The “smart dogs” – the poodles and border collies and German shepherds- get all the good press and praise and even get their own movies. They have few problems getting adopted and are easier to train.

Less intelligent dogs can cause problems, of course, but most of those problems come not from being dumb but from being confused and bewildered about what is being asked of them.

Many dog lovers are snobs; they prefer smart and abused dogs to dumb and nice ones, they don’t choose to go to the dog park and brag about their not too smart dogs.

Abused dogs are much more popular talking points

Boston Terriers are on all the lists of not-too-smart dogs, but Bud is one of the sweetest, most pleasurable dogs we have owned. I’d get another BT in a second if Bud left us for any reason.

I love border collies, but they are anything but easy or easy going.

If you do have a not-too-smart dog, some things might be helpful to learn.

Basic obedience classes are strongly recommended for these dogs. They can be useful in showing these dogs that the noises humans often make can have meaning for them. Get started early and re-up as often as necessary.

And don’t listen to the snobs.  Not-too-smart dogs are often more straightforward, less active, and demanding. As the long-time lover and owner of border collies, I can testify to the many stupid things they do, including trying to herd garbage trucks and snowplows.

Bud would never do that. His favorite thing is to sit in our laps or doze by the fireplace. Fate always wants something to do.

On the not-so-smart liss of trainers and dog psychologists: Boston Terriers, Chihuahuas, Beagles, Bloodhounds, Akitas, Dachshunds, Greyhounds, Bulldogs, Afghan Hounds, French Bulldogs, and Great Pyrenees.

I’ve had some not-too smart dogs and some smart ones, and there are enormous differences between them, two completely different experiences.  But one is not necessarily better or worse than the other.

It helps to understand and acknowledge your dog if they aren’t the brightest bulb in the shed.

Here are some things I’ve learned and read about dealing with dogs who are not quick to grasp commands or understand human intentions. My thanks to Stanley Coren for his book “The Intelligence Of Dogs.”

Train young. Trainers say you should start teaching your less-than-smart dog the basic commands – come, sit, down,  heel, stand and stay – as soon as possible, which is to say as soon as they come home well before six months old.

As dog’s age, and just like people, they become less flexible and more stubborn. It’s much more comfortable physically and practically to correct a puppy than an older dog.

Be very consistent. Dogs love tradition and predictability, something very few of them are given. The less bright dogs thrive on consistency – the same commands, the exact feeding times, the same walking – every single day if possible. They have less to learn and remember.

Be clear. Always start training with the dog’s name. Use voice commands and hand signals together; this gives the dog two chances to pick up the command and respond.

Speak softly: Training sessions with these dogs should be quiet and have few distractions. Try to have an environment where the dog has little to focus on other than you.

When the dog has learned the basics, you can move up to noisier and busier settings. The dog should have a solid understanding of the basic comman by thends by then.

Stay Close: Always be close enough to these dogs so that you can correct them quickly and directly. Corrections need not be loud but precise. Correct the dog when it messes up, not a minute or two later. Make sure you only give commands you can quickly correct or enforce.

Keep Training Sessions Short. Dogs respond best to short training sessions and the point, and pleasant. So, for that matter, do people.

 Be Patient. Less intelligent breeds want to please their people as much as intelligent breeds do. Patience is essential for training slower dogs because it takes them longer to learn. In obedience class, the border collies and labs will always outperform your dog in terms of time.

You can have a dog that is just as reliable and dependable as anyone else; it may only take a little longer. I’ve had basset hounds and border collies, and I can tell you that a bassett hound will never respond as quickly or precisely as a border collie.

This is not only due to intelligence but shape and muscle structure. We owe it to our dogs to be patient.

Be Insistent, Be Stubborn. We see our dogs as cute, and we love them, but if we really love them, we must be strong and insistent. Every command must be enforced, especially during the early stages of training. If a dog challenges you or blows you off, make him respond.

The world is full of multiple-choice dogs. They pick and choose when to respond and when not to respond. If my dogs were abused (and most of the time you can’t really know) I don’t need to refer to them in that way.

Dogs are dogs, adaptable and in need of direction.

It is sometimes necessary for children and dogs to be firm, not angry. I am always mindful of my obligation to show my dogs how to live safely and lovingly in our world.

That means they must do what I ask them to do in return for the perfect life I give them. I give them their dignity; I want them to give me mind.

For me, less intelligent dogs are just as wonderful as the smartest ones. It’s on us to give them the guidance and love they deserve.