Litterbox Training a Puppy

One house training alternative to teaching a puppy to go outside is to use a litterbox. Many dog owners have found this method to be a very acceptable way to go. Using a litterbox might be a good choice for the highrise dweller, winter use, etc. This is a guide about litterbox training a puppy.

Solutions: Litterbox Training a Puppy

Read and rate the best solutions below by giving them a "thumbs up".

Paper Box Training

To paper box train your Pug puppy, be patient. Bring the puppy to the box right after it wakes up, eats, and plays. Say, "go potty." Once it does, praise him or her and give kisses.

By Carol and Tom from San Diego, CA

1SharePrintFollowPost Feedback

Paper Litterbox Training a Puppy

I don't train my dogs to use an actual litter tray, but instead teach them to use a pad of newspaper. It is just as effective for small dogs who mainly live inside as it is for a larger dog who might be housebound or "caught short" when inside. I also recently rescued an untrained 6 year old male Chihuahua and he picked it up in no time.

I start by spreading layers of newspaper all over the tiled bathroom or laundry floor, it's easier to clean up a tiled floor if they make a mess to start. It doesn't have to be bathroom, any small, quiet area is OK. I take the pup or dog to the newspaper several times, especially after a sleep (for puppies). Once they have peed on the paper I remove the messy paper, but leave a sheet of the newspaper there as it has the smell in it. To teach them to poop there I leave one of the bottom layers of paper, no mess, but they can still smell it. After they have the hang of it, over a few weeks I gradually reduce the area of newspaper covering the floor, until they are just doing their business on a pad of newspaper one sheet in size. The newspaper I use is about 40cm x 60cm when opened out.

I found a large plastic tray from an old birdcage, the tray is about 50mm deep and stack the paper in that and leave it in a quiet place in the house and have never yet had to cleanup a mess anywhere else in the house. Prior to finding the tray I had a wooden frame made from timber offcuts, the same size as the stack of paper. I have 3 Chihuahuas who live inside, but I do let them out on the grass when I'm home. When I have to leave them inside anytime I know I'm not going to come home to a mess. It works just as well with large dogs. Newspaper is plentiful, cheap and doesn't get flicked or scratched around like litter.

By Lois from Qld, Australia

0SharePrintFollowPost Feedback

Share Your Feedback: Once you try any of the above solutions, be sure to come back and give a "thumbs up" to the solution that worked the best for you. Do you have a better solution? Click "Share a Solution" above!

Questions

Here are questions related to Litterbox Training a Puppy.

Litter Box Training a Puppy

How do I litter train a Blue Nose Pit puppy?

By Eric from Crestwood, IL

SharePrintFollowPost Feedback

Previous: Puppy Won't Go Potty If It's Cold

Next: House Training a Puppy

Litter Box Training a Puppy

I'm thinking of getting a miniature poodle. I would like to train the dog to do its business indoors. Has anyone tried the Wiz Dog for their small dog or do wee-wee pads or litter training seem to work better?

Thanks!
Enmenc from US

RE: Litter Box Training a Puppy

I have a T-cup Chihuahua that I litter box trained. I've never heard of the Wixz-Dog, but I assume it's much like a litter box. I started her out using puppy pads. I then bought a big plastic sweater storage box. I removed the lid and put it away for another use. I then took a box cutter and on one side of the box I cut out a U shaped piece about 6" wide, enough for her to be able to get in and out of the box. I also covered the cut edges with tape so she wouldn't scrape herself. Now that she is older (2yrs) I use sections of newspaper. Seems like I have anever ending supply of clean newspaper, what with relatives and neighbors all saving them for me. I make up thick sections and put down about 6 of them at a time. When she does her business, solid waste gets picked up and flushed, and then the paper goes in the garbage can. There is never any odor from her litter box. Also to give her some privacy I bought a piece of display board (cardboard that is used for school science projects) the kind that folds, like a folding screen. I cut out a door for her and placed the cardboard around her litter box. She is completely litterbox trained. When the weather permits I do take her for a daily walk so she gets some exercise. Hope this helps. (10/22/2005)

By lovethosehounds

RE: Litter Box Training a Puppy

lovethosehounds, What a clever idea you had. I think that sounds great. Someone else, on another site I posted this on, works with Min Pin rescue and they use a baking pan and newspaper too. But I don't think she puts as much down as you. I think your idea is even better. Thanks so much for your feedback! (10/25/2005)

By Jessica

RE: Litter Box Training a Puppy

I bought wizdog, price was right, but my dog would not use it. I could have trained her eventually, but I didnt like the thing. Sent it back they were nice about a refund. bought a Pup-head. My dog used it right away. I use it on our boat so it has been a great find! (12/20/2005)

By Carol Shetland

RE: Litter Box Training a Puppy

I have been litter box training my puppy for a week plus now with nothing more than a dog litterbox and puppy pee pad in it and I put shredded papers from my work office (great recycling of it) :-) We shred alot of documents and I re use them for doggie litter - it works great! My pup will not use the pee pad alone - it must have shreds on top of it -. It helps make clean up of solid waste easy, and after my pup has urinated a few times - then I replace the pad with a new one . It helps also to train the pup to understand words - when I put him in the box every time i say "go potty" - He is catching on quick . I know this because when I say the word potty, he gets alert and starts to look for the box. Consistency, patience, and persistance are key in any traing to be successful. (08/07/2006)

By Shannan

RE: Litter Box Training a Puppy

My babies are small chihuahuas also, both about 3 lbs each. I live in the northern midwest and we have SNOW in the winter. They are way too small to go outdoors in the winter. The breeders always used the piddle pads and I did too, until they were too expensive.

At first I tried to change them over to newspaper laid in a large box I had cut down to about 2" high, but they were not happy with that. Then I realized they were use to soft "tissue"feeling on their paws, so I laid some cheap paper towels on top of the newspapers and they don't seem to mind. I cut a vinyl picnic table cloth under the box and lined the box with it too. This keeps the floor and box in good condition and I can wash it in my washer when it gets kind of icky. It has worked for my chi's. (08/07/2006)

By PrairieLady

RE: Litter Box Training a Puppy

Snuggles has been paper box training for 2 days and is doing extremely well. she is an 8 week old pug puppy. we put her in the box and say the command. she tilts her head and ears and whines. she goes in the box on her own. when she goes we praise her with kisses and a cheer. it takes persistence. we are crate training, too. we use the two methods together. as, soon as she comes out of the crate, plays, 8 minutes after she eats and when sniffing around we set her in the box. we use newspaper, instead of litter. (01/22/2007)

By blkpug

RE: Litter Box Training a Puppy

Thank you for posting the feedback. I will be picking up my morkie puppy next week and have been trying to find information on litterbox training. I found a litter box for puppies at the pet store, but now I know I can use the news paper or wee pads in lieu of doggie litter...

Thanks again for the information (03/10/2007)

By Morkieboy

Litter Box Training a Puppy

I need help with litter box training my puppy. Anyone have any tips?

Debora

RE: Litter Box Training a Puppy

My sister has 2 little chihuahuas that are paper trained. Originally, she used the "wee wee pads" designed for puppies, but we found that the pads that you use to put on the bed under a person with incontinence were actually cheaper. These are found right there with the pads (like Poise). (03/14/2008)

By bailegirl

RE: Litter Box Training a Puppy

Suggestions, please, for litter box training a 1 year old large dog who is trained to go outdoors. Although someone is usually home to let him out, there will come the day when he is in his room (a back bedroom of the house) and we can't get there in time. Thanks. (03/18/2008)

By cookwie

RE: Litter Box Training a Puppy

PS Dog is in this room when we are not home - the rest of the time he has free run of the house and yard. (03/19/2008)

By cookwie

RE: Litter Box Training a Puppy

PPS Dog will have the free run of the house once he learns some manners - so a litter box is a must. (03/20/2008)

By cookwie

Litter Box Training a Puppy

I am going to adopt a Yorkie-poo puppy in September. I want to know how to house train it to a litter box. I have an old Sheltie now and he was house trained to outside when I got him. I may have to move to apartment, and want the puppy to be comfortable with going indoors and outdoors. I run a small business and am on the road a lot. Thanks again.

Susan from Hamilton

RE: Litter Box Training a Puppy

This is for Enmenc from US; I have used the WizDog potty trays and they are great. The dogs can't shred the paper and they are very easy to clean up. I just got a second dog and am looking at getting another tray. I would highly recommend WizDog. (01/02/2009)

By Kim

RE: Litter Box Training a Puppy

To control the smell I would either use Air freshener or some of that kitty litter that gets rid of the smell. You can use pretty much any litter as most of them say odor control on them. (02/19/2009)

By John L.

RE: Litter Box Training a Puppy

I guess I am probably a little late to respond hopefully by now you've trained your dog. But if you are still looking for an indoor potty solution can I recommend the PupHead Potty? It is a grass mat in a tray that the dogs really love. Here's more info: erratic.ws (08/30/2009)

By veda815