ALL DOGS CAN BE TRAINED!

A dog is never too old to learn, and every breed is capable of learning and being trained. Puppies can learn from the age of 8 weeks but the attention span is short.

Popular myths about certain breeds can be discounted! Hound breeds don't necessary "go off on a scent trail" if properly trained. Small terrier types aren't "yappy" or "snappy" if sensibly managed. Popular crossbreeds, such as the "doodles" (that is, anything crossed with a poodle) are simply "crossbreeds" and have no specific attributes. They are sometimes described as "easy to train" but are individuals just like any other dog.

However, some working breeds are often unsuited to pet homes simply because they are extremely active. These dogs need mental stimulation, and owners of working breeds should be prepared to put in many hours of regular training. A balance of "sufficient", rather than "excessive" exercise and regular, positive dog training sessions can help these highly active dogs live in harmony with their owners.

Not all gundogs are born with the notion of how to work to the gun, or how to retrieve. Some Border Collies may nip at the heels of small children and "round them up", but others may need to be taught how to "herd". (Border Collies aren't suitable pets if you have young children)

Please bear in mind that training a dog and changing behaviour takes time and patience.  Dogs don't understand how to learn in the same way that we do, and there will need to be lots and lots of repetition.  It takes roughly a year to eighteen month to gain the control that most people want - but every dog has different limitations according to age, breed and past experiences and invidual character.