Portuguese Water Dogs can be trained but you have to be quick thinking with this breed. Porties are very clever. As a puppy my dog Goji was responsive to dog treats so you could reward him with food if he did something on command. This breed is too clever for that human trick to last for long. Here’s what I did to start training and disciplining my standard PWD

Yes PWD’s can be taught how to fetch the ball very well. Goji brings the ball back, drops it by matress’s feet, and even puts it in her hand.