How to Use a Dog Indoor Potty in the Shower

Housebreaking is a part of owning a dog, but it isn't always easy. Maybe you work long hours and have a puppy or an older dog that just can't wait. If so, training your dog to use an indoor shower potty may stop him from soiling the house. A dog shower potty works best in a stand-alone shower, unless your dog is willing and able to hop into a tub to use it. Indoor dog potties generally consist of a square tray with a grid covering. Some are topped with artificial grass. You can easily remove all of the parts for cleaning.

Things You'll Need

  • Indoor dog potty
  • Walk-in shower
Show More

Instructions

  1. Instructions

    • 1

      Measure your shower to ensure the dog potty you buy will fit. Follow all instructions for assembling the dog potty and place it in your shower. Make sure it is secure and will not slide around. After setting it up, allow your dog investigate and sniff the potty. It may help to spray some house-training spray in the bottom of the shower to encourage your dog to use it. Leave the shower door open at all times so your dog has access.

      The advantage of using the dog potty in the shower is that near misses are easily cleaned up. The shower also keeps the potty out of sight and out of the path of regular household activities.

    • 2

      Some dogs may need repeated training to use the potty, while others might catch on very quickly. When your dog acts like he is going to relieve himself, direct him to the dog potty using an encouraging, upbeat voice. Do not be impatient or harsh, as he may think the potty is a form of punishment.

    • 3

      Reward your dog for using the shower potty by offering praise, a favorite toy or a treat. Dogs are more likely to do what you want when you offer positive reinforcement, according to The Humane Society of the United States. Make sure the reward is immediate, so your dog associates using the potty with doing something that pleases you. Over time, using the potty should become automatic.

    • 4

      When cleaning the dog potty, do not wash urine or feces down the shower. Instead, pick up the tray and empty it into a toilet. You may need to use a brush to remove feces from the grate. With the artificial grass cover, pick up the feces (with plastic or scoop) and dispose of it either in your toilet or an outdoor receptacle.

    • 5

      Clean the dog potty daily so it does not develop an odor. Do this by pouring warm water over its entire surface. At least once a week, give it a deep cleaning with an outdoor garden hose. If you do not have an outdoor hose, use your shower to rinse it off.