12 Easiest Small Dogs to Potty Train - Healthy Homemade Dog Treats (2023)

FAQs

What small breed dog is easiest to housebreak? ›

It's a good idea to stash some treats in a screw-top jar near the toilet area so you'll have them close at hand. Offer one treat for going anywhere outside, two treats for going within five yards of the exact area you want the dog to use, three treats for within two yards, and five treats for a bull's eye.

"Bichon Frise is a small dog with big and happy personality. Despite their cuddly looks, Bichons are lively and outgoing dogs that enjoy spending time with their owners. Their friendly personality and affection they show to their owners, made them into a popular show dog as well as a family companion."

The Chow Chow combines many “clean” dog characteristics, and according to the AKC, owners report that Chow Chows “are the cleanest of dogs: they housebreak easily, have very little doggy odor, and generally are as fastidious as cats.” At certain times of the year, however, Chow Chows shed… a lot!

What Are "High Value" Dog Treats? High-value treats tend to be moist or freeze-dried, extra smelly, and something your dog doesn't get very often (if at all) outside of training sessions. Think tiny pieces of chicken, liverwurst, tripe, or even peanut butter (make sure it's xylitol-free) smeared on a spoon.

What are the best treats for potty training? ›

To make the snack a reward for potty training, choose a food item that they don't usually get – small candy like M&Ms or Skittles, small suckers, or bite-sized cookies are all popular choices when potty training.

#1 Zuke's Mini Naturals [Best Overall Training Treats]: Tiny, tasty, and made in the USA, Zuke's Mini Naturals are some of the most popular treats with trainers and dogs alike.

Shih Tzus are lap dogs through and through–they practically ooze loyalty! It might surprise you, but a Chihuahua can be one of the most devoted family dogs. Beagles are adaptive, upbeat, and always ready to tag along on your next adventure. Who doesn't love the devoted, doting Dachshund as a lap dog?

1. Border Collie. Prized for its instincts and working ability, the Border Collie is thought to be the most intelligent and easy to train dog. They have a lot of energy and love to work so they need owners who can keep them busy and provide a good amount of exercise and stimulation!

Some of the most commonly affected breeds are miniature poodles, Chihuahuas, Boston and Yorkshire terriers and Pomeranians.

One of the smaller of the softest dogs, the Coton de Tulear is an endearing charmer. Their wavy double coat feels more like cotton candy than fur. This playful breed gets along well with children, strangers, and other pets.

Canine senior status varies, too. Small dogs are considered senior citizens of the canine community when they reach 11-12 years of age. Their medium-sized friends become seniors at 10 years of age. Their larger-sized colleagues are seniors at 8 years of age.

Should a 75 year old get a dog? ›

They Make You Healthier

Studies show that dog-owning seniors have lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol than their petless peers. Having a dog also reduces the risk of heart attack — and boosts your chances of long-term survival if you have one.

Poodle. A poodle may have an impressive head of hair, but believe it or not, this breed does not shed or smell. It comes in a variety of colors and sizes so you can get one that's short, tall, black, white, gray or even apricot. They are intelligent and easily trained making them great show dogs.

Similarly, some breeds tend to kiss less than others. Khuly said that Arctic breeds, like Huskies, Malamutes, Samoyeds and American Eskimos, don't lick much by nature (though they can learn the behavior).

The No. 1 dog on the list isn't just one breed, but basically "any one flat-faced or brachycephalic dog breed," such as a French bulldog, bulldog, or pug. (Singer Lady Gaga owns two French bulldogs, who were dognapped and returned unharmed in 2021.)

Good breeders will set their whelping area up in a way that designates a clean nest area and a potty area. As the puppies eyes open and they are able to walk, breeders may use a litter box to teach the puppies that it's ok to go in a designated area, but not just anywhere they like.

The handler is also the keeper of the treats.

It isn't as weird as it seems, because the treats are things like hot dogs, cheese, cooked chicken, or steak. The theory is that by keeping treats (also called “bait”) in their mouth, the handler is focusing the dog's attention on their face.

Using play and toys as training rewards is a great way to motivate dogs that aren't interested in treats, and isn't hard once you learn how to do it right. Read "How to Use Toys as Rewards in Dog Training" for tips on introducing toys and play to your dog's training.

How do I reinforce my dog for potty training? ›

Positive reinforcement is the key to successful potty training. Positive reinforcement will teach your puppy that they get rewarded for going to the bathroom outside. Each time your puppy eliminates outside, immediately reward them with verbal praise, treats, or a favorite toy.

The 10% Rule of Dog Treats

Treats should make up no more than about 10% of your dog's daily calories. For example, if your dog needs 400 calories per day (check out the resting rate calorie counter below), they should have no more than 40 calories from treats, with the other 360 coming from their normal food.

As a dog trainer, I have found that smaller dogs can be harder to house train. Not due to them being vastly different dogs, but because we often give little dogs a bit of a pass. Their elimination is much smaller and much easier to pick up. If they go in the house once or twice, it's not a big sacrifice.

Maltese. The gentle, charming and glamorous Maltese dog weighs less than seven pounds and is part of the toy group. The AKC describes this most companionable of dog breeds as "typically very sweet and super affectionate with family."

#1 – Afghan Hound

These days, those traits are displayed as being aloof and independent. They make up for their lack of obedience by being extremely affectionate and loyal.

Are boy or girl puppies easier to potty train? ›

Female dogs are often said to be easier to house train than male dogs. "Many pet owners report that female dogs are easier to house train and are more attentive to their owners than male dogs, with male dogs being more aloof," Johanna Reel, registered vet technician for NHV Natural Pet, told INSIDER.

Experts recommend that you begin house training your puppy when they are between 12 weeks and 16 weeks old. At that point, they have enough control of their bladder and bowel movements to learn to hold it.

With all that being said, when potty training is done well a puppy can be house trained in as little as 4 months. But, some puppies will take 6, 8, even up to a full year until they're fully potty trained.