Potty Training a Puppy to Use a Litter Box

Many puppy owners choose to litter train a dog as opposed to teaching the puppy to void outdoors. This strategy is effective for puppy owners who live in large urban areas and do not have access to outdoor facilities or those owners who live in colder climates. Any breed of puppy can be litter trained, but be aware that a large dog will outgrow a small litter box within a few months.

Things You'll Need

  • Litter box
  • Kennel
  • Puppy treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the litter box in an area that isn't centrally located in the home, but is in a place that the puppy can still find. A laundry room or downstairs bathroom is the most effective spot.

    • 2

      Begin a strict eating and drinking schedule for the puppy. Feed and offer the puppy water at the same time each day. This will help give you some idea when the puppy will need to void and will help you predict when to bring the puppy to the litter box.

    • 3

      Place the puppy inside of the litter box first thing in the morning, after its meal and playtime. These are the times the puppy will most likely need to void. Leave the puppy for five minutes and wait for it to void. If it has not happened, remove the puppy and bring it back in 30 minutes to try again.

    • 4

      Confine the puppy in a crate or kennel when it cannot be watched closely, such as at night or when you are away. The puppy will not void where it sleeps, so the kennel will remain clean.

    • 5

      Watch for signals that the puppy must void. The puppy may sniff around the floor or whine when it has to void. Once these signs occur, place the puppy immediately in the litter box.

    • 6

      Correct the puppy only when you catch it in the act of voiding, not after. Tell the puppy "No" in a stern voice and immediately clean up the mess. A puppy will continue to void in the same spot if it can smell the lingering odor of urine.

    • 7

      Praise the puppy and give it a dog treat each time it voids inside of the litter box. Eventually the puppy will begin to associate this behavior with the positive outcome.