Speaking on behalf of ManyPets insurance, vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan, BVetMed BSAVA PGCertSAM MRCVS, told Express.co.uk there are four dog breeds that are typically obedient.
“They are intelligent dogs that have been selectively bred for work,” Dr MacMillan said, giving a clue as to which dog breeds may be easier to train than others.
Provided with mental stimulation and physical exercise, these dogs can be “model citizens” who are well-trained.
“There are always exceptions to the rule, but in my experience, the most obedient dog breeds include Border Collies, standard Poodles, Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherd Dogs,” Dr MacMillan revealed.
The highly qualified vet elaborated: “Dogs that listen are often highly food or reward-motivated.
“They are usually bright and keen to learn new tasks. They may have also been bred over many generations for their obedient nature, which can be useful for certain working environments.”
If your dog doesn’t seem to listen to you, it might be because they are “too full of energy and can’t concentrate”.
Dr MacMillan said: “Being under-exercised or bored can have a negative impact on [any dog’s] focus.
“Alternatively, your dog may not be interested in the rewards you are offering them, so you might need to think of a higher-value treat.”
It’s also advisable to train any dog in an environment that is free from distractions.
Trying to teach a dog too many new things at once can also be problematic, so it’s advised to train in a distraction-free environment and focus on one new skill at a time.
Mischievous dogs tend to have a “stubborn or independent streak” that can make them harder to train.
But Dr MacMillan assured: “With patience and consistency, these dogs can also learn to follow their owner’s commands.”
