Several breeds of dog are commonly known to be difficult to house train. The explanation for house training issues often depends on what breed you have chosen. Hounds, both sight and scent, get distracted in the blink of an eye. They either see or smell something, and the prime reason for being outside flips from an elimination mission, to a hunt!

The following sight and smell hounds commonly fall into the difficult to house train category: Afghan Hound, American Foxhound, Basenji, Bassett Hound, Beagle, Blood Hound, Dachshund, Irish Wolf Hound, Italian Greyhound, Norwegian Elkhound, Saluki, and Whippet.

Because of their hunting instincts, some spaniels, such as the American Cocker Spaniel, Cavalier King Charles and English Spaniel also fall into the difficult to house train category. They often get distracted and "forget" the reason they are taken outside. Working dogs and dogs late to mature, such as Alaskan Malamute, Great Dane, Siberian Husky, Mastiff, and Shar Pei, sometimes take as many as 2-3 years, before they can be fully trusted.

Terriers are notoriously difficult to housebreak. Independent by nature, unless their owner establishes their Alpha status immediately, firmly and consistently, terriers will relentlessly challenge their authority. Difficult to house train terriers include, American Staffordshire, Cairn, Irish, Jack Russell, Lakeland, Norfolk, Norwich, Pit Bull, Rat, Soft Coated Wheaton, Welsh, and West Highland White.

Small and toy breeds have their own unique explanations for house training issues. First and foremost, is the limited capacity of their bladder and bowel. Their owners should take into consideration, and be reasonable in the amount of time allowed between eliminations. Due to their small stature, several do not like to get wet, wade through tall grass or snow, to go about doing their business outside. They also often soil in the house, because the vast area of where they live overwhelms them. Most dogs will not soil in their den, unless absolutely necessary. All small and toy dogs should be restricted to a smaller area, until you are sure they can be trusted with the run of the house. Small and toy dogs such as Affenpinscher, Belgian Griffon, Bichon Frise, Havanese, Maltese, Papillion, Pekinese, Pomeranian, Pug, Schipperke, and Shih Tzu fall into the most difficult house train class. The good thing is, they are also usually easy to train to use puppy pads!

Bottom line: If your dog is having house training issues, STAY CALM, and follow these simple rules:

1. Take them outside IMMEDIATELY when they wake up in the morning, using a "keyword" such as "potty!" or "outside!" EVERY time you take them outside.
2. Take them outside, within 10 minutes after meals.
3. Keep your dog on a regular feeding schedule. DO NOT leave food down for them to graze on. Limit feeding time to 15-20 minutes. Then pick up the bowl. If you don't know what time it goes in, you will not know what time it comes out!
4. Take them outside IMMEDIATELY after a nap.
5. Take them outside, IMMEDIATELY after exceptional excitement, such as your arrival home, arrival of company, or playing.
6. Restrict water 2-3 hours before bedtime. Take them outside for "last call" before bedtime.
7. Give young puppies an addition 10 minutes outside, after they eliminate. Sometimes they get nervous or distracted, and they don't "finish."
8. DO NOT reward your dog in the house, for what they should be rewarded for doing outside...it confuses them. Praise and treats for this mission, should be given outside.
9. DO NOT praise your dog while they are in the process. Praise IMMEDIATELY, when their mission is completed. Some dogs get so distracted or excited about being praised; they "forget" to finish!
10. If you cannot supervise your dog until you can trust it, restrict their access to a designated area.
11. Be patient, and consistent. If YOU don't stick to a schedule, it makes it more difficult and confusing for your dog to make the necessary associations.