Can you train a dog to poop in a litter box? Here’s the Answer

3 Reasons to Use a Dog Litter Box or Artificial Grass Pad

Walking your dog outside is a good way for them to do their business while providing valuable bonding time. So I rarely advise parents to skip this opportunity. That said, there are a few instances when using a dog litter box is preferable. Is it right for your dog? Let’s find out!

Suggestions

Keep the dog in his crate, only allowing him out to eat or to eliminate. Take him out when you get up in the morning, 1 hour after the dog eats, every 3-4 hours during the day, 1 hour after the dog eats again, and before you go to bed.

If the dog uses the bedding material as his bathroom spot, change it immediately! Replace the bedding, and sprinkle bits of food on the new bedding. If there are treats frequently found on the bedding, the dog will not use it as a bathroom area!

If the dog doesn’t go unless crated, then you’ll need to spend more time teaching him to use the box — simply reinforcing the command to get in the box, and staying with him in the room and gently guiding him in the box, repeating the keyword, and using lots of praise. Use treats as a reward for going in the box along with praise! You can eventually wean the dog away from treats and more towards praise.

To encourage elimination on command, repeat the elimination command in a soothing voice while the dog is eliminating. This is done with your dog on a leash. Praise upon completion and allow your dog supervised “free time” in-house. Many times, giving a special interactive toy for 5 minutes reinforces the command.

Each day continue to keep the dog in his crate with the same stipulations but allow the dog out for 15 supervised minutes in your home after eliminating in his litter box. Increase time out by 15 minutes each day if no accidents occur; still supervising your dog whenever it is out and continuing the elimination on command routine.

If your dog has an accident, startle the dog with a clap of the hand or another method. Don’t punish. When the dog looks at you, give elimination command in a pleasant voice and take him to the “potty spot” on leash. Give the elimination command and wait 10 minutes. If the dog does not eliminate, don’t say anything but put it back in his crate. Clean up the accident with vinegar or bleach solution and follow up with enzyme cleaner allowed to dry on own. Return to the previous amount of “free time” for one day.

List of the Pros of Litter Box Training a Dog

1. It is very easy to get the supplies that you need. Certain breeds of dog can excel with litter box training. The process is similar to what you would teach a cat, providing them with a large tray as a place to use the bathroom. If you give your pup a lot of positive reinforcement with this process, then it can be a rewarding experience that controls messes for you. Most breeds can adapt to this training option in a couple of weeks, and some individuals may take to it right away.

2. You can eliminate the threat of urine odors and stains. Dogs that need to go to the bathroom will hold it until they no longer can. If you’re not available to get them outside, then the urine can get into your flooring or carpet to create damage, odor problems, and stains. Litter box training your pup will help you to manage the problems with liquid waste because they can manage their bathroom needs independently of your presence. If you’re running late because of work or need to get some errands finished, then you can handle your business because you know that your pet will be using the tray instead of the floor.

3. Litter box training allows for liquid and solid waste. Even advocates of house training where the dog learns to use the bathroom outside don’t mind litter box training as a secondary alternative. This option gives your pup an opportunity to relieve themselves of the liquid and solid waste when it is time to go. Although there are times when this method can be messy, especially if you’re trying to train larger dogs, it is still a better option than the alternative. The cost is manageable as well, with the tray and your first litter priced less than $40 in most locations.

4. There are several different varieties of litter from which to choose. Dog litter is similar to the products that you can find for kitties in the store. When you need to replace what is in the tray, then you can find everything from activated charcoal to paper pellets. Simple clay litters are sold almost everywhere to provide pet parents with a suitable entry-level option. If you have concerns about the odors that come from the tray, then try sprinkling some baking soda along the bottom of the box every time you empty it to have more control over this issue.

5. It helps senior dogs who may have bladder control issues. If your dog is over the age of 8, then their senior status can impact how and when they need to relieve themselves. Instead of relying on diapers to manage the mess, you can work with your older pup on transitioning to the litter box. You can reduce the amount of physical pain they experience trying to walk outside, especially if you live in a high-rise apartment. They might not have enough time to let you know they need to go at that age too, so having a usable tray gives you mess containment.

6. You will give confidence to some breeds with this training option. Some breeds, with the Maltese being the most notorious for the issue, can struggle to fully adapt to the idea of going outside. Their small bladder size can make it challenging to get them to a patch of grass on time. By choosing to use a dog litter box for your training option, you’ll create an effective compromise as a pet parent that can give your pup confidence. Instead of dealing with messes or scolding behaviors, you can create a positive environment that involves the litter tray instead.

How to Litter Box Train Puppies and Dogs