"My dog doesn't train, he's stubborn!"
Common phrase. Truth: all dogs can be trained. But some breeds require much more time, different techniques, and specific motivations. Let’s see why.
The short answer
Yes, all dogs can be trained. What changes is:
- Learning speed
- Motivation that works (food, play, praise)
- Independence vs desire to please
- Concentration ability
The 7 groups of "trainability" according to Stanley Coren
Canadian psychologist Stanley Coren classified 130 breeds into 7 groups:
Group 1: Excellent (top intelligence)
They learn commands in 5 repetitions. They perform 95% of the time at the first cue.
Breeds: Border Collie, Poodle, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Doberman, Sheltie, Labrador, Papillon, Rottweiler, Australian Cattle Dog.
Group 2: Capable workers
They learn in 5-15 repetitions. They perform 85% at the first cue.
Breeds: Cocker, Miniature Schnauzer, Welsh Corgi, Springer, Pumi, Chinese Crested, Schipperke.
Group 3: Average workers
They learn in 15-25 repetitions. They perform 70% at the first cue.
Breeds: Husky, Bichon Frisé, Boxer, English Setter, Maltese, Spinone, Saint Bernard, Akita, Whippet.
Group 4: Good with training
They learn in 25-40 repetitions. They perform 50% at the first cue.
Breeds: Bulldog, Greyhound, Bobtail, Cane Corso, Boston Terrier, Cavalier King.
Group 5: Slow learners
They learn in 40-80 repetitions. They perform 40% at the first cue.
Breeds: Pekingese, Bloodhound, Bullmastiff, Borzoi.
Group 6: Learn with difficulty
They learn in 80-100 repetitions. They perform 30% at the first cue.
Breeds: Shih Tzu, Dachshund, Neapolitan Mastiff, Pug, Beagle, English Bulldog.
Group 7: The "most stubborn"
They learn in 100+ repetitions. They perform 25% at the first cue.
Breeds: Various Greyhounds, Basenji, French Bulldog, Chow Chow, Bull Terrier, Pekingese, Mastiff, Bloodhound, Afghan Hound.
What it means in practice
A Border Collie learns "sit" in 5 repetitions and does it immediately.
An Afghan Hound learns "sit" in 100 repetitions and then decides whether to do it.
It is not "stupidity": Afghans are extremely intelligent. They are independent. They evaluate "is it worth obeying?". They often decide no.
Motivations by breed
Group 1-2 (Borders, Shepherds, Retrievers):
Desire to please the owner + play + food. All motivations work.
Group 3-4 (Huskies, Spaniels, Boxers):
Food wins. Play works. Desire to please less.
Group 5-6 (Dachshunds, Beagles, Bulldogs):
Only food really works. Praise = "what do you want?"
Group 7 (Greyhounds, Basenji, Afghan):
High-quality food (pâté, salmon). Very short sessions (3 minutes). Endless patience.
Different techniques by breed
Breeds "with high motivation":
- 5-10 minute sessions
- Variable rewards (sometimes yes, sometimes no — this makes them more eager to obey)
- Complex commands from the start
Breeds "independent":
- 2-3 minute sessions (they lose interest)
- Reward always at the beginning (high motivation)
- Simple commands, one at a time
- Extreme patience
The role of the owner
Even the "most difficult" breed can be well educated. What makes the difference:
- Owner's patience
- Consistency of rules
- Short and frequent sessions (never long)
- Strong rewards for stubborn breeds
- Qualified trainer especially for groups 5-7
The myths
"My dog doesn't train because he's breed X"
False. He can be trained, but it takes more time and the right technique.
"The smartest breeds are 'better'"
False. A poorly stimulated Border Collie is a disaster. A well-managed Bulldog is a wonderful companion.
"Older dogs can't be trained"
False. More slowly, but yes. "Old dogs learn new tricks" — simply more repetitions.
In short
All dogs learn. What changes is speed, necessary motivation, required patience. Knowing your breed helps to understand realistic expectations. An Afghan will never be a Border Collie in obedience — and that's okay. Every dog has its own way of "winning".
