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Have you ever wondered what 20 of the Hardest Dogs To Potty Train were?
With all the breeds out there it’s good to have an idea of the difficulties that lie ahead when looking into getting a new dog or puppy.
Potty training in general can be hard for any new owner.
I remember a few years ago when my roommate was pet sitting his cousin’s dog.
We lived in a small apartment so of course we had to take the pup outside whenever he had to go.
I remember vividly one morning while sleeping in the living room when the dog had to use the bathroom.
I remember it so clearly like it was yesterday, maybe because I enjoy my sleep so much.
I heard him running around the apartment and crying and it woke me up since my roommate was getting ready for work.
My girlfriend was there and since she was a dog owner herself she knew the tell tale signs when a dog had to use the bathroom.
She said “you guys better take him out cause he’s gonna go really soon”.
I brushed her off because I was tired and it was really my roommates job to take care of the dog.
Let’s just say my roommate was focused more on getting ready for work than the dog and it was too late.
Ironically, he went right behind the couch where I was sleeping in.
So now I had to get up and clean the pee up before it soaked in and really made a mess.
It’s only looking back now that I realize dog owners know how to read the signs and behaviors of their dog and know how to handle the situation.
In fact thinking back that pup was actually house trained because it made an attempt to hold it until it went outside, but no one paid any attention so it did what he thought best.
So it’s not always the dogs fault, but ours.
Yet, there are some dogs that are difficult to potty train, but that’s not to say it can’t be done.
With some patience, love, and effort it is possible, but I wanted to go over 20 breeds that can be difficult to train.
You will learn what makes them difficult to train, the difference between large breeds and small ones and a quick guide on the tools you need how to potty train a dog.
We also created an extensive guide on house training your puppy for you to read here.
What Are The Most Difficult Dog Breeds To Train?
Why are these dogs hard to train?
Below you will find our comprehensive list of the most difficult dog breeds to train.
You will notice that a lot of these dogs are related in some way and have many similarities.
Therefore they will have some of the same traits but they are hard to train because it is their genetic make up and what they were built to do naturally.
So house training could take longer than other breeds.
How to prepare for the difficulties in house training
There is no easy way to prepare for the hardships to come, but one thing you will need is patience and lots of it.
I can guarantee there will be accidents and mistakes made here and there but its what you signed up for right?
What we suggest is not to get mad and scold them out of anger rather guide them through the process and reward and praise them when they do go outside.
Its best to start them out in smaller areas in your home with barriers and cages well discuss soon so you can control where they have mistakes if they have one and…
it will get them used to the area as their home, which most dogs like to keep their home area clean.
How long it will take to train these breeds
So the question now is “how long will it take to potty train your pup?”.
As a reference to the previous paragraph prepare yourself for the long haul.
It can take up to 6 months for your pup to be fully trained with no accidents, but consistency on your part will help to create a regular schedule for them to follow along with.
Again you can read more about our house training schedule here.
Now without further ado…
The 20 Most Difficult Dog Breeds To Train:
1. Bichon Frise
Sometimes for the Bichon Frise it can confuse “crate time” as potty time.
Therefore consistent crate training is a must for this breed and beware of a lot of barking since this is what this pup enjoys doing.
When crate training be sure that the crate is big enough, like below for a bed to go in so it will try to avoid ruining its spot.
It’s recommended when potty training to do it in a place that is covered also due to the fact that they do not like getting wet.
2. Jack Russell Terrier
An intelligent breed filled with lots of energy you will find your hands full as this terrier will be running around your home at full speed and chewing up everything.
That is not to say they can’t be house trained, but they can be known to find loopholes in commands.
They have a great scent so when training them its best to try and have them use the bathroom in the same area so they can pick up the scent.
Be consistent with them and they will get it…
hopefully 😄.
3. Yorkshire Terrier
With a tendency to be very independent it can be difficult to train but get them on a schedule.
Yorkshire’s don’t do well with scolding and can become very skittish afterwards. So if an accident does occur then correct them in a non angry tone.
Because of their size they can’t get many shots so its best to train these guys to go indoors so pee pads are a great investment for them.
If you train them to go in the bathroom then you won’t have to worry about cleaning up after any mishaps they had.
4. Cocker Spaniel
Another intelligent breed, but can be a stubborn one to train as well.
However, their intelligence allows them to take on different forms of commands.
Time training is important for this breed.
This means taking them outside at the same time and to the same spot which will help to solidify their potty training.
When they do go be sure to give them lots of praise!
5. Chihuahua
So with chihuahua it might be a little difficult, not because they are untrainable, which they’re not but because the get easily frightened.
Even training them to potty outside and showing them praise afterwards to loudly can frighten them and cause them to sneak away to go.
Along with that they don’t take well to scolding so this will be the most difficult part to training.
6. West Highland Terrier
Small spaces are important for this breed.
Creating a small confined area that they can call their own is important for teaching how to potty train this pup.
Be sure the area is big enough for them to sleep in and use the bathroom but far enough for them to be separated so they are not sleeping in their filth.
So barriers and pee pads are a good investment for this breed to get them started.
They wont have to be caged, forever but until you get them accustomed to the house.
7. Afghan Hound
Don’t let their lovely looks and locks distract you.
The Afghan Hound is another breed who is known as independent, like a cat, and they do what they want.
It will take time to condition them, but take advantage of those puppy pads.
8. Dachshund
As cute as they are the dachshund can be quite stubborn.
Two qualities that you don’t want to see together are intelligence with an ounce of stubbornness, but the dachshund has both.
Crate training will be imperative for this breed, but be sure to get it small enough for them to move around and not enough to eliminate themselves.
This will help to hold avoid going in their crate until they can go outside.
9. Pug
Similar to other small dogs their bladders are small so frequent trips to the bathroom are required.
But don’t let that head tilt that they are so well known for fool you.
These breeds are kind of prissy and don’t like to go outside when their is inclement weather, so don’t be alarmed if you find a surprise around the house during those times.
With pugs its best to create litter boxes so they can go during those unpleasant times.
10. Pekingese
With a history of royal origins its no wonder why they act as self-important.
The first thing you’re gonna have to do before house breaking it is gaining its respect as your owner.
Its important to be firm but not cruel when training the Pekingese and click training with a clicker is the best route to take for this breed.
Purchasing a dog clicker along with commands helps to reinforce the training without hurting them
11. Dalmatian
Known for their iconic role in the classic Disney movie “101 Dalmations” and as firefighters companions these dogs can be a great companion.
However, due to their independent attitudes its best to begin early with their training if you want to get a good grasp on their potty training.
12. Chow Chow
One common trait that seems to be in all these hard to train dogs are a sense of independence.
Formerly known as Chinese guard dogs they love to take the lead and be the leader.
They are not very tolerant to those they don’t know so in order to train this furry beast be cool and confident while house breaking them in.
13. Beagle
They can find contraband in an airport, they can even find you in a game of hide and seek, but it seems they have trouble finding the right place to use the bathroom.
Because their incredible sense of smell they’re perfect for hunting, but it’s a hinderance during potty training.
There focus is great though because once they get a hold of a sent they become single-minded on that scent which can be a distraction because it will be the only thing they can focus on.
Another thing to be weary of is that they’re a high risk of running a way because if they catch a scent of a prey they’re gone.
14. Basset Hound
Similar to the beagle this breed was bred for hunting and has a strong sense of smell.
They love to be around family and hate to be left alone, when they do they can become destructive along with howling.
Their distinctive bay barking could be heard for quite a distance.
Not the ideal dog for apartments.
15. Pomeranian
Cocky yet lively and animated these pups can be a handful if you’re not ready.
If they see you as less than important to them then they will ignore you.
If you show them who’s boss then you will have a well house trained pup.
16. Bulldog
Lazy and content on doing on what they want its hard to get these dogs to do what you want.
In fact, bulldogs don’t listen sometimes therefore training will take longer than training your average golden retriever.
17. Basenji
This breed is like the thinker of this group.
Known as the barkless dog of Africa they are capable of learning many commands but there may be one problem…
Deciding whether they want to follow these commands you give.
It’s there stubbornness that comes into play when deciding if they want to do what you’re asking of them.
18. Maltese
Similar to chihuahuas they can be easily frightned when training or scolding so be careful not to yell at them.
Consistency and patience will be key to house breaking this pup.
19. Havanese
The havanese falls into the category as the other smaller dogs such as the chihuahua and maltese as toy dogs.
They will require a similar training regimen with lots of praise and don’t and frequent trips due to their small bladders.
Even though there small and easy to pick up be sure to let them walk to find there own spot so they can feel the area for eliminating.
20. Siberian Husky
Developed for sled pulling Huskies need a lot of exercise or they will get bored.
With all this pent up aggression it usually leads to destructive behavior.
Their independent nature makes it difficult to train for first time owners, yet they are good at following commands especially difficult ones.
Are Bigger Dogs Easier To Potty Train?
The benefits of owning bigger dogs
When your looking into potty training your dog it is believed that having a bigger dog will make it easier to train.
Unfortunately that is not the case, even though the majority of this list contained small breeds.
Yes, having a larger breed can have the benefits of a larger bladder to hold it longer and granted every dog is different, but one thing remains constant when it comes to training any dog…
Time and consistency.
Whatever breed you may have, along with their challenges, it will take a lot of time training and a consistent schedule for it to stick with your dog.
Are Female Dogs Easier To Potty Train?
Does a breeds sex make a difference?
I know as humans there is a difference in the genetic makeup of our DNA and this must be true for dogs as well…
right?
According to petmd there is no difference or “superior sex”.
The perceived notions of this are all from the observations of dog owners.
The behavior of our dogs depends on how they were raised, however this does not mean the ability to learn can’t be different.
Fact is female dogs are smaller than male dogs and they will reach maturity a little faster giving an advantage over training.
What this means is that training does and can become easier.
How To Potty Train A Dog
What you need to be successful for potty training
So where do you begin getting started on potty training your puppy.
Well, first thing we suggest is reading our extensive guide on how to train a puppy effortlessly.
Yet, for a quick start guide here are a few points to look out for…
1. Create a schedule
Creating a schedule of when you feed them and when to take them out will help you out tremendously for knowing when the have to use the bathroom and how long they can hold it.
And every morning when you wake up and before you go to bed take them out to relieve themselves.
2 Crate training
What this entails is creating and controlling the environment your new puppy is learning to consider their home.
Start small and either block off a certain area in the home with a barrier for them to roam around or place them in a comfortable crate so they associate what is their room and separate their bathroom.
Below are some options you can look into for creating the perfect environment.
3. Give lots of praise and rewards
In order for your pup to begin getting positive emotions when they go in the right place give them lots of praise and treats for being a good boy.
Good treats and praise will condition them with the specific cues for good behavior.
4. Consistency
Finally, in order for all this to stick you must consistently do these steps and be patient.
Accidents are prone to happen but just help to correct what they did and try to pick them up and show them the right spot, don’t forget those pee pads for those indoor troubles.
Before you know it you will see your pup picking up the cues you have been giving.
And if all else fails and you feel like you need help then reach out and find a certified trainer that can help you along the way.
Well that about wraps it up for 20 of the hardest dogs to potty train.
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