How To Train Your Dog To Use The Litter Box

Does your dog pee and poo in all the wrong places? Wouldn’t it just be great if you could train it to “unleash its goods” in one place! Well it really is possible if you train your dog to use a litter box. Although litter box training is usually associated with cats, dogs are just as competent.

Essentially a litter box is an enclosed area where you provide an environment in which your dog will always use as a toilet. The process is not at all difficult but does require patience and some work on your part.

You could make your own litter box or purchase one. Either a dog or cat litter box will do, just make sure you get one with a covered top like the Booda Dome Clean Step Litter Box. So it easier for you to clean the litter box when necessary and most importantly to control odor.

If you can’t be around to clean the poop immediately after, you might want to consider using Scoop Free Automatic Litter Box. A bit pricey but it’s well worth it especially if Fido has poop eating habit. Also, you can be certain your house won’t have that lingering poop smell.

You will also need to add filler inside the box such as newspaper or pee pads.

Once your litter box is set up, it’s time to test it out!

Easy Steps To Train Your Dog To Use The Litter Box

1. Every 30 minutes place your dog in the area and wait for 5 minutes to see if it “needs to go”.
2. You should also use a keyword and point to the litter box. You could say something like “toilet” and point at the box.
3. If he uses it, immediately praise or give him a food treat after he’s done his business.
4. Usually your dog will start sniffing or circling around if it needs to go. If it doesn’t, take it out and let him free for another 20-30 minutes and then try again. Repeat this process several times a day until your dog starts using the litter box on its own.
5. Every single time your dog uses the litter box; you need to praise him excitedly. Your dog will soon realize his doing something good. You should praise your dog in a high pitch voice to exaggerate your happiness.
6. As well as praise, you should let your dog know when he’s been a bad dog. If your dog goes to the toilet in the wrong spot, point your finger, use a firm voice and say “NO.” If possible take the dog to the litter box and point to it, so your dog will start to understand the purpose of it.
7. Another great tactic is to place some of your dog’s urine inside the litter box; it will then start to think that the litter box is the area it is meant to pee in.

When starting out, most people find it easier to train their dog inside the house, rather than outside. Don’t worry though, once you successfully litter box train your dog, you can relocate the litter box to your ideal destination outside and work on getting your dog using the litter box in the new area.

Remember, litter training your dog can be a slow process, try and make training as fun as possible. Don’t get mad at your dog if results are slow, the key is to be consistent and persistent.