How to Train Your Dog to Use a Litter Box

Teaching your dog to use a litter box might seem strange, but it's not so different from training them to relieve themselves outside. Imagine getting home late from work and not having to worry about walking your dog for a bathroom break. Or perhaps you live in an apartment building and don't want to take your dog outside every time they need to pee. Training your dog to use a litter box could be a convenient solution for both you and your dog. To achieve this, you will need the right equipment, introduce your dog to the box, and teach them how to use it.

Purchase a large plastic tray to serve as the litter box. All you need is a container for waste, although there are pricier options that offer similar cleaning functions or include grass on top (with a waste tray beneath).

• The box should be spacious enough for your dog to turn around inside.
• The edges should be low enough for your dog to enter, but high enough to prevent them from peeing outside the box if they lift their leg.
• If you buy a box with a lid, consider cutting off the top for easier access and cleaning.

Fill the box with litter. Dog litter works best because it consists of larger grains that absorb better. There is a wide variety of dog litter available, from regular clay to activated carbon types that help control odors. To manage bad smells, just sprinkle some baking soda at the bottom of the box before adding the litter each time.

Buy a scoop and a trash bin. You will need to clean up after your dog each time they use the litter box, if possible. Having a scoop and a nearby trash bin will make the task much easier.

Place the box in a convenient yet private spot. The litter box should be placed near areas your dog frequently visits, but far enough so that you don’t have to see it all the time.

• Avoid placing the box near your dog's food and water, as they won't relieve themselves where they eat.
• Be aware of your dog’s tendency to dig in the box, especially in the beginning. Position the box in a way that if waste falls out, it doesn’t make too much of a mess.

Ensure each dog and cat has their own litter box. Cats need to feel like they own their box, or else they may start urinating outside of it to mark their territory. If you have two dogs, it’s best to provide each dog with their own box to avoid territorial issues.

Teach your dog to enter the box with a command first. Before your puppy or adult dog can use the box, they need to be able to enter it. You’ll need to teach them that the box is safe and even fun.

Place your dog in the box and give the command like “use the box”. Praise them when they enter the box.

Wait for your dog to exit and then place them back inside. Repeat the command, and once again, praise the dog and act happy that they are in the box. Keep practicing until you can direct your dog to enter the box with the “use the box” command.

Instruct your dog to go into the box with just the “use the box” command. Once your dog is familiar with entering the box, try only giving the command. Be patient and avoid repeating mistakes. If your dog doesn’t enter, simply walk away and try again later, or return to guiding them. If your dog enters upon command, praise them generously. Continue practicing until your dog immediately enters on command.

Stay optimistic and patient. Punishing your dog for urinating or defecating outside the litter box will only make them scared and harder to train. Patience is the best approach for training your dog.

Soak some urine on newspaper or place some of your dog’s waste from outside into the box. This will show your dog that they should go potty there, increasing the likelihood that they will use the box.

Feed your dog on a schedule. Eliminate food between meals. Feeding your dog regularly will cause them to relieve themselves more often.

Watch for signs that your dog needs to go potty. Whining, pacing, sniffing around the house, or heading towards the door are all signs that your dog needs to go. Take them to the litter box immediately.

Guide your puppy to the box with the 'use the box' command on a fixed schedule to prevent accidents. Puppies should be taken to the litter box every hour, as well as after meals and naps. All puppies should be taken to relieve themselves first thing in the morning, right before you go to bed, and before they are confined or left alone.

• Puppies can hold their bladder during the day for an amount of time equal to their age in months.
• Puppies can hold it longer at night. A 4-month-old puppy can hold it overnight.

Always keep an eye on your dog to prevent accidents. You don’t want your dog developing a habit of going to the bathroom inside the house, so whenever the dog is not on a leash, make sure to watch them closely. Pacing, whining, turning around, sniffing, and leaving the room are all signs that the dog needs to urinate or defecate. Take them to the litter box as quickly as possible.

Confine your dog when you can't supervise them. Use a small room, lock the door, or block off the space with a baby gate. Place the litter box in the room so the dog can use it when needed.

Reward your dog when they use the litter box to relieve themselves. Throughout the training process, you should frequently take your dog to the litter box. Reward them when they use the box correctly with treats, praise, or playtime.

Clean the litter box every time the dog relieves itself. Unlike cats, dogs don’t bury their waste. You’ll need to scoop it out after every use. At least once a month, dispose of everything and wash the box thoroughly. Dogs won’t use the box if it’s too dirty.

Stay calm if you catch your dog going outside the box. You don’t want to scare them, and certainly not shove their face in the mess. Clap your hands loudly to startle the dog; this often makes them stop. Then quickly guide the dog to the litter box and encourage them to follow you. If they relieve themselves in the box, reward them. If they don’t, don’t stress over it.