Ever wonder why some dog trainers turn down certain clients based solely on breed? Professional trainers develop preferences after years of experience with different temperaments, learning styles, and physical capabilities.
Some breeds consistently present challenges that make training sessions frustrating for everyone involved, while others seem almost born to learn. Let’s explore which dogs make trainers run for the hills—and which ones have them eagerly booking sessions.
1. Stubborn Afghan Hounds
Royal attitude meets selective hearing in these gorgeous but challenging canines. Afghan Hounds weren’t bred to follow commands—they were developed to think independently while hunting without human direction.
Many trainers describe working with them as “talking to a beautiful wall.” Their aloof personality and tendency to ignore commands makes even experienced trainers throw up their hands in defeat.
2. Headstrong Chow Chows
Behind that adorable teddy bear face lies a mind that often says “no thanks” to training efforts. Chow Chows originated as all-purpose working dogs in ancient China, developing strong independent streaks and territorial instincts.
Their naturally suspicious nature toward strangers (including trainers) combined with remarkable stubbornness creates training roadblocks that many professionals prefer to avoid altogether.
3. Unpredictable Caucasian Shepherd
Weighing up to 170 pounds with protective instincts on overdrive, these massive guardians give many trainers pause. Originally bred to protect livestock from wolves and bears in the Caucasus Mountains, they require extraordinarily experienced handling.
Their combination of size, power, and deeply ingrained protective instincts means even small training mistakes can lead to dangerous situations that most trainers wisely avoid.
4. Willful Basenji
Famous for not barking (they yodel instead), Basenjis are equally known for their training resistance. These ancient African hunting dogs operated independently for thousands of years, making decisions without human input.
Trainers often describe them as “cat-like” in their selective cooperation. While brilliant problem-solvers, they frequently decide your training agenda simply isn’t worth their valuable time and energy.
5. Powerful Fila Brasileiro
Banned in several countries due to extreme protective instincts, these Brazilian mastiffs make most trainers nervous. Their traditional purpose involved tracking down escaped slaves, requiring intense suspicion of strangers that remains genetically hardwired today.
The breed’s motto is “faithful to friends, ferocious to enemies”—with trainers almost always falling into the second category initially. Many professionals simply refuse to take on the liability.
6. Free-Spirited Siberian Huskies
Those ice-blue eyes hide a mischievous mind that frustrates even veteran trainers. Bred to run for miles while making independent decisions about safe ice paths, huskies weren’t developed to take continuous direction.
Their combination of intelligence, physical energy, and stubborn determination creates the perfect storm of training challenges. Many trainers joke that huskies invented the phrase “you’re not the boss of me.”
7. Fiercely Independent Shiba Inus
Internet-famous for their “Shiba scream” when displeased, these fox-like dogs have trainers screaming too. Ancient Japanese hunting dogs, they developed self-sufficiency and decision-making skills that often clash with modern training expectations.
Their infamous “Shiba attitude” combines remarkable intelligence with a steadfast refusal to comply unless they see personal benefit. Many trainers admit these small dogs simply outsmart and outlast their patience.
8. Territorial Cane Corsos
Massive Italian guardians that make even experienced trainers approach with caution. These descendants of Roman war dogs possess intense protective instincts combined with impressive strength and size, creating significant training challenges.
Without proper socialization from puppyhood, their natural suspicion of strangers makes establishing trainer-dog trust extremely difficult. Many professionals decline working with adult Corsos they didn’t raise from puppies.
9. Distracted Beagles
Those floppy ears aren’t just adorable—they’re connected to the most powerful scent-tracking brain in the canine world. Beagles follow their noses with single-minded determination that frequently overrides training efforts.
Mid-session, a beagle might suddenly appear deaf to commands when catching an interesting scent. Many trainers joke that teaching reliable recall to a beagle requires miracle-worker status that few possess.
10. Sensitive Borzoi
Russian wolfhounds with delicate feelings that challenge conventional training approaches. These aristocratic sighthounds shut down under pressure or harsh methods, requiring extremely gentle handling that many trainers find frustratingly slow.
Their combination of sensitivity and independent thinking means progress comes at a snail’s pace. Many trainers lack the patience for the ultra-gentle, long-term approach these elegant dogs require.
11. Devoted German Shepherds
Smart, loyal, and born with a work ethic that makes trainers smile. German Shepherds were developed specifically to work alongside humans, making them naturally inclined to look to their handlers for guidance.
Their legendary intelligence combines perfectly with their desire to please, creating the ideal training partnership. Many police and military trainers specifically request this breed for their ability to master complex tasks reliably.
12. Brilliant Poodles
Beneath those fancy haircuts lies one of the canine world’s most trainable minds. Originally developed as water retrievers, poodles combine impressive intelligence with an eagerness to work that makes training sessions productive and enjoyable.
Their problem-solving abilities and focus allow them to master complex commands quickly. Many trainers note that poodles seem to understand not just what to do but why they’re doing it.
13. Enthusiastic Labrador Retrievers
America’s favorite dog earns its popularity partly through being a trainer’s dream student. Labs combine intelligence with an enthusiastic willingness to please that makes training feel more like play than work.
Their food motivation and social nature create the perfect training foundation. Even first-time trainers find success with Labs, whose forgiving nature allows for human training mistakes without developing bad associations.
14. Versatile Golden Retrievers
Sunny dispositions matched with keen intelligence make Goldens consistent training favorites. Their natural people-pleasing tendencies combined with excellent problem-solving abilities create an ideal learning partnership.
Goldens approach training with enthusiasm and patience, rarely becoming frustrated or stubborn. Many trainers specifically recommend them for therapy and service work because they reliably transfer training to real-world situations with minimal reinforcement.