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Dog Litter Box Training

Benefits of Dog Litter Box Training

Trainers who support dog litter box training say that it can virtually eliminate bathroom accidents. Dogs with litter box training can go to the bathroom anytime during the day as needed. Whether you're at home or not, it eliminates the need for scheduled trips outside. This is especially true for small dogs and puppies that have small bladders. A litter box makes it easier for them to go more often.

Another benefit of dog litter box training is the reduction of health risks. The outdoors can pose a risk to many dogs through poisonous plants and toxic landscaping materials. There are also health risks associated with dogs that "hold their potty" throughout the day waiting for their owners to return. The longer waste products remain in your dog's body, the greater the risk of urinary tract infections. Dog litter box training reduces your dog's exposure to these health risks.

Dog litter box training provides greater convenience for both owner and dog. No trips outside, no braving the wind and the rain, no tracking in dirt and mud. Just clean the litter box once a day.

Getting Started with Dog Litter Box Training

You'll need a litter box. Purina sells a litter box especially for small dogs along with bags of litter. It's available through most pet retailers. Otherwise, you can get a large cat litter box or use almost any type of low open plastic container. If you have a small dog that you wish to truly pamper, it's possible to purchase a litter box that automatically cleans and flushes waste (about $460).

One method of dog litter box training is to gradually shift dogs from paper to the litter box. This works especially well for dogs already trained to go on paper. Another method of dog litter box training is a variation on using the crate to house train your dog. Instead of taking your dog from the crate to the yard, take him to the litter box instead.

You'll want to locate the litter box on an easily cleaned surface if possible, like a tile floor. You can help your dog get accustomed to the litter box by having it in his "area" from the beginning. Make a game out of teaching your dog to get in and out of the litter box. During the time your giving your dog litter box training, he should have only two options for somewhere to be--with you or in the area where his litter box is located. Just like standard house training, you need to correct your dog if he starts to go somewhere else, get him to the litter box and give the command word, and praise him when he successfully uses the litter box.

As with any type of house training, accidents will happen in dog litter box training. Be prepared with some cleaning supplies and a generous amount of patience. But your payoff will come within a few weeks, when you can let your dog roam freely in the house whether you are at work or at home. If your plans change and you need to come home late, your dog won't be waiting by the door with a puddle close buy. And you can watch the rain and the snow through a window.