When teaching your dog new words, remember to say and show him what you’d like him to do or what you’re identifying, rather than just speaking and staring at your dog. Choose one word for each direction, routine or object.

According to psychologist Stanley Coren, “The average dog can learn 165 words and dogs in the top 20 percent of dog intelligence can learn 250 words.”

You know he’s got the basics: sit, walk, ball; but research shows he may have stored away more words than you think. According to Dr. Stanley Coren, an expert in canine intelligence, the average dog can understand about 165 words, possibly more with training.

Australian Cattle Dog

Check out 21 of the easiest dog breeds to own.

1. Basset hound. Puppy basset at the beach | imantsu/iStock/Getty Images.
2. Beagle. Beagle | Alaskla/iStock/Getty Images.
3. Bichon frisé Bichon frise | Eudyptula/iStock/Getty Images.
4. Border terrier.
5. Bulldog.
6. Cavalier King Charles spaniel.
7. Chihuahua.
8. Collie.

10 Most Intelligent Dog Breeds In The World!

1. Border Collie. The most intelligent breed of dog!
2. Poodle. The Poodle is eager to please and even more eager to learn.
3. German Shepherd.
4. Golden Retriever.
5. Doberman Pinscher.
6. Shetland Sheepdog.
7. Labrador Retriever.
8. Papillon.

The Cleanest Dog Breeds You Can Own

1. American Hairless Terrier. This breed of dogs has no hair and therefore there’s no shedding.
2. Basenji. This dog breed has a very short coat of hair that’s easy to care for and requires minimal grooming.
3. Bedlington Terrier.
4. Bichon Frise.
5. Chihuahua.
6. Chow Chow.
7. Dalmatian.
8. German Pinscher.

Here are our recommendations for 9 best “home-alone” dog breeds:

1. Boston Terrier.
2. Lhasa Apso.
3. Miniature Schnauzer.
4. Bullmastiff.
5. Chow Chow.