogs fill out this last group. The most notable thing about this group is their intelligence - herding dogs are SMART, often too smart. I often call them the "do crimes" dogs, because if you don't give them something to do, they will do crimes. These dogs make amazing pets and companions, however many of them require a LOT of work and training to burn off all that physical and mental energy, so they may not be suitable for all homes.

This is not an exhaustive list, just some general examples. And more importantly than anything here, remember: EVERY DOG IS DIFFERENT. This is why I customize my training sessions to each dog, because it's much more important to learn what a specific dog needs, rather than guessing based on breeds. I've trained many gentle rottweilers, calm chihuahuas, and lazy cattle dogs.

Don't fall for stereotypes!