How to Litter Train a Dog: An Easy Guide

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Learning how to litter train a dog can be easier than you think! Litter training for dogs is gaining steam with busy pet owners and can be a great way to potty train any canine. Whether a dog owner has an older dog that he or she rescued or is a new puppy parent, potty training is essential for the new pet. For many owners, finding the time throughout the day to take the dog out can be difficult. For city dwellers that live in apartments, finding any grass for the dog to use can be near impossible. Litter training is a great alternative to both potty pads and outdoor elimination. It allows less worry on the part of the owner and more comfort for the animal.

How to Litter Train a Dog?

How to litter train a dog? To litter train your dog you will need supplies like a dog litter box, dog litter, litter scoop and treats for rewards for when your dog uses their litter box. After you set up your dog’s litter box area you will then reintroduce the area to them every 1-2 hours so they know where it is. You will need to use a command such as “go potty!” or “go pee!” so they will begin to associate that is where you want them to go to the bathroom. You will need to be patient as your dog learns to use the litter box. Consistency is key!

Supplies Needed:

Start With Crate Training:

The best way to litter train is to incorporate crate training. Crate training relies on the principle that dogs will not eliminate where they sleep. To properly crate train, the owner will need to purchase a crate from a store.

The crate should be big enough for the dog to lay and move comfortably, but not so big that the dog will have room to eliminate in it. Whenever the owner is not able to directly supervise the dog, he or she should be placed the crate. It is best to only leave the animal in the crate for 2 hours at a time for the first few weeks.

Litter Training Set Up:

To incorporate litter training, the owner needs to first set up the litter box and litter in the place he or she wishes the animal to eliminate. It’s best to set it up in a tiled area, so any accidents can be easily cleaned up. If the house or apartment is completely carpeted, a small rug or even trash bags underneath the litter box will help prevent any urine or feces stains on the carpet in the event of an accident.

Starting Litter Training:

To begin the training, take the animal from its crate to the litter box and give it a command such as “Go Potty.” If the dog jumps out of the pan, simply place him/her back in the box and give the command once more. When the dog finally eliminates, it is important to reward him or her with a treat or favored toy.

After every elimination, remove the waste with a litter scooper and discard. This not only encourages the dog to use the box, but also helps reduce any bad smells. This process should be repeated first thing in the morning, after every meal, and after exercising. For the first few weeks, bringing the dog to the pan ever 1-2 hours is also encouraged.

Dog Potty Training Accidents:

Accidents do unfortunately happen. The best way to deal with them is to remember the dog is learning and did not do it on purpose. Punishment is not the best way to train a dog. In some cases, punishment can deter the dog from using the box as it might associate the two.

Should the dog begin to eliminate outside the pan, the best plan of action is to immediately scoop the dog up and place him or her in the litter box, using the chosen command. Once he or she is in the pan, praise the dog and offer a reward. Soon the animal will begin to associate the two and will be able to use the box more reliably.

Remember that the key to potty training is to be patient. The dog will eventually learn!

Where to Find Dog Litter and Litter Boxes:

Dogs can use traditional cat litter boxes, depending on the size of the animal. The tops of cat boxes can be removed to allow the dog more room and comfort. Purina and PETCO, however, both manufacture litter box designed for dogs. These boxes are lower to ground, making it easier for the dog to get in and out of. They are also a little wider and longer to accommodate small to medium sized dogs.

Though traditional cat litter can be used in the litter box, it is generally discouraged as dogs have a tendency to eat the litter. Cat litter is known to clump and if eaten in large quantities can cause intestinal obstructions in the dog. There are several alternatives, however. Purina and PETCO both make a litter designed for dogs that is produced out of old newspapers, making it safe for the dog to ingest. If the owner wishes to go with a cheaper and environmentally friendly option, paper shreds, such as from a paper shredder, will also suffice.

Recommended Training Books:

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