As a new dog parent, you’ll want a dog that’s easy to train and look after.
No matter what training method you use, potty training your pet is probably the highest priority for most people. After all, although you can forgive a slightly doggy odor in your home sometimes, no one wants their place to smell of dog pee!
Although every dog learns at his own pace, some breeds take more quickly to potty training than others. So, what are the easiest dogs to potty train?
Please read our guide to find out!
What Makes Some Dog Breeds Easier To Potty Train?
Regardless of your dog’s breed and how smart he is, you can’t expect any pup to be automatically house trained. All puppies and many adult dogs from shelters need some degree of training, and there’s no doubt that potty training is hard work.
So, what makes some breeds easier to potty train than others?
Bred To Work
Generally, working breeds take well to training and can be some of the quickest learners of all dogs.
Working dogs have been selectively and carefully bred over many years to learn how to work closely with people, so it’s logical to expect these pups to take to potty training willingly and quickly.
Home From Home
If you take on a dog from a shelter or rescue center, you could be lucky and get a dog that’s already been house trained in a former home.
However, strays and dogs that have lived at a rescue for any length of time will probably need to be retrained to some extent, and a few lapses and accidents are only to be expected.
Keen Learners
Some breeds, such as Poodles, Goldendoodles, and Labrador retrievers, are naturally keen to learn new commands.
That makes obedience training for these breeds much more straightforward than easily distracted types, such as Beagles and other scent hounds.
Individual Personalities
Successful potty training comes down to the relationship between the dog and its owner, regardless of the breed. Also, two puppies from the same litter can have completely different personalities and trainability, so nothing is guaranteed.
Are Female Or Male Dogs Easier To Potty Train?
Just like people, there’s no real difference between male and female dogs’ behavior before puberty. It’s no more challenging to potty train a female or a male dog.
However, after eight to 12 weeks, some male dogs begin scent marking by cocking their leg and peeing on things. So, if your boy dog is late to the potty training party, you might find it more challenging to housebreak him.
Will Neutering My Puppy Help With House Training?
Generally, unless your dog is desperate to go and you’re not there to let him outside, dogs pee to scent marks to allow other pups to know that they’re around.
When you have your dog neutered or spayed, that should reduce scent-marking behaviors and even stop it altogether. However, since scent marking is a learned behavior, you’ll need to use potty training techniques to help retrain your dog not to do it.
Related:
19 Easiest Dogs To Potty Train
In this part of our guide, we introduce you to 19 dog breeds widely regarded by experts as the easiest dogs to potty train.
However, as mentioned above, remember that every puppy is different, regardless of the breed. So, you might get an exception to the rule, in which case, you’ll need to be extra patient and persistent in your training.
What Small Dog Breeds Are Easiest To Potty Train?
Small dog breeds are typically more challenging to potty train than large dogs. That’s probably because their human owners tend to be more forgiving with little pups. After all, any accidents are likely to be very small ones.
However, provided that you take the correct approach of using positive reinforcement training methods and consistency, there’s no reason why you can’t successfully potty train a small dog.
Here are some of the easiest small dog breeds to potty train!
Havanese
Havanese have fun, playful personalities and are also keen to please their human family. These pups thrive on learning new tricks and settle quickly in a new environment. So, these enthusiastic, fast learners typically take to potty training easily and make an excellent choice for families.
Shiba Inu
Shiba Inus are said to be born potty trained!
As long as your Shiba can get outside easily, he’ll begin learning very quickly. Shiba Inu puppies always relieve themselves as far away from their sleeping areas. So, these dogs will try to go right through the night without needing a bathroom break, even from a very early age.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a hugely popular toy dog breed that is a joy to own. These little dogs pick up crate training lessons very quickly, and they are also very easy to potty train.
Miniature Schnauzer
Mini Schnauzers are extremely attentive and love to learn. Sometimes, this toy breed will take to potty training within just a few days after arriving in their new home.
You’ll need to use positive training methods, remain consistent, and be patient and gentle with these sensitive dogs.
Shih Tzu
Although Shih Tzus have a bad rep of being independent and stubborn dogs, they are food-motivated, loving types. Those qualities can make it relatively easy for pet owners to housetrain these cute little pups.
Maltese
Maltese have tiny bladders, which means these little dogs need more frequent potty breaks than larger pups. However, potty training is often a breeze if you use positive reinforcement methods and are prepared to take your Maltese outside.
Papillon
Papillions are a popular choice of a pet because they are confirmed companion dogs that can form a very close bond with their human families.
These dogs are easy to obedience train and typically pick up toilet training in no time, too.
Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier has a short attention span and bundles of energy. Those qualities can make training somewhat boring for these livewires. However, if you’re assertive and consistent in your approach, you can toilet train your Boston relatively quickly.
What Small Dog Breeds Are Easiest To Potty Train?
As you might expect, large dogs have bigger bladders than small pups, so they can typically last longer between bathroom breaks.
Often these canine companions are working breeds, such as guard dogs, service dogs, or law enforcement.
Border Collie
The Border Collie is an intelligent breed with a natural herding instinct. These lively pups take quickly to any form of training, but you’ll need to keep your Collie interested by including a few advanced tricks in his training program.
Labrador Retriever
Labradors are one of the most beautiful dog breeds universally popular in a family setting because of their willing, friendly personalities.
Labs are a working breed that loves to learn, and with consistent training, you can have your Labrador toilet trained in no time.
Doberman Pinscher
Although Dobermans look tough, these dogs make a great family pet, eager to please and very sensitive.
These intelligent working dogs take well to training and usually have no problem learning where to go potty. Many owners report potty training their Doberman Pinschers in only a few days.
German Shepherd
German Shepherds are working dogs that can be seen performing alongside people in many different roles, including guarding property, assisting law enforcement, and as search and rescue dogs.
GSDs are also excellent companions to family members, joining in family activities and achieving a high level of obedience training. So, for the German Shepherd, potty training should be a breeze, provided that you remain assertive, positive, and encouraging.
Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are rather like Border Collies in that they are an intelligent herding breed.
These fast learners quickly pick up basic crate training, and Australian Shepherd puppies are likely to master potty training in no time, too.
Standard Poodle
The Standard Poodle breed hails from a long line of working dogs bred to retrieve shot waterfowl for hunters.
These dogs are highly intelligent, and they love to learn new commands. So, you would expect the Standard Poodle to pick up toilet training easily.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain dogs are one of the larger breeds that make wonderful family pets. Although you might initially think these lumbering pups aren’t especially bright, they are a popular breed because they are quick learners and can pick up potty training pretty easily.
Brittany
The Brittany is an unusual, energetic breed that’s not often seen. However, these dogs are reputedly very easy to housebreak. This hunting breed is naturally clean and doesn’t like to live in unhygienic surroundings. So, teaching your Brittany where to go to relieve himself is not a problem.
Kai Ken
Although the Kai Ken is a pretty rare Japanese breed, it’s also one of the cleanest dog breeds around and one of the easiest potty trains.
Provided you devote some dedication to training, these clever, loving family dogs can pick up potty training quickly, making this unusual breed a great choice for beginner dog owners.
Goldendoodle
The Goldendoodle is a crossbreed dog that’s a good choice for inexperienced owners, being loving, active, fun to be around, and generally easy to train.
If you’re prepared to spend time teaching and socializing your Doodle, crate training and housebreaking him should be relatively straightforward.
Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is another very large breed that takes well to training and can be pretty straightforward to potty train.
These friendly dogs have an affectionate personality and love to please their owners; they will quickly learn how to go to the bathroom on cue.
Potty Training Tips And Tricks
Even if you choose a relatively easy dog to potty train, you’ll benefit from these quick tips and tricks!
Have A Routine
Puppies are creatures of habit that learn best when given a routine. If your puppy knows when to expect to eat, sleep, play, and have a bathroom break reasonably regularly, he is much more likely to understand the schedule.
Ensure that everyone in your home understands your puppy’s routine so that your dog doesn’t get confused. Older dogs can also benefit from a routine, especially those from shelters or rescue centers where a routine will most likely already be in place.
Frequent Bathroom Breaks
You must give your puppy or dog plenty of bathroom breaks. Puppies can generally hold their bladders for around one hour per month of their age. Older dogs with larger bladders can last for longer. However, you should never push your dog’s limits when it comes to potty stops, as that’s asking for an accident, which would set back the potty training process.
Take your dog outside every couple of hours to go potty until the penny drops, and he starts asking when he wants to relieve himself. Make it part of your dog’s routine to go outside first thing in the morning, after playtime, during mealtimes, and last before you go to bed.
Use Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement techniques are essential for any training.
When your dog does his business outside or on an indoor litter tray, immediately praise him and reward the behavior with a treat or a toy.
Use Crate Training
Crate training and potty training go hand in hand. Generally, a crate-trained dog will pick up toilet training much faster.
Dogs typically won’t relieve themselves in their sleeping area. So, as long as the crate is not too large, your pup will be more likely to hold on while confined to the crate. Make sure that the crate is a safe, comfortable, den-like space where your dog wants to relax, and never use the crate as a punishment.
Be Consistent and Patient
The key to successful training is to be consistent and patient. If you’re consistent in your approach, your dog is more likely to learn what you want more quickly than if you allow your methods to vary.
Final Thoughts
Did you enjoy our guide to the 19 easiest dog breeds to potty train? If you found the information helpful, please share the article.
Generally, working breeds are the easiest to train, and large dogs are more amenable to potty training than toy breeds.
However, breed stereotypes should be avoided! Just because your puppy comes from a breed of dogs considered easy to potty train doesn’t guarantee anything! Every puppy is different, and there are always exceptions to every rule.
What breed of dog do you have? Was your furry friend easy to potty train? Tell us in the comments box below.
