Looking for the easiest small dogs to train? Even though any dog can learn your rules and commands with the right training, it may be easier if you start with a breed that is known for being one of the easiest to train small dogs.
Certain small dogs will also make it so much easier when it comes to potty training. See my article on how to potty train a small dog to help you get started right away.
You will want to find a dog that is smart, pays attention to you, and wants to please you. In this article, we’ll discuss nine small dog breeds that can be easily trained to be a great part of your home. They are sometimes even better trained than their larger counterparts.
You also can’t forget how useful they are in therapy and as service dogs. If you start training these breeds when they are young, it will help them as they grow and get better. So, if you want one of the easiest small dogs to train, here is a list for you to choose from.
Poodle
Standard, miniature, and toy Poodles do well at dog shows for a reason. They are at the top or near the top of the easiest small dogs to train. Poodles are great competitors who can both lead a group and follow orders because they are smart, flexible, and fun.
At home, they are very social with both people and animals, and they get along well with people and animals of all ages and types. Poodles have a reputation for being snooty show dogs, but are actually very sociable, friendly, and loyal. They will fit into any home very well.
Poodles are also on our list of the small dogs with the least health issues. Check it out.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
They have been part of the British Royal Family for decades. Even though they are small, they like activities and have a lot of speed and agility. Since they are friendly, soft, and obedient, they are good for families.
These dogs are also one of the best small therapy dogs you can find and also on our list of best small breed service dogs,
These dogs need to be exercised and trained often because they tend to get lazy and sluggish if not properly engaged. They are one of the easiest to train small dogs and are good for therapy.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are also on our list of best small to medium-sized dog breeds.
Boston Terrier
They are a gentle breed of dog that is one of the easiest small dogs to train because they are loyal and eager to please. When it comes to the Boston Terrier, training it to obey is a breeze.
This breed is a good choice for trainable dogs because it is both cute and smart, which is rare. They are very social dogs and will get along in any home.
The Boston Terrier is also on our list of best small to medium-sized dog breeds.
Pumi
Pumis are active Hungarian herding dogs that don’t mind cuddling up with their owners and are known to have favorites. Plus, they are smart, friendly, and very easy to train.
As curious and observant animals, these fluffy small dogs are quick to try new things. Once a Pumi knows how to sit, roll over, and do the laundry, don’t be afraid to add new commands.
Pumis also like training that gives them something in return, so stock up on dog treats and reward them for their training accomplishments.
Pumis are on our list of best small curly-haired dogs.
Papillon
The word “papillon” comes from the French word for “butterfly,” which refers to the dog’s large, pointy ears. The Phalene version of the breed is identical but has floppy ears.
These pups think of themselves as big dogs with small bodies. Papillons are quick to learn and even faster to play. They need a lot of exercise and will try anything.
The best way to train this breed is to be consistent with it early on and give it lots of praise. They are also super cute tiny fluffy dog breeds.
We have an entire article dedicated to the Phalene Papillion dogs that is worth checking out.
Brussels Griffon
Historically, this breed from Belgium was used to catch rats. Brussels Griffon look respectable because they have beards that give them a distinguished look.
They are one of the easiest small dogs to train because they can learn new tricks quickly and are good outdoor playmates.
One thing that sets them apart is their ability to quickly get along with new people, places, and training methods.
The Brussels Griffon is also on our list of hypoallergenic low-maintenance dogs that are great for those with allergies or don’t want a lot of pet hair everywhere.
Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is one of the smallest, easiest small dogs to train in the world, and it may also be one of the smartest. They are also on our list of one of the best small emotional support dogs.
These very loyal dogs are so good at acting that they have been in many commercials and TV shows. These cute little animals fit in the palm of your hand when puppies and are easy to take care of.
The Chihuahua is on our list of best low energy small dogs. Be sure to check it out.
Parson Russell Terrier
This breed of dog is popular in the US because they look smart, are easy to train, and can move quickly. They need to be trained and exercised regularly because they tend to use their extra energy to find mischief.
They are often chosen for pet competitions because they have high endurance and are smart. If you make fitness a top priority in your life, a Parson’s can be the best dog for you.
Shetland Sheepdogs
Shetland Sheepdogs were used to herd animals in the past. They are smart and are one of the easiest to train small dogs.
This small dog likes to exercise so use that time to teach them to obey and get in shape. They are loyal, devoted, and committed to doing the job they have been given.
Even though these dogs can bark a lot, this is an easy behavior to control if you start training them when they are young.
They feel most at home in big spaces like farms and ranches, and they’re fun to hang out with when you’re playing games outside.
The Shetland Sheepdog is on our list of great small to medium-sized dog breeds that you can check out for more information.
Miniature Schnauzer
A Miniature Schnauzer is smart and friendly, so it could be a good breed if you want a small dog to be your friend and companion. Most miniature Schnauzers are easy to train if you take the right approach and use the right methods.
They can be stubborn at times, so they need a confident owner who will take charge and train them using rewards.
The Miniature Schnauzer is also on our list of great small to medium-sized dog breeds that you can check out for more information. They are also on our list of easiest small dogs to potty train.
Easiest Small Dogs to Train
There are a lot of small dog breeds that are easy to train. All of the dogs on this list are the easiest small dogs to train. You can choose based on whom you are and what you think is important.
Before getting a small dog as a pet, you should learn more about them. As you live with them, you need to know about their traits, personalities, grooming, care, and other things they need to be healthy and happy.
Keep in mind that you need time, patience, and commitment if you want to train your little pet well. Treat your pet like a child who needs to be taught how to behave and get along with other people.
It’s also a good idea to get them used to people and teach them right from wrong as soon as possible. It can help them be a great part of your family who gets along with everyone. With this, you can have someone to play with and hang out with for a very long time.
Also please consider being a dog foster parent. See my article on How to Be a Foster Parent for Dogs for details.
As always, proper nutrition is an important part of a dog’s health along with feeding the recommend amount.
See my article on how to stop small dogs from barking for additional training.
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