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15 Easiest Dogs To Potty Train

By: Arlene Divina
Arlene Divina, one of the content writers at IHD, loves going on adventures with her adorable fur baby. She now creates informative content for pet parents. Read more
| September 6, 2024
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If you’re a new dog parent, you likely want a dog that’s easy to care for, especially regarding potty training. Some dog breeds are known for being quick learners, helping you avoid the stress of frequent accidents in your home. While every dog learns at its own pace, certain breeds stand out for their intelligence and fast adaptability to training. The easier a dog is to potty train, the less you’ll need to worry about keeping your home clean and smelling fresh.

Havanese

Havanese puppy resting
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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 possible. These little dogs love learning new tricks and 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

Shiba Inu Potty Training
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If you want a dog that’s born housebroken, Shibas are the closest you’ll get. They’ll likely start learning fast if they have easy access to the outside. Shiba puppies like to ensure they do their business as far away from where they sleep as possible. Thus, even at a young age, they’ll try to hold their bladder overnight. Cleanliness comes naturally to these little dogs, so they’re often potty trained in record times.

Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise outside
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Bichons are gentle, charming, and intelligent. When crate-trained, Bichons also quickly pick up potty training since they don’t like peeking in their sleeping space. Like Havanese, they’re eager to please, making potty training a walk in the park. These adorable pups can also be very alert, so once they learn where to do their business, they won’t hesitate to let you know when they need to go.

Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature Schnauzer potty training
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Schnauzers of all sizes can be fast learners, but Miniature Schnauzers are incredibly attentive and reliable. Some Schnauzers might pick up on potty training only days after they come home. But that’s only if you’re gentle, positive, and consistent. Schnauzers can be sensitive, so harsh punishments might deter them from learning new skills.

Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu learning tricks
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Shih Tzus has a reputation for being stubborn and independent, which aren’t the qualities you’ll want for house training. But luckily, they’re also loving, food-motivated dogs. So, with enough praise and attention, they’ll happily do whatever you ask. Tempting a Shih Tzu with tasty treats is the key to getting them to do their business outside.

Maltese

Maltese potty training
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These tiny pups might have tiny bladders but are also quick learners. So, if you take them out often and encourage them using positive reinforcements, they’ll learn what to do in no time. Maltese are often potty trained before they even arrive at their new home. And as a bonus, they’re one of the dog breeds that smell the least.

Papillon

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Papillons are great pets because they closely bond with humans and always want to please them. They learn commands in no time as long as you use positive reinforcement. If potty training makes you happy, they’ll do their best to remember it. Their compassion also makes them excellent therapy dogs.

Boston Terrier

Boston Terrier training
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Boston Terriers have a lot of energy and short attention spans. Thus, training can be a more tedious process for them. But with an assertive human, they can be potty trained in no time. Boston Terriers learn best from patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. The two of you will also form a closer bond while training.

Border Collie

Border Collie outside
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Border Collies are among the most intelligent dog breeds, making them one of the easiest dogs to potty train. They have natural herding instincts and can start herding sheep without training. So, with plenty of kindness and praise, you can teach them basic concepts quickly. To keep their mind busy, you might also want to teach them some advanced tricks too.

Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retriever puppy in training
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Like Border Collies, Labs are also easy to train because they’re a working breed. You’ll often see Labs as service dogs, therapy dogs, and sometimes police dogs. With positive reinforcement training, these dogs can pick up on any tricks in no time. If you’re willing to complete plenty of training sessions with this dog breed, training will be easily manageable.Doberman Pinschers might look tough, but they’re very sensitive and eager to please. They’re intelligent and fearless when they have to be. So, a dog capable of search and rescue duties should have no problem learning where to do their business. With plenty of love and rewards, they should pick it up in only a few days.

Doberman Pinscher

Doberman Pinscher
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Doberman Pinschers might look tough but are very sensitive and eager to please. They’re intelligent and fearless when they have to be. So, a dog capable of searching and rescuing should have no problem learning where to do their business. With plenty of love and rewards, they should pick it up in only a few days.

German Shepherd

German Shepherd Dog Potty Training
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These strong police dogs can learn so many advanced tricks that potty training won’t take much time. They’re hardworking and willing to do whatever they can to make their humans proud. They need a human who is assertive but still encouraging. Once your German Shepherd masters potty training, future training opportunities will be endless.

Australian Shepherd

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Australian Shepherds are intelligent herding dogs, much like Border Collies. They can quickly master their duties in a farm setting, so they’re also fast learners in home environments. If you crate train your Australian Shepherd, they’ll likely pick up on house training even sooner. They don’t like to soil their sleeping area and love spending as much time outside as possible.

Standard Poodle

White standard poodle
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Poodles might be known for their good looks, but they should also be appreciated for their brains. Standard Poodles are highly intelligent and respond well to new commands. Like all dogs, they need patience and consistency, but learning where the bathroom is won’t take long. Poodles are slightly more stubborn than Labs but can be just as obedient with the right trainer.

Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dog puppy potty training
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Bernese Mountain Dogs make great family dogs. Not only are they adorable, but they’re also happy and well-behaved. They’re more clever than they seem, and they always want to ensure that they make their humans proud. They’re a popular breed because they quickly pick up on new rules and commands, including potty training.

The Potty Training Legends

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Training a dog takes time, and it won’t happen overnight. You must remain consistent with your methods and be patient to let your pup figure things out. Dogs can’t learn where to do their business without proper guidance, and that’s where you come in. Choosing one of the easiest dogs to potty train can make the process smoother, but putting in the work is still essential. With dedication, consistency, and positive reinforcement, your dog will soon master the art of potty training.

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