15 Dog Breeds That Are Toughest to Potty Train

Potty training a dog can be quite an adventure, especially when it comes to certain breeds. While it is easily achievable for most breeds when you build a consistent routine, some breeds tend to be more difficult to train, according to many owners. Here are some dog breeds reported to be the toughest to potty train.

Bichon Frise

It’s hard to resist these fluffy white dogs, but they can be a handful. Bichons are smart but stubborn, often preferring to do things their way. They’re also small, which means tiny bladders and more frequent potty breaks. Therefore, you want to take your dog for potty breaks every 2-3 hours.

Dachshund

Wiener dogs have a reputation for being hard to housebreak. They’re clever but independent, sometimes ignoring commands if they don’t feel like listening. Their long, low bodies make it easy to sneak off and have accidents. A lot of patience will help with these sausage-shaped pooches.

Jack Russell Terrier

These high-energy dogs are too busy exploring to focus on potty training. Because of these, Jack Russells are easily distracted, which makes consistent training challenging. Remember to use short, frequent training sessions and verbal cues when training them. With dedication, you can achieve great results.

Pug

Pugs are charming but can be a pain to housebreak. They’re prone to anxiety and, hence, cause accidents when stressed or left alone. Build a routine of taking the puppy out first thing in the morning. Also, create a calm environment and motivate your pup with a treat after a successful potty time.

Chihuahua

When house training a Chihuahua, you need to be as gentle and consistent as possible. It may take some time before they finally catch up, but with lots of positive reinforcement, you will see these pint-sized pups pooping the right way. Also, you can start training these dogs as early as 8 to 12 weeks.

Afghan Hound

If you own an Afghan Hound, you know how these elegant dogs love to do things at their own pace. They can be aloof and may not see the point in following your potty rules. However, you need to know that positive reinforcement works best for them because they don’t respond well to harsh corrections.

Pomeranian

While they are intelligent, their willful nature usually gets in the way. For instance, they may refuse to go outside when the weather is bad. To make housebreaking easier, consider using a covered potty area and sticking to a regular schedule. Over time, your efforts will pay off.

Basset Hound

These dogs have an incredibly strong sense of smell, which can easily distract them. During potty training, they might become more interested in following a scent than focusing on where to go. While intelligent, they often follow their own agenda, making training a bit challenging.

Yorkshire Terrier

Although Yorkies are small dogs, their stubborn personalities make potty training difficult. But one thing you must know is that Yorkies always want to please you, and that’s a great way to get them to obey you. You can employ crate training as a technique for housebreaking your Yorkies.

Beagle

Like Basset Hounds, Beagles are scent hounds with an intense focus on following smells. This distraction can make it hard for them to concentrate on potty training. They are also energetic and playful, which means they may get too excited or distracted during training sessions.

Pekingese

Potty training a Pekingese should begin when you bring them into your home. Note that these little lions can be royal pains and resistant to training. But when you use plenty of positive reinforcement to encourage good habits, they listen to you. Additionally, a sheltered potty area should be created to get the best results.

Italian Greyhound

To potty train your Italian Greyhounds, it’s best to normalize indoor housebreaking. They are sensitive dogs and are easily stressed or anxious, which might affect their ability to learn and adhere to potty training. Their small size can also sometimes lead to accidents.

Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus may look cute, but their stubborn streak often shines through. Moreover, some Shih Tzus are picky about their potty spots, especially in wet or cold weather. To start potty training, maintain a consistent routine and avoid scolding them loudly during an accident.

Maltese

Housebreaking these small white dogs is usually difficult. Due to their tiny bladders, Maltese puppies may need frequent potty breaks. They’re sensitive to weather, so you want to keep a strict routine, taking your Maltese out at set times. Avoid indoor pee pads, as they can confuse the training process.

Brussels Griffon

When you start to potty train Brussels Griffons, you will realize how stubborn they can be. They’re sensitive and may have accidents when stressed or excited. However, these little dogs bond closely with their owners and respond best to positive, reward-based training methods.