Can I train my dog to use a litter box?

For small dog owners who live in apartments or who lack the time or energy to walk their dogs, a litter box is a good alternative. During this difficult phase, this practical and organized method of house training can literally save your life.

Although there are many different kinds of litter boxes available, the fundamental design is an enclosed space with fake or real grass, pellets, shredded paper, or a disposable pad.

Unfortunately, not all dog breeds can be litter box trained. Here is a list of dog breeds that respond well to this method of housebreaking your puppy in case you are thinking about using it.

List of the Pros of Litter Box Training a Dog

1. Obtaining the necessary supplies is very simple. Certain breeds of dog can excel with litter box training. The procedure is comparable to what you would teach a cat, where they are given a large tray to use as a bathroom. If you use a lot of positive reinforcement with your dog during this process, it can be a fun activity that helps you keep messes under control. The majority of breeds can get used to this training method in a few weeks, and some people may take to it right away.

2. You can eliminate the threat of urine odors and stains. When a dog needs to use the restroom, they will hold it until they can no longer. If you can’t get them outside, the urine may seep into your carpet or flooring and cause stains, damage, and odor issues. You can manage the issues with liquid waste by litter box training your dog so that they can take care of their needs without your assistance. Because you know your pet will use the tray rather than the floor if you’re running late for work or have errands to run, you can take care of business.

3. Litter box training allows for liquid and solid waste. Even proponents of “house training,” which teaches the dog to go to the bathroom outside, don’t mind litter box training as a backup option. When the time comes, your dog can use this option to relieve themselves of both liquid and solid waste. This approach can occasionally be messy, especially if you’re trying to train larger dogs, but it is still preferable to the alternative. The price is affordable as well; in most places, the tray and your first litter cost less than $40.

4. There are many different types of litter to choose from. The items you can buy for cats in the store are similar to dog litter. You can purchase everything from activated charcoal to paper pellets when you need to replace the contents of the tray. To give pet parents a good entry-level choice, basic clay litters are sold almost everywhere. If the smells coming from the tray worry you, try sprinkling some baking soda along the bottom of the box each time you empty it to better control the situation.

5. It helps senior dogs who may have bladder control issues. If your dog is older than 8, their senior status may have an impact on how and when they need to go potty. You can work with your older dog to help him transition to the litter box rather than relying on diapers to clean up the mess. If you live in a high-rise apartment, you can lessen the physical discomfort they feel when attempting to go outside. At that age, they might not have the patience to signal you when they need to use the restroom, so having a usable tray allows you to contain the mess.

6. With this training option, you can inspire some breeds with confidence. Some breeds may find it difficult to fully acclimate to the idea of going outside, with the Maltese being the breed most notorious for the problem. It can be challenging to get them to a patch of grass in time due to their small bladder size. As a pet parent, by deciding to use a dog litter box as your training method, you’ll achieve an effective compromise that can instill confidence in your dog. You can create a positive environment that includes the litter tray in place of dealing with messes or reprimanding behaviors.

Shiba Inu

The Shiba Inu easily fits in most litter boxes at only 15–22 pounds (8–10 kilograms).

Even though he struggles with obedience training, this dog is surprisingly simple to housebreak. The Shiba Inu will quickly comply with your instructions whether you are using a crate, pad, or litter box.

Start the training as soon as you can to make the process simpler and faster for you and for the best results.

Plastic Fencing (or Similar)

Although “fencing” is a poor word to use, I have no better description. I formed a circle around the box using plastic paneling I purchased from a DIY store. Although you don’t need it, it does help to keep everything organized. They kept the newspaper stationary and provided my dog with a target area. And when litter did occasionally fly, it didn’t go very far.

Lead your puppy to the box as often as possible. Put him inside of it. Let him feel the pellets under his feet – this is important, as he will begin to associate this feeling with pottying, and will realize tiles and carpet do NOT feel the same way as the area he’s expected to potty in.

What about boy puppies—won’t they lift their leg and pee all over the box? No, male puppies don’t start lifting their legs until they’re closer to a year, and some not until much later – and some never do. He’ll be potty trained before he starts to do this.

Tell him to “Go potty” or something similar, and when he does, praise him for it immediately. Meaning, while hes going potty, not after. Tell him, “Good boy, go potty” several times, and eventually he will learn that you like it when he potties in the box. You should also be doing this when he potties outside.

If he potties elsewhere, you need to consider the why. Was he on his way to the litter box and just couldn’t get there in time? In this case, I would just pick him up and put him in the box and praise him once he’s there. If he just squatted and tinkled on your carpet without even glancing at the box, I’d say “NO!” very firmly, and pick him up and take him to the box immediately. If he continues to potty IN the box, lots of praising should follow. If not, eh, you have to let it go. Do NOT hit him! I will get very mad at you if you do!

FAQ

How do you get a dog to use a litter box?

1. Step 1: Find the Right Spot. Your dog’s litter box should ideally be located outside, such as on a covered balcony or porch.
2. Step 2: Inform your dog that this is their new hiding place
3. Step 3: Praise Them for Using the Right Spot. …
4. Step 4: Keep it Clean.

How do you train a dog to pee and poop in the litter box?

Bloom advises teaching a dog to use a litter box in the same way you would teach him to use a regular one, but instead of taking him outside when he needs to go potty, take him to the box instead. To help the dog understand the litter box is a toilet, Bloom advises placing some poop or urine-soaked paper in it.

Why can’t dogs use a litter box?

Remember that unlike cats, dogs do not have the instincts to bury their waste and use a litter box. Despite the fact that many dog owners have success with litter box training, you should be aware of the possibility that some trained dogs may still occasionally have accidents in the future.

What pets can be trained to use a litter box?

It is possible to teach a variety of small animals to use litter boxes because litter box training isn’t just for cats. If the right steps are taken to encourage their training, small animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, rats, and other species can all be successfully litter trained.