40 dog breeds hardest to potty train: The Tough Ones 2023 Guide

Potty training is one of the most critical and challenging aspects of owning a dog. While some dog breeds are naturally fast learners in potty training, others can be difficult to train. In this article, we will be discussing the 40 dog breeds hardest to potty train.

Some dog breeds like American Pit Bull Terriers, Siberian Huskies, Bullmastiffs, Chinese Shar-Pei, Rottweilers, Afghan Hounds, Basset Hounds, Beagles, Dalmatians, Jack Russell Terrier, Pomeranians, and Dachshunds are known to be more challenging to train than others, and this can be due to various reasons, such as stubbornness, high energy levels, or small bladders.

It is important to note that every dog is unique and may require different levels of training, regardless of breed. However, understanding the characteristics of certain species can help you better prepare for the potty training process. Even the most difficult breeds can learn to become well-trained and obedient companions with patience, consistency, and proper training techniques. 

Let’s look at the 40 dog breeds that may require extra effort when it comes to potty training.

40 dog breeds hardest to potty train

Potty training a dog can be a long and challenging process, and some breeds require more patience and persistence than others. Below are 40 dog breeds that are considered to be the hardest to potty train:

1. Afghan Hound
2. Akita
3. Alaskan Malamute
4. Basset Hound
5. Beagle
6. Bichon Frise
7. Bloodhound
8. Boston Terrier
9. Boxer
10. Bull Terrier
11. Bulldog
12. Cairn Terrier
13. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
14. Chihuahua
15. Chow Chow
16. Cocker Spaniel
17. Dachshund
18. Dalmatian
19. Doberman Pinscher
20. English Setter
21. French Bulldog
22. German Shepherd
23. Golden Retriever
24. Great Dane
25. Greyhound
26. Irish Setter
27. Jack Russell Terrier
28. Lhasa Apso
29. Maltese
30. Miniature Pinscher
31. Newfoundland
32. Old English Sheepdog
33. Pekingese
34. Pomeranian
35. Poodle
36. Rottweiler
37. Shar Pei
38. Shih Tzu
39. Siberian Husky
40. Weimaraner

It’s important to remember that every dog is unique and may respond differently to potty training techniques. Even these breeds can become fully potty trained with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement.

What common characteristics of these dog breeds make them challenging to potty train?

Several characteristics are shared among the dog breeds listed as the 40 hardest to potty train. Here are some of them:

1. Stubbornness: Many of these breeds are known for being independent and strong-willed, which can make them resistant to following commands and learning new behaviors.
2. Intelligence: While intelligence is generally desirable in a dog, it can make potty training more challenging. Intelligent dogs may quickly learn how to manipulate their owners or find ways to avoid potty training altogether.
3. High Energy: Some breeds, such as the Siberian Husky and Weimaraner, have high energy levels and may become easily distracted or restless during potty training sessions.
4. Small Bladder Capacity: Small breeds, such as the Chihuahua and Pomeranian, have small bladder capacities, which means they may need to go outside more frequently and have a more challenging time holding their bladder for long periods.
5. Sensitivity: Certain breeds, such as the Shar Pei and Bulldog, may have sensitive skin or be prone to allergies, making accidents more likely if they become uncomfortable.

Overall, these breeds require a lot of patience and consistent training to overcome their unique challenges and become fully potty trained. 

What are the top 5 dog breeds hardest to potty train?

While potty training difficulties can vary from dog to dog, here are the top 5 dog breeds that are commonly considered to be the hardest to potty train:

1. Bichon Frise: This breed is notoriously difficult to potty train due to its stubborn and independent nature and its tendency to get distracted easily.
2. Chihuahua: Because of their small size and small bladder capacity, Chihuahuas may require frequent outside trips to avoid accidents. They can also be challenging to train due to their strong-willed personalities.
3. Dalmatian: Dalmatians have a reputation for being stubborn and independent, making potty training a challenge. They can also be easily distracted by their surroundings.
4. Jack Russell Terrier: This breed is known for being high-energy and easily distracted, which can challenge potty training. They may also be prone to marking behaviors indoors.
5. Siberian Husky: Huskies have a reputation for being difficult to train in general, and potty training is no exception. They have high energy levels and may become easily distracted during potty training sessions, making accidents more likely.

How to prepare for potty training a difficult breed

Preparing for potty training, a problematic breed, requires patience, consistency, and a positive training approach. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

1. Research the breed: Take the time to learn about the specific challenges associated with potty training the species you plan to adopt. Understanding their unique characteristics and tendencies will help you develop a targeted training plan.
2. Create a routine: Establish a consistent schedule for feeding, playing, and taking your dog outside to go potty. This will help your dog learn when to expect potty breaks and develop good habits.
3. Use positive reinforcement: Reward your dog with praise and treats for going potty outside. Avoid punishing your dog for accidents, which can create anxiety and make training more difficult.
4. Use a crate: Crating your dog when you cannot supervise them can help prevent accidents and encourage them to hold its bladder. Be sure to choose a crate that is the appropriate size for your dog, and never use it as a punishment.
5. Be patient: Potty training is difficult, can take time, and requires much patience. Celebrate small successes and stay consistent with your training approach.

What are some mistakes to avoid when potty training a difficult breed?

When potty training a problematic breed, there are several common mistakes to avoid:

1. Punishing accidents: Punishing your dog for accidents can create anxiety and make training more difficult. Instead, focus on rewarding good behavior and remaining patient during setbacks.
2. Inconsistency: Inconsistency in your training approach or schedule can confuse your dog and make it harder for them to learn good habits. Stick to a consistent routine and approach throughout the training process.
3. Not supervising your dog: It’s essential to supervise your dog closely during potty training to prevent accidents and reinforce good behavior. Keeping your dog supervised for long periods can lead to accidents and setbacks in their training.
4. Not using positive reinforcement: Positive reinforcement is vital to successful potty training. Reward your dog with praise and treats for going potty outside, and avoid using punishment or negative reinforcement.
5. Overreacting to accidents: Accidents are a normal part of the potty training process, and overreacting can create anxiety for your dog and make training more difficult. Instead, calmly clean up the mess and focus on reinforcing good behavior in the future.

Can any dog breed be successfully potty trained with proper training and consistency?

Yes, any dog breed can be successfully potty trained with proper training and consistency. However, some species may require more time and patience than others due to their unique characteristics and tendencies. Some breeds may be more challenging to train due to size, energy levels, or stubborn personalities.

It’s important to remember that every dog is an individual and may have unique challenges regarding potty training. Some dogs may require more frequent potty breaks or take longer to develop good habits. However, even difficult breeds can become fully potty trained with a positive training approach, consistency, and patience.

It’s also important to note that accidents are a normal part of the potty training process, and setbacks may occur. It’s essential to remain patient and avoid punishing your dog for accidents. Any dog can learn to become potty trained with the right approach and mindset.

What are some standard potty training methods, and which ones work best for difficult breeds?

There are several standard potty training methods, and the effectiveness of each technique can vary depending on the dog’s breed and personality. Here are some standard techniques:

1. Crate Training: This method involves keeping your dog in a crate when you cannot supervise them. Dogs naturally want to avoid soiling their sleeping area, so this can encourage them to hold their bladder and learn to go potty outside.
2. Paper Training: This method involves placing potty pads or newspapers in a designated area indoors for your dog to use. Gradually, the pads are moved closer to the door and outside until your dog is entirely potty trained.
3. Bell Training: This method involves hanging a bell on the door and ringing it whenever you take your dog outside to potty. Eventually, your dog will learn to associate the bell ringing with going out and may ring the bell themselves when they need to go out.
4. Routine Training: This method involves establishing a consistent routine for feeding, playing, and going outside to go potty. This can help your dog learn when to expect potty breaks and develop good habits.
5. Positive Reinforcement Training: This method involves rewarding your dog with praise and treats for successfully going potty outside. Positive reinforcement can be used in combination with any of the above methods.

For difficult breeds, crate and positive reinforcement training are the most effective methods. Crate training can help prevent accidents and encourage your dog to hold its bladder. In contrast, positive reinforcement training can encourage good behavior and help build a positive association with potty training.

 It’s essential to stay patient and consistent with any training method you choose and adjust your approach based on your dog’s needs and tendencies.

How to establish a consistent potty training routine for your dog

Establishing a consistent potty training routine is essential for potty training your dog. Here are some steps you can take to develop a routine:

1. Determine a schedule: Determine a consistent feeding, playing, and potty breaks schedule. Puppies usually need to go potty every 1-2 hours, while adult dogs can typically hold their bladder for 4-6 hours. Plan to take your dog outside for a potty break at regular intervals throughout the day.
2. Choose a designated potty area: Choose a designated area outside for your dog to go potty. Take your dog to this area every time you go out for a potty break to reinforce the association between the area and going potty.
3. Use a command word: Use a command word or phrase such as “go potty” or “do your business” to signal your dog that it’s time to go potty. Use the command word consistently whenever you take your dog outside for a potty break.
4. Reward good behavior: When your dog successfully goes potty outside, reward them with praise and a treat. This positive reinforcement will help reinforce good behavior and encourage your dog to continue going potty outside.
5. Supervise your dog: Supervise your dog closely during the potty training to prevent accidents and reinforce good behavior. If you cannot supervise your dog, keep them in a crate or confined area.
6. Stay consistent: Stick to the established schedule and routine throughout the potty training process. Consistency is vital to successfully potty training your dog.

What are some signs that your dog is not responding well to potty training, and what to do about it?

If your dog is not responding well to potty training, you may notice some of the following signs:

1. Frequent accidents: If your dog has frequent accidents inside the house, this may be a sign that they do not fully understand the concept of potty training.
2. Not showing interest in going outside: If your dog does not go outside for potty breaks, this may be a sign that they are not associating the outdoors with going potty.
3. Whining or scratching at the door: If your dog is whining or scratching at the entrance to go outside but not going potty when they get out, this may be a sign that they do not fully understand the concept of going potty outside.
4. Inconsistent behavior: If your dog is inconsistent with their potty training behavior, such as going potty outside one day but having accidents inside the next, this may be a sign that they need to fully understand the concept of potty training.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to reevaluate your potty training approach and make adjustments as needed. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Increase supervision: Increase the supervision of your dog to prevent accidents and reinforce good behavior. This may involve keeping your dog on a leash indoors or confined when you cannot supervise them.
2. Revisit your training approach: Revisit your potty training approach and adjust as needed. This may involve trying a different training method, such as crate training or bell training, or changing the timing and frequency of potty breaks.
3. Consult with a professional: If you’re having difficulty potty training your dog, consider consulting with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist for guidance and support.

How to properly use positive reinforcement to encourage potty training success

Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool for encouraging potty training success. Here are some tips for using positive reinforcement effectively:

1. Use rewards: Use rewards such as treats, praise, and playtime to reinforce good potty training behavior. When your dog goes potty outside, immediately give them a treat and praise them for their excellent behavior.
2. Be consistent: Consistency is critical when using positive reinforcement. Use rewards every time your dog goes potty outside to reinforce the behavior and help your dog understand that going potty outside is a good thing.
3. Timing is everything: The timing of your rewards is essential. Reward your dog immediately after they go potty outside so they associate the reward with the behavior.
4. Choose the right reward: Choose a reward your dog loves and finds motivating. This may be a particular type of treat or toy.
5. Don’t punish your dog: Punishing your dog for accidents can be counterproductive and may lead to anxiety or fear around potty training. Instead, focus on rewarding good behavior and ignoring accidents.
6. Gradually phase out rewards: Once your dog has established good potty training habits, you can gradually phase out rewards over time. Start by giving rewards every other time your dog goes potty outside, and progressively reduce the frequency of rewards until they are no longer necessary.

How to crate train a difficult breed for potty training success

Crate training is a popular potty training method that can be effective for difficult breeds. Here are the steps to crate train your dog for potty training success:

1. Please choose the right crate: Choose a crate that is the appropriate size for your dog, with enough room for them to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
2. Introduce the crate: Introduce your dog to the crate gradually, using positive reinforcement to create a positive association with the crate. Start by placing treats and toys inside the crate and encouraging your dog to explore them.
3. Use the crate for short periods: Begin by using the crate for short periods, gradually increasing the length of time your dog spends in the crate. Always supervise your dog while they are in the crate.
4. Use the crate for potty training: Use the crate as a potty training tool by taking your dog outside immediately after they are released from the crate. This will help them learn to associate going potty with being outside.
5. Don’t use the crate as punishment: Never use the crate as punishment, as this can create negative associations with the crate and hinder potty training progress.
6. Be consistent: Consistency is key when crate training. Stick to a consistent schedule for crate time and potty breaks, and consistently reward your dog for good behavior.
7. Gradually increase freedom: As your dog becomes more reliable with potty training, you can gradually increase their freedom by allowing them to spend more time outside the crate.

What are some other training methods to consider for difficult breeds?

In addition to crate training and positive reinforcement, several other training methods can be effective for difficult breeds regarding potty training. Here are a few to consider:

1. Paper training: It involves teaching your dog to go potty on a specific spot, usually on a pad or newspaper. This method can be helpful if you live in an apartment or cannot take your dog outside frequently. However, this method may take longer to fully potty train your dog.
2. Bell training: Bell training involves hanging a bell near your door and ringing it whenever you take your dog outside for a potty break. Eventually, your dog will learn to ring the bell when they need to go outside. This method can be helpful for dogs that are hesitant to ask to go outside.
3. Schedule training: Schedule training involves sticking to a strict schedule for potty breaks and feeding times. By keeping a consistent schedule, your dog will learn when to expect potty breaks and may be less likely to have accidents.
4. Crate-and-tether training: This method involves using a crate when you are not home or unable to supervise your dog and tethering your dog to you when you are home to keep them under close supervision. This method can be effective for dogs prone to accidents or destructive behavior.

It’s important to remember that every dog is different, and what works for one dog may not work for another.

How to properly clean up accidents and prevent them from happening again

Accidents are bound to happen during potty training, even with the most challenging breeds. It’s essential to clean up accidents properly and take steps to prevent them from happening again. Here’s how:

1. Clean up accidents immediately: Clean up accidents immediately to prevent stains and odors. Use an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed for pet stains and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Don’t scold your dog: Never scold your dog for having an accident, as this can create negative associations with going potty and hinder progress.
3. Take your dog outside immediately: Take your dog outside immediately after cleaning up an accident to reinforce the proper place to go potty.
4. Monitor your dog closely: Keep a close eye on your dog to prevent accidents from happening. If your dog starts to sniff or circle, take them outside immediately.
5. Stick to a consistent schedule: Stick to a consistent schedule for potty breaks, feeding times, and playtime. This will help your dog learn when to expect potty breaks and reduce the likelihood of accidents.
6. Use positive reinforcement: Praise and reward your dog for good behavior, such as going potty outside or ringing a bell to signal they need to go outside.

Can hiring a professional dog trainer help with potty training difficult breeds?

Yes, hiring a professional dog trainer can be very helpful in potty training difficult breeds. A professional trainer can offer expert advice, personalized training plans, and support throughout the potty training.

A professional trainer can also help identify any underlying issues contributing to potty training difficulties, such as anxiety or health issues. They can then work with you to develop a training plan that addresses these issues and helps your dog overcome their potty training challenges.

Additionally, a professional trainer can help teach you how to use positive reinforcement and other effective techniques to encourage potty training success. They can also establish a consistent routine and identify any mistakes you may be making that could be hindering progress.

What factors may affect a dog’s ability to be potty trained?

Several factors can affect a dog’s ability to be potty trained, including:

1. Age: Older dogs may have developed bad habits and may take longer to learn new ones than younger dogs.
2. Health issues: Certain medical conditions, such as urinary tract infections, may make it more difficult for a dog to control their bladder and bowel movements.
3. Breed: As discussed earlier, some species are more difficult to potty train than others due to their physical and behavioral characteristics.
4. Training method: Different dogs respond better to different training methods. Some dogs may do well with positive reinforcement, while others may need more structured training.
5. Consistency: Inconsistency in training can confuse dogs and make it more difficult for them to learn proper potty training behavior.
6. Living environment: Dogs in busy households or apartments may have difficulty finding a consistent potty area. In contrast, dogs in more spacious homes or yards may have more opportunities to go outside.
7. Owner’s lifestyle: Owners who work long hours or have busy schedules may have difficulty maintaining a consistent potty training routine for their dogs.

How to manage a difficult breed’s potty training during inclement weather or other challenges?

Managing a difficult breed’s potty training during inclement weather or other challenges can be challenging, but there are several strategies you can use to help your dog succeed:

1. Plan: Check the weather forecast and plan your potty breaks accordingly. If it’s going to be rainy or snowy, you may need to take your dog outside more frequently than usual.
2. Invest in appropriate gear: Ensure your dog has the proper equipment, such as a raincoat or boots for inclement weather. This can keep them comfortable and encourage them to go outside.
3. Create an indoor potty area: Consider creating an indoor potty area, such as a designated spot on a pee pad or a litter box. This can be especially helpful during extreme weather conditions or if your dog has mobility issues.
4. Use positive reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement consistently, even during challenging conditions. Reward your dog when they successfully go potty outside or in the designated indoor area.
5. Stay patient and persistent: Potty training is a difficult breed that takes time and consistency. Stay patient and persistent, even during challenging conditions, and continue to work with your dog to develop good potty training habits.

Can age or health issues affect a dog’s ability to be potty trained?

Yes, age and health issues can affect a dog’s ability to be potty trained. Older dogs may have difficulty controlling their bladder and bowel movements and may be more prone to accidents. In addition, specific health issues, such as urinary tract infections or incontinence, can make it more difficult for dogs to control their bladder and bowel movements, even if they are otherwise well-trained.

It’s essential to work with your veterinarian to address any health issues impacting your dog’s potty training and to adjust your training routine as needed to accommodate any age-related changes in your dog’s behavior. This may include taking your dog outside more frequently, providing extra opportunities for potty breaks, or adjusting your training methods to suit your dogs needs better.

Conclusion

In conclusion, on 40 dog breeds hardest to potty train, potty training can be a challenge for any dog owner, but some species are notoriously difficult to train in this area. The 40 dog breeds listed in this article, including the Basset Hound, Dachshund, and Siberian Husky, may require extra patience, consistency, and specialized training methods to achieve potty training success.

However, it’s important to remember that every dog is unique and may have challenges regarding potty training. Any dog breed can be successfully potty trained with proper training, patience, and consistency.

If you’re struggling to potty train your dog, consider consulting with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist for guidance. They can help you develop a tailored training plan that considers your dog’s needs and challenges.