Find Your Breed's Training Guide

82 breed-specific training guides with techniques tailored to each dog's size, energy level, and temperament.

Size
Energy Level

82 breeds found

Airedale TerrierLarge
High Energy

Airedale Terrier

the King of Terriers, combining large-dog power with classic terrier stubbornness and an intelligence that constantly tests limits

Common issue: digging and testing every boundary you set

Training guide
AkitaLarge
Moderate Energy

Akita

dignified and fiercely loyal to family but often aggressive toward other dogs and aloof with strangers

Common issue: dog aggression and stubbornness with commands

Training guide
Alaskan MalamuteLarge
High Energy

Alaskan Malamute

powerful and independent with a strong pack mentality and an ancient stubbornness that makes them one of the most challenging breeds to train

Common issue: digging and prey drive toward small animals

Training guide
American BulldogLarge
Moderate High Energy

American Bulldog

confident and athletic working dog who is loyal and protective but often unaware of their considerable size and strength

Common issue: jumping and not knowing their own strength

Training guide
AussiedoodleMedium
Very High Energy

Aussiedoodle

extremely intelligent mix of Australian Shepherd herding drive and Poodle brains, creating a dog that needs constant mental and physical engagement

Common issue: herding behavior combined with doodle energy

Training guide
Australian Cattle DogMedium
Very High Energy

Australian Cattle Dog

tough and tireless working dog bred to herd stubborn cattle by biting their heels, making them one of the nippiest breeds as pets

Common issue: nipping at heels and herding everything that moves

Training guide
Australian ShepherdMedium
Very High Energy

Australian Shepherd

brilliantly intelligent and intensely driven with a tireless work ethic that demands daily mental and physical challenges

Common issue: herding family members and nipping at heels

Training guide
Basset HoundMedium
Low Energy

Basset Hound

stubborn scenthound who would rather follow their nose off a cliff than obey a recall command

Common issue: ignoring every command in favor of following scents

Training guide
BeagleMedium
High Energy

Beagle

scent-driven and pack-oriented with a one-track mind when a smell catches their attention

Common issue: howling and refusing to come when called

Training guide
Belgian MalinoisLarge
Extremely High Energy

Belgian Malinois

the most intense working breed, with drive levels that overwhelm most pet owners and an intelligence that requires constant structured engagement

Common issue: excessive drive and biting during play

Training guide
BernedoodleLarge
Moderate Energy

Bernedoodle

goofy and affectionate with Bernese Mountain Dog stubbornness and Poodle intelligence, creating a dog who understands commands but chooses when to obey

Common issue: stubbornness and slow response to training

Training guide
Bernese Mountain DogLarge
Moderate Energy

Bernese Mountain Dog

gentle and affectionate but can be stubborn, with a laid-back attitude that makes them seem uninterested in training

Common issue: pulling on leash and slow response to commands

Training guide
Bichon FriseSmall
Moderate Energy

Bichon Frise

cheerful and playful companion bred to perform, with a stubborn streak about house training and a need for constant social interaction

Common issue: house training difficulty and attention-seeking barking

Training guide
BloodhoundLarge
Moderate Energy

Bloodhound

the ultimate tracking dog with 300 million scent receptors, gentle and patient but literally deaf to commands when a scent trail appears

Common issue: following scent trails and ignoring everything else

Training guide
Border CollieMedium
Extremely High Energy

Border Collie

the most intelligent dog breed, intensely focused and driven, with an overwhelming need for mental and physical work

Common issue: herding children and nipping at heels

Training guide
Boston TerrierSmall
Moderate Energy

Boston Terrier

the American Gentleman, charming and enthusiastic but easily overexcited with a flat face that limits exercise tolerance

Common issue: overexcitement and difficulty focusing during training

Training guide
BoxerLarge
High Energy

Boxer

goofy and energetic with a puppy-like enthusiasm that persists well into adulthood and a powerful build that makes bad manners dangerous

Common issue: jumping on people and uncontrollable excitement

Training guide
BrittanyMedium
Very High Energy

Brittany

eager and athletic bird dog with boundless energy and a soft, sensitive temperament that wilts under harsh correction

Common issue: hyperactivity and inability to settle indoors

Training guide
Bull TerrierMedium
High Energy

Bull Terrier

clownish and energetic with a unique egg-shaped head and a tendency toward obsessive-compulsive behaviors like tail chasing and spinning

Common issue: obsessive behavior and destructive chewing

Training guide
Cairn TerrierSmall
Moderate High Energy

Cairn Terrier

spirited and hardy terrier bred to dig vermin out of stone cairns, with an unstoppable digging instinct and a bark that belies their small size

Common issue: digging up the entire yard and barking at everything

Training guide
Cane CorsoGiant
Moderate High Energy

Cane Corso

powerful guardian breed that is deeply loyal but requires an experienced, confident handler to channel their protective instincts appropriately

Common issue: territorial aggression and dominance testing

Training guide
Cavalier King Charles SpanielSmall
Moderate Energy

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

gentle and affectionate companion breed that bonds deeply and suffers terribly when left alone

Common issue: separation anxiety and not coming when called

Training guide
CavapooSmall
Moderate Energy

Cavapoo

sweet and gentle companion combining Cavalier devotion with Poodle intelligence, creating the ultimate companion dog who hates being alone

Common issue: separation anxiety and clingy behavior

Training guide
Chesapeake Bay RetrieverLarge
High Energy

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

the toughest retriever breed, independent and protective with a work ethic that demands respect rather than typical retriever people-pleasing

Common issue: possessiveness and stubbornness unlike other retrievers

Training guide
ChihuahuaSmall
Moderate Energy

Chihuahua

bold and sassy with a Napoleon complex, often allowed to develop serious aggression because owners think it is cute when a 5-pound dog growls

Common issue: snapping at strangers and ruling the household

Training guide
Chinese Shar-PeiMedium
Low Moderate Energy

Chinese Shar-Pei

loyal and independent with deep suspicion of strangers and other dogs, requiring careful socialization and a patient, experienced handler

Common issue: aggression toward other dogs and suspicion of strangers

Training guide
Chow ChowMedium
Low Energy

Chow Chow

independent and cat-like in personality, loyal to family but deeply suspicious of strangers and intolerant of other dogs

Common issue: aggression toward strangers and other dogs

Training guide
CockapooSmall
Moderate High Energy

Cockapoo

affectionate and social with a strong attachment to their family, combining Cocker Spaniel sensitivity with Poodle intelligence

Common issue: separation anxiety and excessive barking when alone

Training guide
Cocker SpanielMedium
Moderate High Energy

Cocker Spaniel

sweet and eager to please but surprisingly prone to resource guarding and fear-based behaviors if not properly socialized

Common issue: submissive urination and resource guarding

Training guide
DachshundSmall
Moderate Energy

Dachshund

bold and stubborn with a big-dog attitude in a small body, originally bred to hunt badgers underground

Common issue: excessive barking and stubborn refusal to obey

Training guide
DalmatianLarge
Very High Energy

Dalmatian

athletic and energetic coach dog originally bred to run alongside horse-drawn carriages, requiring more exercise than most owners expect

Common issue: hyperactivity and deafness-related training challenges

Training guide
Doberman PinscherLarge
High Energy

Doberman Pinscher

fiercely loyal and exceptionally intelligent with a sensitive nature hidden behind an imposing exterior

Common issue: over-bonding with one person and wariness of strangers

Training guide
English BulldogMedium
Low Energy

English Bulldog

easygoing and lovable but legendarily stubborn, with brachycephalic limitations that require training modifications

Common issue: stubbornness and overheating during any activity

Training guide
English Springer SpanielMedium
High Energy

English Springer Spaniel

happy and enthusiastic field dog with an irresistible urge to flush birds and chase anything that moves

Common issue: pulling toward every bird and squirrel

Training guide
Flat-Coated RetrieverLarge
Very High Energy

Flat-Coated Retriever

the Peter Pan of dogs who never truly grows up, maintaining puppy energy and enthusiasm well into old age with an irrepressible joy for life

Common issue: perpetual puppy energy and jumping on everyone

Training guide
French BulldogSmall
Low Moderate Energy

French Bulldog

charming and affectionate but notoriously stubborn and easily overheated

Common issue: stubbornness and resource guarding

Training guide
German ShepherdLarge
High Energy

German Shepherd

highly intelligent and protective with a strong drive to work and guard their family

Common issue: reactivity toward other dogs and excessive barking

Training guide
German Shorthaired PointerLarge
Extremely High Energy

German Shorthaired Pointer

elite athlete bred for all-day hunting with energy levels that exhaust most pet owners and an inability to understand the concept of rest

Common issue: inability to settle and destroying everything when bored

Training guide
Golden RetrieverLarge
High Energy

Golden Retriever

eager to please but easily distracted by smells and people

Common issue: pulling on the leash and jumping on guests

Training guide
GoldendoodleMedium
High Energy

Goldendoodle

friendly and social with Golden Retriever enthusiasm and Poodle intelligence, but often lacking the trainability of either parent breed

Common issue: jumping on everyone and mouthy play biting

Training guide
Great DaneGiant
Moderate Energy

Great Dane

gentle giant who often forgets they weigh 150 pounds and tries to be a lap dog

Common issue: counter surfing and not understanding their massive size

Training guide
Great PyreneesGiant
Low Moderate Energy

Great Pyrenees

calm and patient guardian breed with an independent mind and a compulsive need to protect their territory from every squirrel, leaf, and passing car

Common issue: barking at every perceived threat and wandering

Training guide
HavaneseSmall
Moderate Energy

Havanese

cheerful and devoted companion who bonds intensely and follows their person from room to room

Common issue: separation anxiety and velcro behavior

Training guide
Irish SetterLarge
Very High Energy

Irish Setter

exuberant and joyful with boundless energy and a happy-go-lucky attitude that makes focused training challenging

Common issue: hyperactivity and refusal to settle indoors

Training guide
Irish WolfhoundGiant
Low Moderate Energy

Irish Wolfhound

gentle and dignified giant who stands 32+ inches tall and can reach kitchen counters without jumping, requiring early manners training before their size becomes unmanageable

Common issue: counter surfing without trying and space unawareness

Training guide
Italian GreyhoundSmall
Moderate Energy

Italian Greyhound

delicate and affectionate sighthound who is notoriously difficult to house train and sensitive to cold, rain, and harsh corrections

Common issue: house training failure and fear-based behaviors

Training guide
Jack Russell TerrierSmall
Extremely High Energy

Jack Russell Terrier

fearless and relentless terrier with more energy per pound than any other breed and an escape artist ability that would impress Houdini

Common issue: endless energy and escaping from any enclosure

Training guide
LabradoodleMedium
High Energy

Labradoodle

energetic and social with Lab friendliness and Poodle intelligence, requiring more exercise and training than most new owners expect

Common issue: pulling on leash and overexcitement

Training guide
Labrador RetrieverLarge
Very High Energy

Labrador Retriever

high-energy and food-obsessed with boundless enthusiasm for everything

Common issue: jumping on people and counter surfing

Training guide
Lhasa ApsoSmall
Low Moderate Energy

Lhasa Apso

independent and regal Tibetan guardian dog who is deeply loyal to family but views strangers with suspicion and disdain

Common issue: suspicious of strangers and difficult to groom

Training guide
MalteseSmall
Low Moderate Energy

Maltese

devoted companion who thrives on human attention and develops anxiety disorders when left alone too frequently

Common issue: separation anxiety and excessive barking when alone

Training guide
MaltipooSmall
Moderate Energy

Maltipoo

affectionate and playful with Maltese attachment and Poodle cleverness, but prone to developing bad habits when owners treat them as accessories

Common issue: yappy barking and difficulty with house training

Training guide
MastiffGiant
Low Energy

Mastiff

calm and dignified with a natural protective instinct and a stubborn streak that increases with age

Common issue: stubbornness and drooling on everything they guard

Training guide
Miniature Australian ShepherdSmall
Very High Energy

Miniature Australian Shepherd

all the intensity of a full-size Aussie compressed into a smaller body, with the same herding drive and need for mental stimulation

Common issue: herding children and nipping in a smaller package

Training guide
Miniature PinscherSmall
High Energy

Miniature Pinscher

fearless and assertive tiny dog known as the "King of Toys" who genuinely believes they are the largest, most powerful dog in any room

Common issue: escaping and ruling the household through aggression

Training guide
Miniature SchnauzerSmall
Moderate High Energy

Miniature Schnauzer

spirited and intelligent watchdog who takes their guarding duties very seriously despite being only 15 pounds

Common issue: alert barking at every sound and stranger wariness

Training guide
NewfoundlandGiant
Low Moderate Energy

Newfoundland

sweet-natured gentle giant with a natural affinity for water and children but a stubborn streak when it comes to doing things they find boring

Common issue: drooling on everything and dragging owners on walks

Training guide
PapillonSmall
Moderate High Energy

Papillon

surprisingly athletic and intelligent toy breed who excels at agility and tricks but can develop small dog syndrome when owners coddle them

Common issue: excessive barking and fragility concerns during play

Training guide
Pembroke Welsh CorgiSmall
High Energy

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

big dog in a small body with herding instincts, a bossy personality, and a surprising amount of athletic power in their short legs

Common issue: nipping at ankles and bossy herding behavior

Training guide
PitbullMedium
High Energy

Pitbull

incredibly people-oriented and eager to please with athletic power that requires proper channeling and socialization

Common issue: dog reactivity and leash pulling

Training guide
PomeranianSmall
Moderate High Energy

Pomeranian

bold and sassy with a big personality in a tiny body, often developing "big dog" attitude when owners fail to set boundaries

Common issue: excessive barking and small dog syndrome

Training guide
PomskySmall
High Energy

Pomsky

a mix of Pomeranian sass and Husky stubbornness, creating a small dog with big-dog independence and a tendency to vocalize at every opportunity

Common issue: excessive howling and stubborn independence

Training guide
PoodleMedium-Large
High Energy

Poodle

exceptionally intelligent and sensitive, quick to learn both good habits and bad ones

Common issue: anxiety-driven barking and neurotic behaviors

Training guide
Portuguese Water DogMedium
High Energy

Portuguese Water Dog

intelligent and athletic water dog with a mouthy nature and a need for regular swimming or vigorous exercise

Common issue: mouthing everything and counter surfing

Training guide
Rhodesian RidgebackLarge
Moderate High Energy

Rhodesian Ridgeback

confident and independent with a strong prey drive and a dignified stubbornness that comes from centuries of hunting lions

Common issue: prey drive and selective hearing

Training guide
RottweilerLarge-Giant
Moderate High Energy

Rottweiler

powerful and loyal with a natural guarding instinct that requires confident, consistent leadership

Common issue: pulling on leash and guarding behavior toward strangers

Training guide
Saint BernardGiant
Low Moderate Energy

Saint Bernard

patient and gentle but with a stubborn streak and a body so large that even minor bad habits become major problems

Common issue: pulling on leash and knocking over children

Training guide
SamoyedMedium
High Energy

Samoyed

the smiling sled dog, cheerful and social but with a stubborn independent streak and a love of barking that matches their love of people

Common issue: excessive barking and pulling on leash

Training guide
SchnoodleSmall
Moderate High Energy

Schnoodle

clever and alert mix of Schnauzer watchfulness and Poodle intelligence, often inheriting the Schnauzer tendency to bark at everything

Common issue: alert barking and terrier stubbornness from the Schnauzer side

Training guide
Scottish TerrierSmall
Moderate Energy

Scottish Terrier

dignified and independent with a stubborn streak that makes them one of the most difficult terriers to train, combined with a proud demeanor that resists coercion

Common issue: stubbornness and selective deafness to commands

Training guide
SheepadoodleLarge
Moderate High Energy

Sheepadoodle

gentle and affectionate mix of Old English Sheepdog calm and Poodle intelligence, but with herding instincts that manifest as body-blocking and bumping

Common issue: herding and bumping people with their large body

Training guide
Shetland SheepdogSmall
High Energy

Shetland Sheepdog

highly intelligent and eager to please but with a vocal tendency that drives neighbors crazy and a sensitivity to loud noises

Common issue: excessive barking at everything

Training guide
Shiba InuSmall
Moderate Energy

Shiba Inu

cat-like and independent with a famous scream, strong prey drive, and an attitude that says "I will do it if I feel like it"

Common issue: screaming when handled and cat-like independence

Training guide
Shih TzuSmall
Low Moderate Energy

Shih Tzu

affectionate and charming but notoriously difficult to house train, with a stubborn streak that comes from centuries of being pampered palace dogs

Common issue: house training difficulties and stubbornness

Training guide
Siberian HuskyLarge
Very High Energy

Siberian Husky

fiercely independent and athletic with an unshakable desire to run and a famous stubborn streak

Common issue: escaping and completely ignoring recall commands

Training guide
Staffordshire Bull TerrierMedium
High Energy

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

affectionate nanny dog who loves people intensely but may develop selectivity toward other dogs, with a muscular build that requires proper leash manners

Common issue: dog selectivity and leash reactivity

Training guide
Standard SchnauzerMedium
High Energy

Standard Schnauzer

intelligent and spirited working dog with strong guarding instincts, more stubborn and independent than their Miniature cousins

Common issue: stubbornness and territorial barking

Training guide
VizslaMedium
Very High Energy

Vizsla

the ultimate velcro dog, extremely affectionate and energetic with a desperate need to be near their person at all times

Common issue: separation anxiety and inability to settle

Training guide
WeimaranerLarge
Very High Energy

Weimaraner

intensely bonded to their owner with extreme separation anxiety tendencies and athletic energy that requires significant daily outlet

Common issue: severe separation anxiety and destructive behavior

Training guide
West Highland White TerrierSmall
Moderate High Energy

West Highland White Terrier

confident and spirited terrier with a strong prey drive, an independent mind, and the classic terrier conviction that they are always right

Common issue: digging and terrier stubbornness

Training guide
WhippetMedium
Moderate Energy

Whippet

gentle and affectionate couch potato at home but transforms into an unstoppable sprinter the moment a squirrel appears

Common issue: prey drive toward small animals and zero recall off-leash

Training guide
Yorkshire TerrierSmall
Moderate Energy

Yorkshire Terrier

feisty terrier spirit packed into a tiny frame, with a bark that far exceeds their size and a stubborn terrier independence

Common issue: yapping at everything and house training struggles

Training guide