Training Different Dog Breeds Together

Do Different Dog Breeds Learn Differently? 

Yes and no. The learning process is similar for all dogs. However, it is important to tailor the training to each individual dog as their prerequisites can vary. Breed membership is only one factor, as there are differences even within a breed or litter. 

Whether pedigreed or mixed breed, some dogs learn and forget quickly, while others take longer and remember what they’ve learned. Dogs easily distracted by their peers are harder to train in an everyday situation involving a second dog. 

Dogs with a strong hunting instinct also require different training methods. Independent dogs quickly understand what their person wants from them but need a good reason to obey. 

Tip: Positive reinforcement and consistency are training methods that work well for any dog. 

Training One or Two Dogs? 

Training with a single dog is often more beneficial in many situations. However, sometimes training sessions with dogs of different breeds make sense. During everyday activities, both of your feline friends are typically involved. 

When Is It Better to Train One Dog? 

If you want to train two dogs of different breeds at the same time, it’s important to plan. It’s wise to practice daily with each dog for a few minutes while the other is not in the room. Accomplishing small tasks as a human-dog team strengthens the bond. 

You can address the individual needs of each dog more effectively, reducing distractions. Always begin clicker training with one dog at a time. 

When Is It Better to Train Two Dogs? 

Joint training with dogs of different breeds is also possible – and useful for handling everyday situations together. You can use joint training to reinforce exercises learned in one-on-one sessions. 

Some dogs benefit by observing the success of others. This role model effect can be beneficial when training in threes. Advanced clicker trainers can use two different clicker signals to positively reinforce two dogs simultaneously. 

Everyday Training: A Mix 

In a multi-dog household, training for daily life should involve sessions with both one and two dogs. This prevents the dogs from getting too accustomed to one routine. 

For example, a nervous dog can benefit from restaurant visits with a more experienced dog, helping it to relax in unfamiliar surroundings. Later, visit the place individually with each dog so they learn to cope without their familiar partner. 

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What Are the Risks of Training Different Dog Breeds? 

Training two dogs at the same time risks creating wrong associations. Timing the praise and treats correctly is crucial for successful training, and this can be complex with two dogs. Beginners may find it challenging. 

Each dog should learn its own praise word to avoid confusion. Training rambunctious puppies in parallel can be exhausting. It’s easier if one dog already knows the basics and can serve as a role model for the younger or new dog. 

Be careful not to disrupt the dogs’ hierarchy during joint training sessions. Competition can arise if the lower-ranking dog receives lots of treats in front of the higher-ranking one. This requires a delicate touch. 

Tips for Training Different Dog Breeds 

The more similar the character and constitution of two dogs, the easier joint training sessions will be. Independent dogs that resist domination need more patience for training. 

When training two dogs together, ensure both are treated fairly. It’s not effective to train a highly motivated Papillon with a headstrong Spitz. Sometimes, an experienced dog can serve as a role model for another. 

The FCI’s classification, which groups various dog breeds, can guide joint training. Although the classification is broad, most breeds within a group have similar training and physical needs. Here is a brief overview: 

Shepherd Dogs 

Shepherd Dogs are intelligent, territorial and obedient when trained properly. They need a job and are versatile working dogs. Breeds: German Shepherd, Belgian Shepherd, French Shepherd 

Herding and Droving Dogs 

Herding and Droving Dogs learn quickly and need lots of activity and physical exercise. They are independent and require strong leadership from their person. Breeds: Border Collie, Pyrenean Shepherd, Bouvier des Flandres 

Molossoids and Mastiffs 

Molossoids and Mastiffs are territorial and protective. They need a firm but sensitive hand. Training together can be challenging as these XXL dogs mature late. Breeds: Bordeaux Mastiff, Great Dane

Herding and Guardian Dogs 

Herding and Guardian Dogs are very territorial and independent. Only experienced dog handlers should train them. They develop slowly and don’t show submission but will accept firm leadership. They are not suited for dog sports and need a large territory. Training is often better without peers, though good socialisation is important. Breeds: Kuvasz, Komondor 

Terriers 

Terriers are typical burrow hunters, requiring courage and independence, sometimes showing aggressive behaviour when threatened. It’s important not to reinforce aggression positively in companion terriers. Terriers are independent, solitary and unyielding, yet intelligent and trainable with some expertise. Only well-socialised terriers benefit from training together. Breeds: Jack Russell Terrier, West Highland Terrier 

Bull Terriers were bred for bull-baiting and dog-fighting. Well-trained bull terriers are confident and affectionate towards their humans, though less submissive. Breeds: American Staffordshire Terrier 

Dachshunds 

Dachshunds are intelligent and trainable but prefer to follow their own path. They are not typically submissive. Dachshunds are brave and independent like terriers require consistent and loving training with lots of patience. 

Spitz Dogs 

Spitz Dogs are very independent and alert, with a low will-to-please. Asiatic Spitz are more prone to hunting than European ones. Spitz dogs form close bonds with their humans and are distant towards others. Breeds: Wolfspitz, Shiba Inu. The Japanese Spitz is easier to train and differs in character from its relatives. 

Other Hunting Dogs 

Scent Hounds and Tracking Dogs are passionate hunters and best suited to hunters due to their high activity levels. They usually live well in packs and are eager to submit. Breeds: Bloodhound, English Foxhound 

Pointing Dogs are also best suited to hunters, with their exercise needs easily met. Though submissive, their hunting instinct often dominates in everyday life. They are social, making joint training beneficial. Breeds: Continental Pointing Dogs like Spaniel and Griffon as well as the Setter 

Retrievers, Flushing Dogs, and Water Dogs 

This group also includes hunting helpers. Flushing Dogs like the English Springer Spaniel have a strong hunting drive, while Retrievers and Water Dogs are less so. Retrievers are friendly towards humans and easily trained in pairs. Breeds: Golden Retriever, Barbet, English Cocker Spaniel 

Companion and Toy Dogs 

Companion and Toy Dogs form close bonds with their humans and are highly motivated learners. Poodles, closely related to water dogs, are especially trainable. Socialised companion dogs are easy to train in pairs. Breeds: Havanese, Chihuahua, King Charles Spaniel. This category also includes small mastiff-like dogs like French Bulldogs, who are less submissive and trainable. 

Sight Hounds 

Sight Hounds are independent and prioritise running over tricks and mental training. Short-haired sight hounds form close bonds with their humans, but strong hunting instincts can complicate off-leash activities. An exception is the Irish Wolfhound which rarely hunts and works closely with its human. Sight hounds generally benefit from individual training. Breeds: Whippet, Afghan Hound 

Training Similar Dog Breeds Together Is Easier 

Our brief overview doesn’t cover all breeds and isn’t complete. It omits diverse primitive dogs or Nordic hunting and sled dogs. Training different dog breeds together works better with breeds having similar needs or from the same group. Temperamental traits are tendencies and don’t apply to every dog. 

Whether purebred or mixed: know each dog’s personality well and tailor the training accordingly. Do not overwhelm your furry companions and remember: for dogs not accustomed to peers, just being together during training is a crucial lesson in their education.