Which dog breeds are harder to train, and why

Lists of the "naughtiest" dog breeds are popular, but they are not much help when you are choosing a dog. Labelling a breed as naughty suggests the dog is being deliberately difficult. In reality, dogs do what comes naturally to them and what has worked for them in the past.

A more useful question is: which breeds may be more of a challenge to train, and for whom?

Why some breeds find training harder

Most breeds were developed for a job. The instincts and energy that made a dog good at that job are still there, even in a pet that has never worked. When those instincts clash with life in a house, owners can see it as bad behaviour.

Dogs bred to follow scent

Scent hounds, such as Beagles, were bred to follow a trail with their nose down, often at a distance from people. A dog like this may become absorbed in a smell and seem to ignore you, especially off the lead. Reliable recall can take patient, long-term work, and some owners keep these dogs on a long line in open spaces. A keen nose also means food left within reach is likely to be found.

Dogs bred to chase

Sighthounds were bred to spot and chase fast-moving prey. Many are calm at home, but the urge to chase can be strong, which affects recall and life with cats or small pets.

Dogs bred to work independently

Some breeds were developed to make decisions without waiting for a person's instructions, such as terriers hunting underground or sled dogs working in a team. Their independence can look like stubbornness. They often respond well to training, but they need a clear reason to cooperate, usually a reward they value.

High-energy working and herding breeds

Herding and gundog breeds are often quick to learn and eager to work. That is also why they can be hard to live with: without enough exercise and mental stimulation they may invent their own jobs, such as chewing, digging, barking, or trying to herd children and cars.

Guarding breeds

Breeds developed to guard can be wary of strangers and protective of their home. They need careful, early socialisation and an owner who can give consistent, calm training.

Breed is only part of the picture

Breed tendencies are real, but they are averages. A large genetic study of dogs found that breed explains only a small part of the differences in behaviour between individual dogs. Two dogs of the same breed can behave very differently.

A dog's early life, socialisation, health, training and daily routine all matter as much as breed. That is why it is worth meeting adult dogs of a breed, asking breeders or rescues about the individual dog's temperament, and being honest about the time you have.

Matching a breed to your life

Before choosing, think about:

• Exercise: how much can you realistically give, every day, in all weathers?
• Mental work: can you offer training, games, puzzle feeders and sniffing time as well as walks?
• Time alone: some dogs cope poorly with being left, whatever the breed.
• Your home: garden, neighbours, other pets and children.
• Your experience: if this is your first dog, a breed known for being easier to live with may suit you better than a demanding working breed.

If a breed's needs don't match your life, that is not a failing on your part or the dog's. It is a good reason to choose a different breed, or a dog whose temperament is already known, for example an adult dog from a rescue.

Training that works for any breed

Reward-based training means rewarding the behaviour you want, so your dog is more likely to repeat it. It works for every breed and every age.

• Find what your dog values. Food, a game, a toy or the chance to sniff can all be rewards. Independent breeds often need higher-value rewards.
• Keep sessions short and fun. A few minutes at a time, finishing on a success.
• Make it easy to get it right. Manage the environment so your dog can't practise unwanted behaviour, for example keeping food off counters and using a long line while working on recall.
• Meet the breed's needs. Give scent hounds sniffing games, give herding breeds training challenges, give busy dogs a proper outlet. Many problems fade once a dog's needs are met.
• Be consistent. Everyone at home should use the same cues and rules.

Avoid punishment, shouting, physical corrections and "dominance" or "alpha" methods. The idea that dogs are trying to be the boss of the household is outdated. These approaches can make a dog fearful or anxious, damage your relationship and make behaviour worse.

If you are struggling, a qualified trainer or behaviourist who uses reward-based methods can help. A sudden change in behaviour can have a medical cause, so it's worth asking your vet to check your dog first.