How to Use Cat Litter to Train a Puppy

House training a new puppy can be a challenge. Traditionally, house training requires constant supervision to prevent accidents before they happen. Taking a puppy outside every couple of hours is not always possible, especially for people who work long hours or live on the upper floors of apartment buildings. Using cat litter to train a puppy can eliminate the need to go outside after every meal, sleep or play session, and can be useful on those cold winter mornings when neither you nor the puppy want to leave your home.

Things You'll Need

  • Litter box
  • Cat litter
  • Treats
  • Litter scoop
  • Diaper pail
  • Trash bags
  • Enzymatic cleaner
  • Crate
  • Pet gate
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a litter box from your local pet store. Look for the largest cat litter box, or one made especially for dogs.

    • 2

      Fill the litter box with cat litter. Alternatively, use newspaper, absorbent pads, or litter meant for use by dogs.

    • 3

      Place the litter box in an area accessible to your dog. Choose a room with tiles or a linoleum floor which will make it easier for you to clean up accidents.

    • 4

      Supervise your dog when he is inside the house. Pick up your puppy and place him in the litter box after eating, drinking, sleeping or playing, which are optimal eliminating times for dogs. Watch your dog for warning signs that he needs to urinate or defecate, such as sniffing and circling. Place him in the litter box as soon as you see these signs and praise him when he goes. Give your puppy a treat for getting the behavior correct.

    • 5

      Clean the litter box regularly with a litter scoop, available from your local pet store. Remove solid waste immediately to avoid lingering odor. Remember that dogs do not have the same instinct cats do to cover their waste, so it is up to you to cover it for your puppy. Consider purchasing a diaper pail and lining it with a plastic trash bag in which to place your puppy's deposits. Empty the pail whenever it is full.

    • 6

      Clean up any accidents immediately. Use an enzymatic cleaner to remove the odor and prevent your puppy from repeating the accident in the same place.