Author:
Gregory Harris
Date Of Creation:
10 August 2021
Update Date:
1 July 2024
Content
- Steps
- Part 1 of 3: Installing a litter box
- Part 2 of 3: Introducing your dog to the litter box
- Part 3 of 3: Littering Your Dog
- A warning
To train your dog to the litter box sounds a little strange, but in fact, there is really no big difference between training your pet to the litter box and training it to the toilet on the street. Imagine - you work late, litter train your dog, and you don't have to worry about having to walk the dog. Or maybe you live in an apartment and you simply do not have the opportunity to take your puppy outside every time he wants to urinate. Therefore, litter box training can provide additional conveniences for both you and your pet. To successfully achieve this goal, you will need to choose the right equipment, introduce your dog to the litter box and teach him how to use it.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Installing a litter box
1 Buy a plastic tray that is large enough to become a litter box. In fact, all you need is a container large enough to fill with toilet filler. At the same time, you can buy a ready-made litter box for dogs and an even more expensive version with a self-cleaning function or with artificial grass and a waste tray underneath. - The size of the dog's litter box should allow it to easily unfold in it.
- Its sides should be low enough for the dog to enter the litter box on its own, but relatively high (for a dog) in case the pet urinates by raising its hind leg.
- If you bought a tray with a roof, consider cutting off the top so it will be easier for your dog to get in and you won't have too much trouble emptying the tray.
2 Purchase toilet litter for your litter box. Larger granules of toilet fillers are most effective because they absorb moisture better. For dogs, litters range from simple clay-based litters to activated carbon litters for odor control. To combat the smell of dog urine yourself, simply sprinkle some baking soda on the bottom of the litter box each time before adding the litter. 
3 Buy a toilet scoop and trash can with a foot pedal to open the lid. You will need to remove the dog's excrement and soiled litter (if possible) every time the dog goes to the toilet. Having a scoop and trash can nearby will greatly simplify this task for you. 
4 Place the litter box in an easily accessible but secure location. The litter box should be close to the areas in which your dog spends most of his time, but not too open so that you do not observe each time he goes to the toilet. - Do not place food and water bowls near the toilet. No dog will go to the toilet where he eats.
- Be aware of the dog's tendency to dig in the litter box, especially at first. Position the tray so that the fluffed-out filler does not create too much clutter.
5 Make sure that each of your pet (be it dogs or cats) has its own litter box. The cat must remain the rightful owner of his litter box, otherwise he will start urinating outside of it to mark his own territory. And if you have two dogs, it's better to set up separate litter boxes for them too, to avoid similar territoriality issues.
Part 2 of 3: Introducing your dog to the litter box
1 First, train your dog to climb into the litter box on command. Before your puppy or adult dog can learn to go to the litter box, you need to train him to climb into the litter box on his own. It is important to let your pet know that the litter box is safe and even fun. 
2 Place the dog in the litter box and give the appropriate voice command, for example: "To the toilet!" Praise your dog for being in the litter box. 
3 Wait for the dog to come out of the litter box and put it back in. Repeat the command, praise your pet again, and show him how glad you are to have him in the litter box. Continue exercising until the dog starts to go into the litter box by your command "To the toilet!" 
4 Teach your dog to go into the litter box on the command “To the toilet!"Without your help. As soon as the dog is already comfortable enough to perform the command "To the toilet!" with your prompts, try using only the voice command. Be patient and don't repeat the command twice. If the dog does not enter the litter box, just leave - you can work with it later, you can also return to working with prompts again. If the dog enters the litter box on voice command without prompting, praise him generously. Continue exercising until you get the pet to immediately execute the command.
Part 3 of 3: Littering Your Dog
1 Be positive and consistent. If you punish your pet for urinating and defecating outside the litter box, you will simply scare him and thus complicate the learning process. Your consistency is the best way to train your dog. 
2 Soak a newspaper in your dog's urine or take some of the dog's excrement from the street and place it in the litter box. This will demonstrate to your pet that he can go to the toilet here and increase the likelihood that he will use the litter box for its intended purpose. 
3 Feed your dog on a regular schedule. Remove uneaten food between feedings. Regular feedings will lead to the dog going to the toilet regularly as well. 
4 Watch for signs that an adult dog wants to use the toilet. Whimpering, wandering, sniffing the floor, and heading for a street door are all signs that the dog wants to use the toilet. If you notice them, immediately send your pet to the litter box. 
5 Direct the puppy to the litter box using the “To the toilet!»On a regular schedule to avoid oversights. Very young puppies should be directed to the toilet every hour and immediately after feedings and sleep. All puppies must be sent to the litter box in the morning, before bedtime and before you lock or leave your pet alone. - During the day, a puppy is usually able to control the bladder for exactly as many hours as it is months old.
- Puppies can hold back longer at night. At 4 months old, the puppy is usually able to endure all night long.
6 Keep a close eye on your pet to avoid oversights. You cannot allow your pet to develop the habit of going to the toilet anywhere in the house, so every time he walks freely around the house, keep a close eye on him. Wandering, whimpering, walking in circles, sniffing the floor, and wanting to leave the room are all signs that your lesser friend wants to use the bathroom. Direct it to the litter box as quickly as possible. 
7 Lock your dog up when you are unable to supervise him. Use a small room with a lockable door, or install a child's wicket in the opening. Place your dog's litter box in this room so he can use it as needed. 
8 Reward your dog for going to the litter box. During litter training, you should always accompany your dog to the litter box. Encourage her to use the tray as directed with praise, treats, or games. 
9 Empty the litter box every time your dog uses it. Dogs do not bury excrement like cats do. Therefore, you will need to immediately empty the excrement tray. Empty the tray completely and wash it at least once a month. The dog will not want to use it if it gets too dirty. 
10 Remain calm if you catch your dog committing an oversight. You shouldn't scare your pet and you shouldn't stick your nose into a puddle or a pile of it. Clap your hands loudly to puzzle the dog - this will make him stop. Then quickly take him to the tray, urging him to follow you. If your pet finishes his business in the litter box, reward him. But if it's too late, don't worry.
A warning
- A litter box is a great way for your dog to go to the toilet when you can't get him outside, but it is not a substitute for walking. You still need to let your pet go to the toilet outside.
- Toilet training is best for small dogs, as larger dogs (males) often lift their hind leg and urine is outside the litter box.
