Potty training is one of the first, and sometimes most frustrating, challenges new dog owners face.
While most dogs catch on with patience and consistency, a few breeds tend to make the process much tougher.
Whether it’s due to stubbornness, small bladder size, sensitivity, or sheer independence, some dogs just don’t make it easy.
Over the years, I’ve seen how breed tendencies can shape house training, especially for first-time owners.
Some dogs act like they’ve got it down in a few days.
Others? You’ll be laying down pee pads for weeks and rethinking your carpet choices.
That doesn’t make them bad dogs, just ones that need a little extra effort, a flexible schedule, and a good sense of humor.
This article is for general knowledge only and is based on information from online sources and owner experiences.
Individual dogs vary, and training success depends on consistency, positive reinforcement, and environmental factors.
1. Dachshund
Those long bodies and short legs might look adorable, but Dachshunds bring a serious independent streak that makes housebreaking feel like negotiating with a tiny dictator.
They were bred to hunt badgers underground, which required them to think for themselves and ignore commands when necessary.
This stubborn nature translates directly to potty training resistance.
Many owners report their Dachshunds understand where they should go but simply choose not to comply.
Consistency and crate training work best with this breed, though patience remains your most valuable tool throughout the process.
2. Bichon Frise
Behind that cloud of fluffy white fur lives a dog that considers indoor bathrooms perfectly acceptable alternatives to outdoor grass.
Bichons are notoriously difficult to housetrain, partly because their small bladders require frequent trips outside.
They also possess a sensitive nature that makes harsh corrections counterproductive.
Rain, cold weather, or even a slightly damp lawn can convince a Bichon to hold it until returning inside.
Establishing a strict schedule with positive reinforcement helps, but many Bichon owners keep puppy pads available as backup options well into their dog’s adult years.
3. Jack Russell Terrier
Boundless energy and a mind that moves faster than their little legs create a recipe for housetraining headaches with Jack Russells.
These terriers get so absorbed in playing, exploring, or chasing imaginary prey that bathroom needs become afterthoughts.
By the time they remember, accidents have already happened.
Their intelligence works against you here because they quickly learn to sneak off to hidden spots for quick relief.
Frequent outdoor breaks every hour during training and limiting their indoor space helps manage this high-energy breed’s bathroom habits effectively.
4. Pug
With faces that could melt any heart, Pugs often get away with bad bathroom behaviour longer than they should.
Their laid-back attitude extends to potty training, where they show little motivation to follow rules or routines.
Pugs also have small bladders and may genuinely struggle to hold it for extended periods.
Cold weather poses another challenge since their flat faces make breathing difficult, and they prefer avoiding outdoor discomfort.
Short, frequent trips outside and rewarding every successful bathroom break can eventually convince a Pug to cooperate with your housetraining goals.
5. Chihuahua
The smallest dog breed brings some of the biggest housetraining challenges to your home.
Chihuahuas have tiny bladders that fill quickly, making accidents frequent during the learning phase.
Their size also makes them sensitive to temperature and weather, so they resist going outside when conditions feel uncomfortable.
Many Chihuahuas develop a preference for relieving themselves on soft surfaces like carpets or bedding.
Some owners find success with indoor potty solutions like pads or litter boxes.
Patience and understanding their physical limitations matter more than strict outdoor-only training for this petite breed.
6. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies pack big personalities into tiny packages, and their independent nature makes them surprisingly difficult to housetrain.
Like other small breeds, they have limited bladder capacity and need frequent bathroom opportunities.
Their long, silky coats can also create problems since they dislike getting their fur wet or dirty.
Rain or dewy grass often sends them running back inside without completing their business.
Many Yorkie owners resort to indoor potty options or covered outdoor areas.
Establishing a consistent routine and using high-value treats for outdoor success helps overcome their reluctance gradually.
7. Afghan Hound
Elegance and beauty define the Afghan Hound, but their aloof personality creates real housetraining obstacles.
Bred to hunt independently across mountainous terrain, these dogs see no reason to follow someone else’s bathroom schedule.
They process commands slowly and often choose to ignore directions that don’t interest them.
Their sensitive nature means they shut down completely with harsh corrections.
Gentle persistence and rewards work better than pressure.
Many Afghan owners report that housetraining takes significantly longer than with other breeds, sometimes extending well past the puppy stage into adolescence.
8. Pomeranian
Fluffy, confident, and completely convinced the world revolves around them, Pomeranians approach potty training with royal indifference.
Their small size means frequent bathroom needs, but their bold personalities make them resistant to following rules.
Pomeranians often mark territory indoors, especially males, which complicates housebreaking efforts.
They also dislike bad weather and will avoid going outside when conditions seem unpleasant.
Crate training combined with frequent outdoor trips helps establish good habits.
Many owners find that maintaining vigilance even after apparent success prevents backsliding with this feisty little breed.
9. Basset Hound
Long ears, droopy eyes, and a stubborn streak wider than their low-slung bodies make Basset Hounds challenging housetraining students.
These scent hounds follow their noses above all else, which means bathroom schedules rank low on their priority list.
When an interesting smell captures their attention, bodily functions become completely forgotten.
Their laid-back temperament also translates to a lack of urgency about learning house rules.
Bassets respond better to patient, repetitive training than strict discipline.
Keeping them on a tight schedule and rewarding outdoor success consistently may eventually convince them to cooperate.
10. Beagle
Those soulful eyes and floppy ears hide a nose that rules every decision a Beagle makes.
Bred to follow scent trails for hours, these hounds get so absorbed in sniffing that bathroom needs barely register.
Beagles also possess a stubborn independence that makes them question why they should follow your bathroom rules.
They learn quickly where accidents are acceptable and may deliberately choose those spots.
Frequent outdoor breaks, especially after meals and naps, help establish routines.
Limiting their indoor freedom until fully trained prevents them from sneaking off to their preferred indoor bathroom spots.
11. Shih Tzu
Bred as palace companions in ancient China, Shih Tzus apparently never got the memo about outdoor bathrooms.
These dogs show remarkable indifference to housetraining efforts, often treating indoor spaces as perfectly acceptable relief stations.
Their small bladders require frequent trips outside, but their luxurious coats make them resist wet or muddy conditions.
Many Shih Tzus simply refuse to go outside during bad weather.
Indoor potty solutions work well for this breed, though consistent outdoor training with high-value rewards can succeed with enough patience and persistence from dedicated owners.
12. Cocker Spaniel
Sweet-natured and affectionate, Cocker Spaniels seem like they would be easy to train, but many owners discover otherwise.
These dogs can be surprisingly stubborn about bathroom routines, often having accidents even after months of training.
Excitement urination also plagues this breed, especially in puppies and young adults.
They may understand the rules but lose control when greeting people or during play.
Submissive urination occurs frequently as well. Calm, positive reinforcement training without harsh corrections helps Cocker Spaniels gain confidence and control.
Patience remains essential since full housetraining may take longer than expected.
