19 Easiest Dogs To Potty-Train: Guide for a New Dog Owner

We bring a new dog to our homes, and right after that, the problem of potty training hits us.

It is possible to avoid getting tons of dog-training books or having a professional dog trainer looking after our new friend if we could only understand what it takes for a dog to be trained, and therefore make it easy for ourselves by going through things step by step.

To help you in this matter, I have compiled a list of 19 easiest dogs to potty train so that you can avoid unnecessary confusion.

Potty-training a puppy requires a lot of patience and effort, but the idea of potty-training dogs doesn’t have to intimidate. There are many different ways to train your dog to use the bathroom outside. Some methods work with puppies and others are for older dogs.

Large Dogs That Are Easiest to Potty-Train

When you’re new to dog ownership, the task of potty training your dog can seem daunting and it may be easy to give up before you even start. You might be worrying that your new pet will never learn to eliminate outside with human help.

Why is housebreaking any different with large dogs? Let’s check each one out:

1 – Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherd dogs are very intelligent, loyal, and easy to train. They are often used as herding dogs because of their agility and endurance.

australian sheperd dog in the bush

They are also known for their energetic personality, which makes them great companions for active families. They love to be outside in the sun and will play with you all day long if you let them!

Australian Shepherds have been bred for centuries in Australia as working sheepdogs. This means that they have excellent instincts for herding livestock—they’re natural herders who know how to lead sheep without any formal training required.

Because of this strong instinctual drive, Australian Shepherds are easy to train, and yes, this includes potty-training.

You can teach them tricks like fetching sticks or balls or walking on a leash from an early age without ever having to use force or treats to motivate them into doing what you want them to do, so potty-training would be a walk in the park (even literally).

2 – Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog originated in Switzerland and has been used as a farm dog, guard dog and cart puller. This dog has a kind disposition, and is very loyal to its family. It thrives on human interaction and love.

bernese mountain dog standing on the road

They are playful and active indoors but will lay around the house when it’s cold outside. They are also protective of their family members and make good watch dogs.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are easy to train because they are intelligent dogs who respond well to positive reinforcement training methods such as clickers or treats. This makes it very easy to potty-train them!

They are also eager learners who enjoy learning new things, which makes them excellent candidates for agility training or other sports activities such as flyball or skijoring (riding on skis while being pulled by dogs).

3 – Brittany

The origins of Brittany spaniels are somewhat unclear. Some people think they originated in Brittany, France; others believe they are descended from Irish water spaniels.

brittany spaniel dog breed

In any case, these dogs were used as hunting dogs and were often trained to retrieve birds and small game. Because of their adaptability, Brittanys have been used by many countries’ militaries, including the US Navy and Coast Guard.

Brittanys are very energetic and playful, but they can also be quite affectionate with their owners! They tend to get along well with other dogs and cats as well as children if properly socialized from an early age.

They are eager to please their owners and are eager to learn new things so training should go smoothly for this breed if you stick to positive reinforcement methods such as treats or clicker training, making it quite easy to introduce something new to their routine, such as potty-training.

4 – Border Collie

If you’re looking for an easy-to-train (including potty-training) dog, look no further than the Border Collie. These dogs are intelligent, energetic, and eager to please. They are also one of the smartest dog breeds in existence. Their intelligence makes them easy to train—and their energy makes them easy to walk!

border collie with black and white coat

Border Collies are excellent herders and have been used by farmers for centuries to herd sheep and cows. They are also known as “the thinking dog,” because they have been trained to do everything from finding missing people to searching for drugs at airports.

They have even been known to help out with search-and-rescue missions.

These dogs are great family pets who love to play games with their owners, but they need a lot of exercise every day—they need more than just a walk around the block. A Border Collie needs daily walks (or runs) outside where they can stretch their legs and burn off some extra energy.

5 – Doberman Pinscher

Doberman Pinschers are large dogs with a stocky build and a short coat. They come in different colors, but are most often black or red.

doberman pinscher on a white background

Doberman Pinschers are easy to train because they are intelligent, quick learners. They have a strong desire to please their owners, so once you have taught them what they need to know, they will repeat it over and over again with little encouragement.

They are also very loyal and protective of their family members, so they will do anything to keep your home safe from intruders or other dangers.

Dobermans love exercise! They will spend hours running around the yard or playing fetch in the park with their favorite toy.

This is a great way for them to relieve stress and burn off any excess energy that might cause destructive behaviors like chewing furniture or barking excessively at other dogs passing by on walks through town (which can be annoying if there aren’t many people around).

6 – Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are the perfect dog for first-time owners. They’re large, active dogs with a friendly nature and a desire to please. They’re also incredibly intelligent, which makes them easy to train.

black labrador sitiing next to yellow flowers

Labrador Retrievers were originally bred as retrievers for hunting, so they’re good at following instructions and getting things done.

They’re also very friendly with humans, so they’re likely to listen when you ask them to do something—whether it’s fetching your slippers or going outside to do their business. So, imagine how easy it would be to lead them to potty-train!

7 – German Shepherd

Are German Shepherds easy to potty train? German Shepherds are wonderful dogs, but they can be a little bit stubborn at times. Their size and strength make them a challenge for first-time owners to train. However, German Shepherds are highly intelligent dogs that learn quickly.

german sheperd running on snow

They are also very loyal and affectionate, making them a great choice for families that have children or other pets in the home.

One reason why German Shepherds are so easy to potty train is because they almost always relieve themselves outside of the house when they feel the urge.

This means that you will only have to clean up an occasional accident inside your home if your dog is left alone for too long without being taken outside first. If you take them out regularly (at least twice per day), you should have no problems with housebreaking at all since this breed is so clean by nature anyway!

8 – Goldendoodle

The Goldendoodle is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. They are known for their intelligence, loyalty, affectionate nature and sweet disposition. The Goldendoodle makes for an excellent family pet as well as an excellent companion dog for an active person or couple.

The Goldendoodle is an intelligent dog that learns quickly and easily. They require little effort from their owners to learn new commands and tricks.

goldendoodle lying on the grass

This makes them easy to potty train as they will quickly pick up on what it takes to go outside when they need to do their business rather than going inside where they may make a mess on your carpet or flooring if you don’t take time out of your day to take them out at regular intervals throughout the day when they are young so they can become accustomed to going outside whenever they need too instead of relying on someone else being around all the time while they grow up so they can learn this important skill early on before it becomes harder for them later down the road once they get older.

9 – Kai Ken

The Kai Ken is an ancient Japanese hunting dog that has been used for centuries as a hunting companion.

They are known for being unusually balanced and intelligent, making them great dogs for people who are interested in a new pet but aren’t sure if they want to commit to a long-term relationship with one particular breed.

This breed is known for being extremely friendly with people and other animals, but they can also be very aggressive towards unfamiliar dogs or strangers.

In order to ensure that your Kai Ken doesn’t get into any trouble when you’re away from home, it’s important to socialize them early on so they feel comfortable around other dogs and people in general.

10 – Newfoundland

Newfoundland dogs are large, powerful dogs that originated in Newfoundland, Canada. They were originally bred as working dogs to haul fishing nets and help fishermen.

newfoundland lying on the ground with sunflowers as background

Nowadays they’re more likely to be seen as family pets, but they still retain the loyalty and friendliness that made them such good working dogs in the past.

Newfoundlands are easy to potty-train because they are well-mannered dogs with a natural tendency to obey commands. They can be trained to follow your lead when you take them out for walks or on other outings, too!

They’re also very patient with children, so if you have young kids at home this could be a great choice for your family.

11 – Standard Poodle

If you’re looking for a dog breed that’s easy to train, look no further than the Standard Poodle. These dogs are extremely smart and eager to please, so they’ll pick up on potty training quickly.

They also love to play and can be very playful around their human family members. But Standard Poodles aren’t just great at learning tricks—they’re also really good with children!

See? Dogs that are large in size do not necessarily qualify as the hardest dogs to potty-train. All you need is the right information on how these dogs are trained and managed!

Small Dogs That Are Easiest to Potty Train

It is thought that any small-sized dog can easily be potty trained. However, there are some small dogs have lower chances of using your floors as their bathrooms. Here you will find the list of best house dogs to train, this time we focus on small dogs that are easy to potty train.

12 – Bichon Frise

It is a cute, fluffy ball of fur that can be easily trained and are good at learning tricks, including potty-training. They are playful and affectionate dogs, especially with kids.

bichone frise lying on green grass with yelow flowers

They love to cuddle and they can get along with other pets as well. They are very social and friendly dogs so they will not bark at strangers or other people. Bichons are lap dogs so they love being around their owners.

Bichons have a special way of communicating with humans through their eyes which makes them easy to understand what they want from you, whether it’s to play or having something else done for them such as going outside for potty break or having their teeth brushed.

13 – Boston Terrier

These little guys are affectionate, but they’re also stubborn and independent. This makes them a great fit for people who want a dog that’s easy to train but not so eager to please that they’re always begging for attention.

They’re also smart, which means they learn quickly. You’ll be able to teach them new tricks quickly, such as potty-training, which makes them fun to teach.

boston terrier with black and white coat

Boston Terriers are small dogs with short hair and pointy ears. They have a long history as show dogs (which means they’ve been bred over time to have certain features), but they’re also good family pets because they’re energetic and playful.

14 – Havanese

Havanese dogs are small, fluffy, and easy to train. They are one of the best breeds for new dog owners—and they’re a great option if you’re looking for a small dog that potty-trains easily.

Havanese were originally bred in Cuba to herd livestock, but they have since been used as companion dogs. They’re famous for their long coats and sweet temperament.

Havanese are known for being very friendly and affectionate with both humans and other animals. They love to play with children and other dogs. One of the reasons why Havanese are so easy to potty-train is because they are eager to please their owners.

They’re also naturally clean dogs who hate getting dirty—so if you teach them what it means when they make a mess on the floor (or wherever), then they’ll quickly learn where not to go when nature calls!

15 – Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature Schnauzers are a small dog breed that make great family pets. They are smart, loyal and friendly. They are also easy to train and housebreak, which makes them a great choice for new dog owners.

cute face mini schnauzer

They are very active, so they will want to go outside often. This means that you’ll be able to take them out more often than other breeds of dogs who may not be so high energy or active during the day time hours when most people are busy with other things.

They are playful dogs who love attention from their owners as well as playing with other pets in your household like cats or other dogs!

16 – Maltese

Maltese dogs are small terriers with long, silky white hair and perky ears that are almost always erect. They were originally bred as companion dogs but have since become popular show dogs due to their elegance and intelligence.

This breed is known for its devotion to its owner, meaning they will do whatever it takes to please you—including learning new tricks! You’ll notice when training your Maltese that they learn quickly, particularly when it comes to potty training.

The reason why this breed is so easy to train is because of their high energy levels: they love being active and they love learning new things. This makes them one of the easiest breeds out there!

17 – Papillon

Papillon in French means “butterfly”. Papillon dogs are one of the easiest breeds to potty train. They’re small, so they can be taken out for walks more frequently than larger breeds, which helps them learn faster and more easily.

papillon dog breed

Papillons are known for their friendliness and loyalty, which makes them good companions for apartment living. They’re also great at socializing with other pets in the household, which makes training them easier because they don’t tend to be territorial about their space.

Lastly, Papillons are very intelligent dogs and tend to pick up on commands quickly—they’re quick learners!

18 – Shiba Inu

The origin of the Shiba Inu is Japan and they were originally bred as hunting dogs. Because they were bred as hunting dogs, they are extremely intelligent, independent, and stubborn. They need a lot of socialization early in life because they can be very protective of their territory and people they care about.

Shiba Inus are easy to potty train because they do not like going outside in bad weather conditions such as rain or snow so you can easily encourage them to go outside when it’s nice out!

They also only have one litter per year so you won’t have to worry about cleaning up after puppies if you’re planning on having a litter of your own!

19 – Shih Tzu

Are shih tzus easy to potty train? Yes, they are!

shih tzu

Shih Tzus are known for their long silky coats and affectionate nature. They were originally bred as companion dogs in China and have been kept as pets for hundreds of years.

Their popularity has spread worldwide as they are now available in most countries. Shih Tzus are very loyal to their owners and make great family pets.

Shih Tzus are very intelligent and easy to train, but they do need lots of socialization when they’re younger otherwise they could become shy or timid around strangers later on in life.

What Makes a Dog Easy to Potty Train?

When you get a new dog, you want to make sure they’re easy to potty train. It’s a lot of work, and you don’t want to have to go through the trouble of housebreaking your pup if it doesn’t have to be that way.

Here are some factors that make dogs easier to potty train:

  • Younger dogs are usually easier because they haven’t formed bad habits yet.
  • Dogs who are already well trained are also easier because they already know how to hold their business in until they get outside.
  • Dogs with high energy levels tend to have accidents less often because they’re more active and will take more walks or play more often than a low energy dog would.
  • Dogs that have undergone classes through Petco dog trainers.

Potty Talk: Answers to Your Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Potty Train Your Puppy?

Potty training is one of the most important things you’ll do as a new dog owner. It’s also one of the most stressful—and for good reason! You’re working with a new puppy who doesn’t know what’s going on, and you have to teach her to eliminate on command and in specific locations.

golden retriever puppy peed on the carpet

But don’t worry—it can be done, and I’m here to help!

Check out these tips for potty training your puppy:

  • Set up a schedule. This will help your pup learn when they need to go outside and when it’s okay to use the bathroom indoors.
  • Take your puppy outside often throughout the day so they get used to going outside instead of in the house (your puppy may just not know how to communicate this yet).
  • Always take your puppy outside after eating or drinking, playing with other dogs, or waking up from naps (your puppy may be more likely to have an accident if they had been sleeping).
  • Don’t leave any kind of punishment or reprimand until after your pup has gone outside; this could confuse them and make things worse.
  • Always bring eco-friendly dog poop bags to make sure you clean up after your pup!

Is It Easier to Potty Train Male or Female Dogs?

On average, female dogs are more receptive to their owners’ training efforts and have fewer behavioral issues than males. Male dogs can be more stubborn and harder to train, but they also tend to be more independent and less needy than females.

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance dog that won’t require a lot of attention from you, then consider adopting a female puppy. Female puppies tend to be more submissive than males, which means that they’re easier for their owners to train.

But if you want a dog who will challenge you on your walks and keep you active throughout the day, then consider adopting a male puppy instead. Male puppies tend to be more energetic than females and can make great companions for those who enjoy hiking or jogging with their pets.

What Are the Most Difficult Dog Breeds to Potty Train?

I’ve found that some breeds of dogs are more likely to have accidents than others. If you’re considering a breed that’s not on the lists I provided, I would recommend working with a professional trainer who specializes in that particular breed or type of dog before bringing your new pup home.

dog sitting on the toilet

You’ll be able to get all of your questions answered and make sure that your fur baby is ready for the transition from their old home to their new one.

When Should a Dog Be 100% Potty Trained?

It’s important to note that while they’re a puppy, and here’s why.

A puppy’s bladder is tiny and they don’t have the cognitive ability to understand what it means to be potty trained. They also don’t have the physical ability to hold their bladder for very long. So if you’re not potty-training your puppy from the beginning, it’ll be much harder for them to learn later on.

The good news is that the younger your dog is when you start potty training, the easier it will be for them to grasp this concept later in life.

Plus, if you start as early as possible, there’s a better chance that your dog will be completely housebroken by the time they’re fully grown (which could take anywhere from 2-4 years).

Conclusion

The lists I provided include the most popular breeds and dog types that are among the easiest to potty train, and they were chosen for their calm and confident temperaments, and their ability to take direction from their owners.

When you have a new pet, one of the most important things to learn is proper potty-training techniques.

Dogs tend to pick up bad habits very easily, and making sure they are only leaving their wastes outside is key to having a healthy dog. You don’t want your family to be dealing with any type of health issues due to an unhealthy pet, so it’s always best to start the process off right.

I hope these exhaustive lists help you, and please feel free to leave me a message anytime!

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Lovelia Horn

I’m a certified crazy dog mom, a physical therapist (for hoomans), writer, animal rescuer, and foster home provider. Together with my hubby Ryan, I’ve fostered and helped look for forever homes for over a hundred shelter dogs in the Southern Illinois area. I mostly work with Puppy Rescue 911, Inc., a certified animal rescue organization based out of Chester, IL (home of Popeye!)

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