Dog Litter Training - Litter Training Puppies

Can My Dog Be Trained to Use a Litter Box?

Many times, as a dog owner, we must all find ourselves waiting on Fido to finish his business on a stormy night and thinking - "Why didn't I just get a cat?"  Cat owners have always had things a little easier that way - safe inside on those cold late-nights when we're stuck outside holding the leash or the door for our canine companions. Also, if your dog has trouble walking any distance because of osteoarthritis or age related conditions, or perhaps suffers from a medical problem which causes increased urination, a dog litter box would certainly be a helpful and humane alternative to having your dog beg to go outside, get you out of bed, or wait for you to dress for the weather and take him outside.

Well there's good news! Most breeds of dog can be trained to use a litter box or indoor dog potty. Some breeders of smaller breed dogs will regularly train dogs to use a litter box as a matter of convenience if they live in an area with harsh winters. It can be very difficult to convince a teacup Chihuahua or Pomeranian to venture outside in a blizzard, with three feet of snow on the ground, to do his business.  Training small dogs to use an indoor puppy potty just makes more sense than any other option. Larger dogs can also be taught to select a "target spot" inside the home and return there as a matter of habit  - usually this is done with newspapers.   So logically, if a dog can be taught to go in a place that you choose, shouldn't it be a simple matter to place an "easy to clean" device like a dog litter box or indoor dog potty in that target area? It is that simple.

What You Need To Litter Train Your Dog or Puppy

The following items are necessary to both litter train your dog or puppy, as well as maintain a clean and dog-friendly litter box area:

1. A dog litter box, large enough for your dog or puppy to walk into and easily turn around, squat and sniff. If buying a litter-box for a puppy, and you plan to have him, keep in mind that your kitten will grow quite rapidly - buy a litter box big enough to easily accommodate a full-sized dog. There are quite a few options for dog litter boxes and indoor, ranging from very inexpensive and low-tech to costly and high tech. Your choice in a dog litter box depends on your budget and your personal requirements.

2. Dog Potty Surface Lining: An important consideration in litter training your dog or puppy. Some dogs may already be used to going on a plain surface or on newspapers. Depending on individual manufacturers instructions, you can leave your dog potty liner bare, line with dog pee pads, synthetic dog grass, or a single sheet of newspaper - depending on the dog (and your budget, of course!). Either way, clean-up is still easy. If you have a dog that is used to going on the grass, you may have a more difficult time switching (so try the synthetic dog grass). Some dog owners  find that an organic or recycled newspaper cat litter will also act as a good substitute for grass.

When litter training smaller dogs, you may be able to use an absorbent cat litter, but do use some caution here as you'll want to test your dog's reaction to the type of litter that you use.  If your dog is a "digger" then you may wish to avoid using a litter at all.  You should try to avoid clumping litters - whether clay based or natural fiber - if your dog is curious about the "clumps" that form. Experimentation is the only way to be sure that your dog finds the indoor dog potty to be a comfortable stop, without also making it a site for exploration. Assume the worst and be wary of any litter that might cause problems if ingested.

3. Clean up essentials. Depending on the brand and type of indoor dog potty you decide on, you'll want to keep on hand a few items to help in keeping your dog's bathroom area clean and sanitary. The following may be needed:

• Rubber or Plastic Gloves (if you're the squeamish type)

• Dog Poop Pickup Bags

• Paper Towels and Spray Cleaner (Vinegar and water, with a drop of dish soap is a fantastic deodorizer, cleaner, disinfectant - and is very eco-friendly and dog-friendly.

• A mop and pail. (Again, vinegar and water with a touch of plain dish soap works well)

• Sturdy Garbage bags and a garbage can with a firm fitting lid.

• Broom and dustpan - or a vacuum cleaner.

4. (Optional) A decorative room divider, curtain, large plant or other camouflage item. If you're concerned with aesthetics where your indoor dog potty is located, you may want to consider camouflage. Be sure that you're attempts to hide the area don't deter your dog or puppy from using the loo, though.

Consistency is the Key to Successful Dog Litter Box Training

Dogs are creatures of habit and very scent-oriented when it comes to elimination. With this in mind, any changes you make to your dog litter box and area can have adverse affects. Here are some tips that will help prevent "doggy bathroom accidents";

1. Decide on a good location for your dog litter box, and stick with it. Moving an indoor puppy potty may often confuse your dog or puppy and result in your finding a steaming pile of dog poop where you least expect (or desire) it.

2. Once you discover the best surface covering for your dog potty, try to with the same type and brand and type of surface covering at all times.

3. Keep it clean. While dogs and puppies are attracted to the scent of dog pee and poop, you'll find it anything but attractive (as will any guests or visitors to your home). Just pick up any poop as soon as you can after your dog has done his business, and give the unit a cleaning daily (according to manufacturers instructions, of course).

Introducing Your Dog or Puppy To It's Dog Potty

First we need to consider the basics. It is best to litter box train a dog while still a puppy. It isn't impossible to litter train an adult dog, but the earlier that you develop good habits, the less likely the dog is to fall back to some previous behavior. If your dog is older, that doesn't mean he is a lost cause, and may in some cases only help to make your dog easier to potty train - providing that he has developed some level of obedience already.  Training a dog to do anything usually involves identifying a positive behavior - and then rewarding it repeatedly until the dog reaches a point where the desired behavior becomes associated with a good thing like a treat or praise. Puppies respond better to treats more regularly, so a food treat that you will associate solely with the use of the dog litter box is a key.  Try to find something that is small, but very flavorful or with a distinct smell, not the regular food that the dog has in his bowl at meal times.  ( Cheese, small bits of cooked liver, small slices of wiener, bits of carrot, or store bought dog treats should work - but be sure the dog likes the treat before you invest in a big bag.)
 

Second, we need to catch the dog doing the behavior in the right place. The best way to do this is to place the dog in an enclosed area  with newspapers or a small litter-box in the corner and watch for the puppy to go. When the puppy goes, immediately praise him and offer the treat.  Even easier is to crate-train your dog. Rather than the long wait, put your puppy in a small enclosed space right after feeding. Wait a short time and then watch to see if the puppy is doing ok, then take him out and place him in the dog potty or dog litter box.

The timing of the meal and the fact that he's now restricted to the dog litter box should increase the odds that he will be ready to go while you are watching him. Remember too that dogs are more prone to bathroom stops in the early morning when they wake or after you return home from work, school or shopping. 

The reward  you give your dog for going in the dog litter box is two-fold, offering mainly the treat at first, but also the praise. After a few days you will find that your dog will look forward to visiting the puppy potty and getting the good things that go along with it. (snack & praise). Soon you'll be able to let the puppy choose his own times to visit the dog litter box, but be warned, some dogs have been known to "fake" a bathroom trip or two once they get into the habit.  Keep a sense of humor and reward him for trying, it will only reinforce the idea that he's starting to understand. However if the fake trips become too frequent. You may wish to save the treat and just offer mild praise for false alarms.

The praise component is very important in potty training your dog or puppy, don't neglect it!  Remember that there will be many times that you may be elsewhere when the dog needs to go. It's a good idea to bring the dog to site and praise him when you get home or when you discover his earlier handiwork - make sure that you only offer special attention when your dog is on target.  

When your Dog forgets to Use His Indoor Dog Potty

If your dog happens to eliminate in the house but in an inappropriate spot (only while you’re home), clap your hands to interrupt her and take her quickly to the dog potty. You don't have to get angry, just disrupt the activity and establish that you wish the dog to stop. Many dogs will react to a firm "No", or a loud "AH, AH, AHHHH!"

In Summary:

Any elimination in the dog potty should be enthusiastically praised and otherwise rewarded as soon as it happens. It also will be helpful to reward even mild interest and sniffing in the vicinity of the puppy potty. Dogs are bright and will get you intent soon and enjoy this activity as much as any other game that you might play with them. The extra attention to dog litter training early on will usually pay off with a life-time of easy clean ups and a contented pet.

 Dave Moore, Dogs and Puppies Central
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Used with permission