20 Dog Breeds that are the Easiest to Potty Train

Bringing home a new puppy is an exhilarating experience filled with joy and anticipation. However, amidst all the excitement, it’s crucial to remember that a little preparation can go a long way in ensuring a smooth transition for both you and your furry companion. Potty training, in particular, is an essential aspect of welcoming a new dog into your home. While some dogs catch on quickly, others may present a more significant challenge. That’s why it’s vital to invest time and effort into researching potty training techniques and understanding the temperament and needs of different breeds. In this blog, we highlight 20 dog breeds that are the easiest to potty train.

This page may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure here.

20 Dog Breeds that are the easiest to potty train

Labrador Retriever
Golden Retriever
Poodle (Standard, Miniature, or Toy Breed)
German Shepherd
Border Collie
Boxer
Shih Tzu
Bichon Frise
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Dachshund
Australian Shepherd
Maltese
Papillon
Cocker Spaniel
Beagle
Havanese
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Boston Terrier
Shetland Sheepdog
Yorkshire Terrier

The 20 dogs listed above are all highly intelligent breeds, fast learners and known for their eagerness to please. However, keep in mind that individual dogs may vary, and proper training techniques, consistency, and positive reinforcement are essential for successful potty training regardless of the breed.

Why Each of these 20 Dog Breeds is Easy to Potty Train

Below you will find each of the 20 breeds that are easy to potty train. It will also describe their personality traits that lend a hand to their ability to potty train easily. In addition, I have included a few potty training tips for each breed, but all tips can be used across all dogs.

You do not have to get a purebred dog. Many shelters have great mixed breeds that are intelligent dogs and can easily be housebroken.  Better yet, you can find many shelter dogs to rescue that are already housebroken and skip the whole potty training days! This will save a lot on your carpet cleaner and mopping floors.

1 – Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are Intelligent, eager to please, and highly trainable.

Potty Training Tips for Labrador Retrievers:

Great family dogs so you can take the fun task of potty training your new pup plus a kid if you were really up for it!
Use a designated cue word or phrase to signal that it’s time to go outside to eliminate.

2 – Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are an intelligent breed, gentle, and highly trainable.

Potty Training Tips for Golden Retrievers:

Tend to be one of the most popular dog breeds so you can find amazing help and guidance online and with a trainer to help you on your potty training journey with a Golden Retriever
Create a designated potty area in the yard and consistently take them to that spot to reinforce the desired behavior.

3 – Poodle (Standard, Miniature, or Toy)

Poodles are highly intelligent, quick learners, and eager to please.

Potty Training Tips for Poodles:

Use positive reinforcement, such as treats and verbal praise, to reward them for going potty in the right place.
Create a consistent schedule for feeding, playtime, and potty breaks to establish a routine.

4 – German Shepherd

German Shepherds are Intelligent, obedient, and eager to work.

Potty Training Tips for German Shepherds:

Crate training can be effective for potty training as it teaches them to hold their bladder and wait until they are outside.
Daily Exercise is crucial for this breed and the best way to help establish a routine for their potty training.

5 – Border Collie

Border Collies are highly intelligent, trainable, and eager to work.

Potty Training Tips for Border Collies:

Engage them in regular mental and physical exercise to prevent boredom and reduce accidents. This breed loves to be taught new tricks!
Incorporate crate training and reward-based methods to reinforce desired potty behaviors.

6 – Boxer

Boxers are intelligent, eager to please, and respond well to positive reinforcement.

Potty Training Tips for Boxers:

Establish a consistent routine and take them outside frequently, especially after meals or naps.
Use a crate or confinement area to prevent accidents when you cannot supervise them.

7 – Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are intelligent, alert, and can be relatively easy to housebreak.

Potty Training Tips for Shih Tzus:

Utilize crate training to teach them bladder control and limit access to other areas of the house.
Be patient and consistent with positive reinforcement to reinforce desired potty behaviors.

8 – Bichon Frise

Bichon Frises are intelligent, eager to please, and responds well to positive reinforcement.

Potty Training Tips for Bichon Frises::

Establish a regular feeding schedule to regulate their bathroom habits.
Create a designated potty area indoors or outdoors and consistently take them there for elimination.

9 – Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are intelligent, gentle, and eager to please.

Potty Training Tips for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels:

Use crate training to assist with potty training and teach them to hold their bladder.
These breeds are low-maintenance dogs that are a perfect match for someone older who can’t get outside a lot for their potty time

10 – Dachshund

Dachshunds are intelligent, and determined, and respond well to positive reinforcement.

Potty Training Tips for Dachshunds:

Establish a regular routine for feeding, playtime, and potty breaks to help them learn when and where to go.
Use crate training to prevent accidents and provide them with a safe and comfortable space.

11 – Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherds are intelligent, eager to please, and quick learners.

Potty Training Tips for Australian Shepherds: :

Implement positive reinforcement and reward-based training methods to reinforce desired potty behaviors.
Provide them with regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent accidents caused by boredom.

12 – Maltese

Malteses are Intelligent, adaptable, and can be relatively easy to potty train.

Potty Training Tips for Malteses::

Use a consistent schedule for bathroom breaks and reward them with praise or treats for eliminating them in the appropriate spot.
Monitor their water intake and adjust accordingly to prevent frequent accidents.

13 – Papillon

Papillons are intelligent, eager to please, and respond well to positive reinforcement.

Potty Training Tips for Papillons:

Establish a routine for potty breaks and consistently take them outside or to a designated indoor area.
Use verbal cues and praise to let them know they’ve done well after eliminating in the right spot.

14 – Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels are intelligent, eager to please, and can be relatively easy to housebreak.

Potty Training Tips for Cocker Spaniels::

Consistency is key—establish a routine for potty breaks and stick to it.
Provide them with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent accidents caused by excess energy.

15 – Beagle

Beagles are intelligent, and curious, and can be relatively easy to housebreak.

Potty Training Tips for Beagles:

Use positive reinforcement, such as treats or playtime, to reward them for going potty in the appropriate area.
Wes was part Beagle so I of course think this is a great choice for a dog! He had accidents but nothing we could not manage.

16 – Havanese

Havanese are intelligent, affectionate, and can be relatively easy to housebreak.

Potty Training Tips for Havaneses:

Establish a consistent schedule for potty breaks and reinforce desired behaviors with praise or treats.
Utilize crate training to assist with potty training and teach them to hold their bladder.

17 – Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are intelligent, trainable, and eager to please.

Potty Training Tips for Pembroke Welsh Corgis:

Use a consistent command or cue word to signal when it’s time for them to go potty.
Monitor their access to food and water and establish regular feeding times to regulate their bathroom habits.

18 – Boston Terrier

Boston Terriers are intelligent, eager to please, and quick learners.

Potty Training Tips for Boster Terriers::

Consistency is key—establish a routine for potty breaks and stick to it.
Use positive reinforcement and reward-based training methods to reinforce desired potty behaviors.

19 – Shetland Sheepdog

Shetland Sheepdogs are intelligent, responsive, and can be relatively easy to housebreak.

Potty Training Tips for Shetland Sheepdogs::

Use a designated potty area outdoors and consistently take them there for elimination.
Be patient and consistent with positive reinforcement to reinforce the desired potty behaviors.

20 – Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers are intelligent, alert, and can be relatively easy to potty train.

Potty Training Tips for Yorkshire Terriers::

Utilize crate training to teach them bladder control and prevent accidents when you cannot supervise them.
Establish a regular schedule for potty breaks and reward them for going to the appropriate spot.

Remember, while these 20 dog breeds have a reputation for being easy to potty train, individual dogs may still require patience, consistency, and appropriate training techniques to succeed in housebreaking.

Top 10 Tools that will help you Potty Train Your New Puppy

When it comes to potty training a new puppy, having the right tools can make the process much smoother. Even if you have one of the 20 dog breeds that are the easiest to potty train, you will still need to train them. Here are the top 10 tools that can help new puppy owners in their potty training journey. Click on each title to be taken to the tool to view it more.

1 – Crate or Confinement Area

Using a crate is a great training method because it provides a safe space for your puppy and helps in teaching them bladder control and limiting accidents. The crate is usually their sleeping area, therefore they are unlikely to go pee in their bed.

2 – Doggy Potty Pad

Pee pads are absorbent pads that can be placed indoors as an alternative potty spot. They can be helpful, especially during the initial stages of training or for dogs living in apartments. We used lots of these when we were training Wes. Small dog breeds have a difficult time getting to the door to let you know they need to outside when they are puppies because they have small bladders.

3 – Doggy Doorbell

A doggy doorbell is a training tool that hangs on the doorknob and teaches your puppy to alert you when they need to go outside. They learn to ring the bell with their nose or paw.

4 – Leash and Harness

A leash and harness are essential for taking your puppy outside for potty breaks. They help you maintain control and guide your puppy to the desired elimination area.

5 – Treats for Rewards

Positive reinforcement is crucial in potty training. Having small, soft treats handy allows you to reward your puppy immediately after they are eliminated in the correct spot, reinforcing good behavior.

6 – Enzymatic Cleaner:

Accidents happen during the potty training process. An enzymatic cleaner helps eliminate lingering odors, discouraging your puppy from repeatedly soiling in the same area. Wes had a spot in our first apartment that he always pooped in! It was very annoying but easy to clean since I knew it would always be in the same spot and I left a puppy pad there often.

7 – Clicker

A clicker is a small device that makes a distinct sound when pressed. It can be used as a marker to signal desired behavior during potty training, followed by a reward.

8 – Long-lasting Chew Toys

Keeping your puppy occupied with appropriate chew toys can prevent boredom and help redirect their chewing behavior away from household items.

9 – Baby Gates

Baby gates are useful for confining your puppy to a specific area of the house, allowing you to supervise them closely and prevent accidents in areas you want to keep off-limits.

10 –Training Treat Pouch

A training treat pouch attaches to your waist or belt and keeps treats easily accessible during potty training sessions. This ensures that you can reward your puppy promptly for their good behavior.

Remember, while these tools can be helpful to new pet owners, consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are the keys to successful potty training. Every puppy is unique, so adapt your approach based on your puppy's needs and progress.

Potty Training Regression

Potty training regression is a common hurdle that many new dog parents face during their journey to housebreak their furry companions. It refers to a setback in the potty training progress, where a dog who seemed to be mastering the concept of going potty in the appropriate place suddenly starts having accidents indoors again. Understanding why potty training regression occurs and having effective strategies to overcome it can help you navigate this temporary setback and get back on track with successful potty training.

Reasons for Potty Training Regression:

Change in Routine: Dogs thrive on routine and are not fans of new things occurring in their life. Any significant changes in their daily schedule, such as moving to a new home, a shift in family dynamics, or a disruption in their regular potty routine, can lead to confusion and regression in their potty training progress.
Stress or Anxiety: Dogs are sensitive creatures, and stress or anxiety-inducing situations, such as the introduction of a new pet, changes in the household, or loud noises, can cause them to revert to old habits and have accidents indoors.
Medical Issues: Certain medical conditions, such as urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal problems, or mobility issues, can affect a dog’s ability to control its bladder and lead to potty training regression. It’s essential to rule out any underlying health issues if regression persists. If you think your dog might have a medical condition causing them to urinate inside, it’s a good idea to take them to their vet to be checked out. Wes peeing in the house as an older dog was actually our first sign that something was off with him.

Strategies to Overcome Potty Training Regression:

Reinforce Consistency: The most important thing with potty training is a consistent potty routine. Provide frequent trips outside to the designated elimination area. Use positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, to reward your dog for eliminating in the right spot.
Supervise and Limit Freedom: During the regression phase, keep a close eye on your dog and restrict its access to areas where accidents have occurred. Consider using baby gates or a crate. Dogs tend to be markers, especially male dogs. Wes was a marker meaning that once he peed once in a place, it was likely he was going to pee there again.
Review and Refresh Training: Go back to the basics of potty training by reinforcing commands, cues, and desired behaviors. Use a leash to guide your dog to the appropriate potty area and provide immediate positive reinforcement when they are eliminated in the right spot.
Clean Accidents Properly: Thoroughly clean any indoor accidents using enzymatic cleaners to eliminate lingering odors that may attract your dog to the same spot. Avoid using ammonia-based cleaners, as the scent can resemble urine and encourage repeat accidents.
Manage Stress and Anxiety: Create a calm and secure environment for your dog, particularly during times of change or upheaval. Provide mental stimulation, exercise, and a comfortable space where they can relax and feel safe.
Seek Professional Help: If potty training regression persists despite your efforts, consider seeking guidance from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can provide tailored strategies and advice to address your dog’s specific needs. You may need to visit your vet as well to rule out a health condition.

Summary

Potty training is a crucial aspect of responsible dog ownership, and understanding the characteristics and tendencies of different dog breeds can greatly influence the success of the training process. While the 20 dog breeds listed in this blog post are the easiest to potty train, others may require additional patience, consistency, and specialized training techniques. By following the provided tips and tailoring your approach to your dog’s specific needs, you can navigate the challenges and achieve success in potty training. Remember, every dog is unique, and adapting your training methods accordingly will create a harmonious living environment for both you and your furry companion.

If potty training is not something you want to go through as a first-time dog owner or even a second-time dog owner, consider adopting an adult dog. Older dogs are likely to already be housebroken. Providing a dog their forever home is always an excellent choice and mixed breeds can make for a great family pet.