How to Tell if a Dog Is Trainable

Regardless of a dog's age, breed, sex or history, every dog is trainable. Certain breeds, like border collies, cattle dogs and other herding dogs are generally easier to train because these individuals are bred for intelligence. There are a number of different ways to train a dog. The role of a dog's owner is to determine the best and most productive method of training, and to set clear expectations for the dog.

Things You'll Need

  • Leash
  • Biscuits
  • Kibble
  • Dog Toy
  • Tennis Ball
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Research the breed. Make sure the energy level is something easily manageable when training. Learning the personality of the breed of interest is also recommended. Some breeds are more family-oriented and some tend toward single-owner dogs and quieter households.

    • 2

      Learn the dog's gender. Male dogs are often more affectionate that females, but mature at a later point in life. Female dogs are typically more independent than male dogs, but seem more attentive and focused.

    • 3

      Search for the perfect dog. Local shelters and reputable breeders often have the healthiest dogs as well as reliable advice for the pet owner. Observe the dog's cage behavior. Look for a clean cage, an attentive dog near the front of the cage, and a wagging tail upon approach. These are good indicators that the dog has been socialized.

    • 4

      Lead the dog out of the cage. The dog should be outgoing and greet anyone in the area. The dog should not seem stressed by being around people. Some signs of stress include lip licking, yawning, urogenital checking and freezing of the body. If a dog is stressed, shy or timid, it doesn't mean the dog isn't trainable. Private training sessions may benefit a shy dog, while outgoing dogs tend to do well with group training sessions.

    • 5

      Find the dog's motivation. Most dogs do commands for food, toys, or attention. Try interchanging these in order to help keep the dog's attention. A simple example of a food reward is kibble or a biscuit. Throwing a ball or a patting the head also rewards a dog.