Are Harriers easy to train?

How easy are Harriers to train?

Harriers are honest work to train. They were not bred to take directions from humans — they were bred to think independently and act on their own judgement. That history makes them capable and impressive dogs, but not naturally inclined toward the kind of constant deference that makes training simple.

Harriers can be trained — with the right approach, they absolutely can be. You just can't rely on the dog to meet you halfway. The training methodology matters as much as the effort you put in.

A friendly, sociable temperament means training sessions are approached positively. Treats, praise, and attention all work as rewards because the dog wants the interaction. Outgoing dogs perform well around distractions once they've learned focus. The sociability that creates distraction early on becomes less of a factor as training progresses. A proper exercise session before training makes an observable difference with active dogs. Asking a fully energised dog to sit still and concentrate is an uphill battle. Determination means behaviours established in training are retained reliably. The same quality that makes training harder also means the results stick.

Energy level and training sessions

The Harrier's high energy means training sessions need to be active and engaging — a bored Harrier will disengage or become disruptive. Short (5–10 min), frequent, high-energy sessions work better than longer calm ones. Incorporate movement, play rewards, and variety to keep their focus. Trying to train a high-energy Harrier into stillness before they've had adequate exercise is a recipe for frustration on both sides.

Size, weight, and why training matters physically

At 27kg, a Harrier is manageable but not trivial to physically control if untrained. A dog that pulls, jumps, or bolts at this weight can still cause injuries and becomes difficult to handle in public. Training matters practically — a well-trained Harrier is a pleasure to walk; an untrained one is a chore.

Training tips specific to Harriers

• High-value treats only. Dry kibble doesn't cut it with a breed that has strong independent instincts. Use real chicken, cheese, or liver treats. The reward needs to be worth more than whatever else is competing for their attention.
• Short sessions, always ending positively — 5–10 minutes maximum. If a session isn't going well, step back to something the dog knows and end on a success. Never end on a failed command.
• Make it their idea — Harriers respond better when training feels like their choice rather than a demand. Capturing behaviour (rewarding something the dog does naturally) is often more effective than repeated command drilling.
• Puppy classes are strongly recommended. Not optional with this breed. A good trainer who understands the breed's independent nature will give you techniques that actually work.
• Patience over persistence — pushing harder when a Harrier resists rarely works. Step back, try a different approach, and come back to it another day.

What Harriers find easiest and hardest to learn