Instructions
Purchase a dog litter pan. Fill the litter pan with dog litter, shredded newspaper or piddle pads. Add a commercial, liquid housebreaking aid to the litter pan to encourage the dog. (See Resources.)
Confine the dog to a small area of the house, preferably an area with an easy-to-clean tile floor. Place the litter pan to one side or in a corner. Show the dog the litter box and say "use the box," or something similar. Use the same phrase each time.
Keep a close watch on the dog. Direct the dog to the litter box at the first sign of the need to void. Scold the dog for soiling the floor with a sharp, "No!" and clapping the hands together. Take the dog immediately to the litter box and praise him.
Use a crate to housebreak the dog. Kennel the dog when it's not possible to closely monitor her. Remove the dog from the crate and take her to the litter box. Reward the dog for using the litter box with a small treat and much praise.
Expand the dog's area as housebreaking progress is made. Back up and limit the space in the event of "accidents." Continue to keep a close eye on the dog throughout the process.
Be patient and consistent in taking the dog to the litter box. Reward the dog with praise and a small treat. Expect the training to take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
Use the crate for the dog when no one is available to watch him. Limit the time in the crate to no more than 3 hours at a time.
How to Litter Train a Dog
Train small dogs with the use of a litter box. This is ideal in situations for people who live in high-rise apartments or when you're housebound. If you're an owner of a small dog, a litter box affords a convenient alternative to going outside each time.