Training a dog to use a litter box might seem a little odd, but it's not a very different process than the one used to teach him to go to the toilet outside the house. Imagine working late and not having to worry about getting your dog out. Or of living in an apartment and not having to take him out every time he has to pee. Training him to evacuate in a litter box can be beneficial for both of you. To do this, you will need the right equipment, accustom your dog to the box and teach him how to use it.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Prepare the Litter Box
Step 1. Purchase a large plastic litter tray
You will simply need something that will hold the absorbent material, although there are more expensive self-cleaning or weed-on-the-surface versions (and a waste collection system underneath).
- The bowl should be large enough for the dog to turn around inside.
- The sides should be low enough for the dog to enter on his own, but high enough to prevent him from urinating outside by raising his paw.
- If you buy a litter tray with a roof, you can consider removing it to make the litter box easier for your dog to use and easier for you to clean.
Step 2. Get some litter material
Dog litter boxes are best suited, because they have larger beads, which absorb liquids better. You will find many types, from plain clay to activated charcoal, which can control odors. If you want to take care of bad smells, just sprinkle some baking soda on the bottom of the tray before filling it.
Step 3. Purchase a spatula and a dustbin with a foot-opening lid
You must remove your dog's droppings every time he uses the litter box if possible. With a basket and a spatula at hand, the operation will be much easier.
Step 4. Place the tray in an easy-to-access but isolated location
It needs to be close to where your dog spends the most time, but where you can't see him.
- Do not place the bowl near the dog's bowls, as these animals do not like to evacuate near where they eat.
- Be aware that dogs have a tendency to burrow through the litter box, especially the first few times they use it. Position it so that the absorbent material thrown out of the animal does not cause too much disorder.
Step 5. Make sure every cat and dog in the house has their own tub
Cats need to feel like the owners of their litter box or else they will start urinating around it to mark their territory. Likewise, if you have two dogs, it's best to give each their own litter box to avoid similar territorial issues.
Part 2 of 3: Getting the dog used to the litter box
Step 1. Teach your dog to enter the litter box on command
Before he can learn to evacuate into the tub, he must be able to enter it himself. Teach him that this is a safe, even fun place.
Step 2. Place the dog in the litter box and give him a command such as "Use the litter box"
Praise him when he is inside.
Step 3. Wait for the dog to come out and put him back in the litter box
Repeat the command, praise him and show that you are happy. Keep practicing until he learns to get into it on command.
Step 4. Ask your dog to enter the tub using only the verbal command you have chosen
When the pet feels comfortable in the litter box, simply try to give him the order. Be patient and don't repeat yourself. If it doesn't fit, walk away and try again later, or resume bringing it into the tub yourself. If he responds to the command, praise him a lot. Continue with the exercises until it enters the litter box right after your order.
Part 3 of 3: Training Your Dog to Use the Litter Box
Step 1. Be positive and consistent
Punishing your dog for popping out of the litter box will only scare him and make learning more difficult. Consistency is the best way to train him.
Step 2. Dip some newspaper in the urine or take some dog feces and place it in the litter box
This will show your pet that it's okay to do their business there.
Step 3. Feed your dog at regular intervals
Avoid giving him food between meals. If he eats at fixed times, he will probably also go to the toilet on a regular basis.
Step 4. Look for signs that your dog needs to evacuate
If he moans, walks briskly, sniffs on the ground, or heads for the door, he probably has to go to the toilet. Send him to the litter box right away.
Step 5. If you have a puppy, send him to the litter box with the verbal command at fixed intervals to avoid accidents
Very young dogs need to go to the toilet every hour, after meals and after naps. You should always send a puppy to the litter box as soon as you wake up, right before bed, and before you confine or leave him alone.
- A puppy can usually hold urine throughout the day for a number of hours equal to his age in months.
- They can hold urine longer at night. A 4 month old puppy should be able to make it through the night.
Step 6. Keep an eye on your dog to prevent accidents
You don't want him to get into the habit of toileting around the house, so whenever he finds himself confined to a confined space, watch him carefully. Fast walking, moaning, walking in circles, sniffing the floor, and leaving the room are all signs your puppy needs to evacuate. Get him to the litter box as quickly as possible.
Step 7. Lock up your dog when you can't keep an eye on him
Use a small room with the door closed or lock the animal with a baby gate. Place the litter box in the room so that she can use it when needed.
Step 8. Reward him when he goes to the litter box
During training, you should always accompany him in the tray. Reward him with praise, prizes, or games.
Step 9. Clean the litter box every time your dog soils it
These animals don't like to bury their droppings like cats do. Therefore you will always have to remove their feces. At least once a month, empty the tray completely and clean it. The dog will not use it if it is too dirty.
Step 10. Stay calm if you discover your dog in an accident
Don't scare him and absolutely avoid rubbing his face in his dirt. Clap your hands hard to get his attention; often it will be enough to stop it. Then quickly run to the litter box and encourage him to follow you. If he stops urinating or defecating in the bowl, give him a treat. If he has nothing else to expel, don't worry.
Warnings
- A litter box is the perfect solution for letting your dog go to the toilet when you can't get him out, but it can't replace walking.
- Litter boxes are more suitable for small dogs, because larger dogs often lift their paws… and spray out of the litter box.
