How to Litter Box Train a Dog

Small dogs can be trained to use a litter box indoors, which can save you and your dog those trips out in bad weather. Obviously this doesn't work well for large dogs...there is a logistical problem with the size of the box.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• medium to large plastic, washable cat litter box
• newspapers, shredded and flat

1. 
    

   If the dog is already trained to go outside it is a good idea to put the litter box near the door that the dog is used to going out. You can move it later.

2. Follow the same steps as you would use to housebreak the dog. Do not leave it unattended or even out of sight until it is dependably trained.

3. 
    

   Every time the dog eats, drinks, sleeps or shows signs of needing to relieve itself (sniffing the floor, circling) then take the dog to the litter box, keep it in the box until its business is done and praise a lot.

4. Supervision, consistency and keeping the box clean are the keys to success. Some newspapers around the box will help with cleaning up the near misses.

5. I like to use a few flat sheets of newspaper in the box with shredded newspaper on top. Not deep, just enough to absorb the liquid. Shredded newspaper also helps with the odor.
   Clean the box OFTEN. At least once a day. If you have a layer of flat paper on the bottom of the box, it is fairly easy to just roll the whole mess up and throw it away.

6. Rinse the box out with soapy water as often as necessary. Do not use bleach or harsh or scented chemicals. If you insist on using these cleaners, rinse the box thoroughly. Then rinse it again. That chemical smell that may mean "clean" to you is enough to make your dog avoid the area.

7. If you started by the door and need to move the box to another location, wait until the habit is well established and then if possible confine the dog in the new area until the box has been used in the new location.

Tips & Warnings

• be persistent
• be patient
• Do not use kitty litter. Dogs do not bury their stools but they will kick and track the litter all over. Many dogs do not like the feel of the kitty litter and will avoid the box because of it. And it is much more difficult to clean up than newspaper.

[hollie1974]

on 1/19/2009 That is too cool! Great article! TY!

[sharishops]

on 1/19/2009 This is a great idea! Well done *****

[juliebmack]

on 1/19/2009 I never thought of a litter box for small dogs! Good tips!

[AprilThomas]

on 1/16/2009 That would be a super help, especially with puppies. Our wind chill could be down to -25 tonight, it is so cold outside.

[blingaling]

on 1/13/2009 I wonder if a German shepherd dog would do it if the box were big enough?