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In the past most people thought that it was not possible to litter train a dog, however owners of small dogs around the world are proving that it is.

Originally people who were litter training a dog were using the largest cat litter box they could find, but now there are several companies, Purina for one, who have introduced dog litter boxes onto the market. This is a great asset for people who have small dogs in apartments, or for dog owners with disabilities that prevent them from taking their pets outside ‘to go’.

Being litter trained also makes it easier to take the dog travelling. People you visit will be pleased that they won’t be left with any mess to clean up.

If using a cat litter box, you will need to cut off the top and smooth the cut edges with a file. The filler for the litter box is a matter of choice. Owners can choose commercially produced dog or cat litter, shredded newspaper, or newspaper that has been compounded into pellets.

Whichever filler you choose, it is good to have an easily accessible container for it, and a large scoop to dispense it.

The two best methods to use in litter training a dog are newspaper to litter box, and a type of “crate training”. It is most important though to first get your dog used to the litter box being in his life. It should be in his life from the beginning if possible, initially sitting on some newspaper – just in case. A small amount of litter should be in the box, with some newspaper over it. Gradually increase the amount of litter, and decrease and eventually remove the newspaper.

A good idea is to soak a piece of the newspaper in his urine before putting it in the litter box, so the dog registers it as a somewhere he has gone before.

It is always best to designate the area to be used for the litter box, and close the doors or block off in other ways, access to other rooms. For the first few days you will need to watch him carefully, ensuring there is nowhere for him to go out of your sight. If for whatever reason you cannot be with him, he should be secured in his litter room or crate.

Pay attention to the signs that dogs make before elimination – sniffing, searching, whining. When you notice these signs, put the dog in the litter box and use a phrase that will be repeated at this time, e.g. “use the box”. If the dog gets out, let him walk around again, and watch for the signs. Repeat the phrase, put him in the box. When he eventually ‘goes’ lavish praise on him, and reward him with a treat.

Should you catch the dog attempting to eliminate elsewhere, clap your hands and loudly (not yelling) say “no”. The sudden movement will halt the dog’s action and make him bolt. With all other doors closed, he will end up in his litter room. When he gets there, use the phase and put him in the box. Again, reward him when he goes.

Perseverance in litter training a dog will make your relationship with him so much more pleasant and eliminate a lot of cleaning and odors in your home.

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