How to litter box train a your dog

A litter-box trained dog sound just as unusual as a cat being leash trained, but it’s an alternative to paper-training, which it a first step or the addition to house-breaking due to the weather. For those with limited mobility such as the elderly, apartment dwellers, those with a long work schedule, or for a dog with special needs of their own, little box training made to helpful.

You’ll Need
A little-box
Dog Litter
Paper-towel
Area for the litter box
Bleach solution with a rag
Soap
Treat
Veterinarian

Optional
An old storage bin
A marker
Duct Tape
Scissor or any other cutting device
Pet sitter

Step 1
Note the size of the dog. Small dog breeds, like a Chihuahua, can be easily trained while a large dog, like a Great Dane, is best for house-breaking. You should look into your lifestyle when getting a dog or consider pet sitter, who is experienced with the dog’s needs. Dog breeds who naturally weight up to 40 pounds are easier trainable for litter-box usage.

TIP: Puppies takes a lot for practice to train because they have trouble controlling their bowels. Ideally, about 6-8 weeks of age is wise for toilet training.

Step 2
Get a litter-box. You can use one meant for cats or one that is designed for dogs. You can also make your own with an old bin that is no longer in use for storage, cut the proper opening to allow a dog but keep litter from spilling out, with a maker to draw where to cut, and with a utility knife or other device to cut the area. Duct taping the edges to protect your dog from getting cut.

Step 3
Select an area to place the litter box. An area that is easily accessible is a good idea but away from what the dog likes to eat. If it’s large enough, you can use the bathroom for a litter-box.

Step 4
Get litter designed for dogs. Cat litter won’t do because it’s not made for recycled newspapers like dog litter is for absorbent. You can find it in retail stores that have a pet section or specialist store. Just like cats, try a different variety of dog litter since some that can be litter-train made prefer a different, like one that feels like the outdoors.

Step 5
Have someone or keep an eye on the dog for a sign for it’s best to use the restroom. A dog sniffing on the ground is a good clue, letting you know to bring the dog to the litter-box. Squatting is another clue.

Step 6
Have the dog get familiar with the litter-box by placing a scent there. If you caught your dog having an ‘accident’, use a paper-towel to soak the strain and place it in the box. If the dog uses the box as a restroom, reward them as they’ll soon understand where to go.

TIP: Expect accidents to happen when training, especially if it’s a puppy. Using a command, like stop, will get the dog’s attention.

Step 7
If an accident happens, just send the dog to the litter-box. Clean with a solution that is one part bleach, usually ten percent; use a rag to do the job. A dog is least likely to go in that same spot if clean.

Step 8
During the training process, use a command when your dog needs to use the litter-box, like ‘box’. Overtime, your dog use will get use of it.

Step 9
Clean the litter-box about twice a day, usually after getting up and before bed. Change the litter once a week. Using the solution is good idea since it’s an effective disinfectant. However, since bleach isn’t a good idea to clean living flesh, use a soap to wash up afterwards.

Step 10
If the conditions are okay, you can go on to house breaking your dog. However, if the dog still ‘relieve’ outside of the box within the home, it’s likely the dog is best suited for being house broken altogether. If not even with being house broken, contact your veterinarian… it could be medical issue that wasn’t noticed early on.

Did you know? According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy, 25 percent of dogs in animal shelter are purebreds.