Potty training is one of the most important skills that every dog owner needs to teach their furry friend. However, some dogs are easier to potty train than others, depending on their breed, personality, and previous experiences. In this article, I will look at the easiest dogs to potty train (some of the breeds that are known for their fast and successful learning abilities).
What Makes a Dog Easy to Potty Train?
No matter how smart a breed should be, you can never expect a dog to magically be potty trained. All puppies need some training, so you need to be comfortable with a little hard work. Adult dogs who have never had a loving home might also need to be potty trained. So, even if you’re looking to adopt a fully trained dog, you should prepare yourself just in case.
Here are some signs that a dog might be easy to potty train:
- They’re considered a working breed. 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.
- They’ve lived in a home environment before living with you. 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.
- They’re eager to learn new commands. 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.
- They listen well. Some dogs are more attentive and obedient than others, which can make a big difference in potty training. Dogs that listen well will respond better to your cues and signals, and will be more likely to follow your rules.
But most importantly, potty training has to do with the humans more than the dog. You need to be willing to put in the effort and consistency that training requires, especially if you have a puppy. If your family isn’t on the same page for your dog’s potty training, it will only make it harder for you and the dog. So, don’t blame the dog’s breed. Two dogs of the same litter could have different attitudes when it comes to training. Sure, some breeds are known for their willingness to potty train, but it’s never a guarantee. So, choose your dog based on their personality, not their breed stereotypes.
What Are the Easiest Dogs To Potty Train?
Some breeds have a reputation for being more agreeable and obedient than others. Those traits often make the potty training process much better. So, here are some of the easiest dogs to potty train according to various sources:
Easiest Small Dogs to Potty Train
It’s common for smaller dogs to be more difficult to potty train. That’s because humans can be more lenient with them and their smaller accidents. But with an assertive human and an obedient dog, you’ll find success in no time.
- Havanese – Havanese are playful, child-like dogs. They love to joke around and have fun, but they’re also eager to please their loved ones as much as they can. These little dogs love learning new tricks and they easily adapt to new environments. Since they love to learn, they’ll often pick up potty training much faster than other small breeds.
- Shiba Inu – If you want a dog that’s born housebroken, Shibas are the closest you’ll get. As long as they have easy access to the outside, they’ll likely start learning fast. Shiba puppies like to make sure they do their business as far away from where they sleep as possible.
- Papillon – Papillons are smart, obedient, and eager to please their owners. They are also very clean and tidy dogs that don’t like messing up their living space. Papillons can learn quickly with positive reinforcement and praise.
Easiest Medium Dogs to Potty Train
Medium-sized dogs can be great companions for families with kids or active lifestyles. They are usually not too big or too small for most living spaces, and they can have a good balance of energy and calmness.
- Border Collie – Border Collies are one of the most intelligent and trainable breeds in the world. They excel at many tasks and sports, including herding, agility, obedience, and frisbee. They are also very loyal and attentive to their owners’ commands. Border Collies can learn potty training easily if they are given clear and consistent rules and rewards.
- Australian Shepherd – Australian Shepherds are another working breed that are highly intelligent and eager to please. They are also very energetic and need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Australian Shepherds can be potty trained quickly if they are given a regular routine and positive reinforcement.
- Poodle – Poodles are known for their curly coats and elegant appearance, but they are also very smart and versatile dogs. They can adapt to different environments and lifestyles, and they are very friendly and affectionate. Poodles can learn potty training with ease if they are taught with patience and praise.
Easiest Large Dogs to Potty Train
Large dogs can be intimidating for some people, but they can also be gentle giants that love to cuddle and play. They can be great protectors and guardians, but they also need a lot of space and exercise.
- Labrador Retriever – Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular and beloved breeds in the world. They are friendly, loyal, and playful dogs that love to be around people and other animals. They are also very smart and trainable, and they have a natural retrieving instinct that can help with potty training. Labrador Retrievers can learn potty training easily if they are given plenty of praise and treats.
- Golden Retriever – Golden Retrievers are similar to Labrador Retrievers in many ways, but they have a longer and softer coat that requires more grooming. They are also very sweet, gentle, and loving dogs that enjoy being part of the family. They are also very smart and eager to please, and they can learn potty training quickly if they are given positive feedback and rewards.
- Irish Red and White Setter – Irish Red and White Setters are beautiful dogs with a silky coat and a graceful appearance. They are also very active and energetic dogs that need a lot of exercise and attention. They are also very intelligent and obedient dogs that can learn potty training easily if they are taught in short, upbeat sessions involving lots of praise.
FAQ of Easiest Dogs To Potty Train
What is the hardest dog to potty train?
Among the most challenging dog breeds to potty train, the Dachshund tops the list. While they are intelligent, Dachshunds can be quite stubborn. The Bichon Frise, a charming toy breed, can also pose difficulties when it comes to accidents on carpets. Dalmatians, Jack Russell Terriers, Afghan Hounds, and Pomeranians are additional breeds known for their resistance to potty training. Patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement are essential when training these adorable but sometimes stubborn dogs.
What is the youngest a dog can be potty trained?
The best time to commence potty training is when your puppy is between 8 to 16 weeks old. At this age, puppies have relatively small bowels and bladders, and they are still developing bladder control, which typically becomes more reliable around 5 months of age. Initiating potty training during this period allows for a smoother training process, considering their physiological and developmental factors.
Are some dogs naturally potty trained?
While potty training is never entirely effortless, certain breeds do seem to have a natural inclination for it. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), Shiba Inus are renowned for being “practically born housebroken,” and Jindos are “extremely clean and naturally housebroken from a young age.” However, it’s important to remember that not every breed shares these characteristics. Each dog is unique, and the ease of potty training can vary significantly depending on the individual dog’s temperament, learning abilities, and breed traits. Therefore, while some breeds may excel at potty training, it’s not a guarantee for all. Patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement remain crucial elements in successful potty training for any dog.
Are male or female dogs easier to potty train?
It is commonly observed that house-training female dogs tends to be easier compared to male dogs. Many pet owners have reported that female dogs show greater receptiveness to house training and exhibit more attentiveness to their owners. On the other hand, male dogs are often perceived as more distant or aloof. However, it’s important to note that individual dog personalities can vary, and there can be exceptions to these general tendencies. Each dog’s training experience may differ, and successful house training depends on factors such as consistency, positive reinforcement, and understanding the unique needs of your specific canine companion.
Conclusion
Potty training is an essential skill that every dog needs to learn, but some dogs are easier to potty train than others. Some factors that may make potty training easier are small size, female gender, quality breeding, and retrieving instincts¹. However, the most important factor is the human-dog relationship. You need to be consistent, patient, and positive with your dog, regardless of their breed or personality. With the right approach and attitude, you can potty train any dog successfully.