Victoria Ries is a freelance writer whose work has been published in various print magazines, including "Guideposts," "BackHome" and "Mother Earth News." Ries enjoys working on diverse topics, such as travel, animal rescue, health, how-to and home business.
Having a new puppy in the house means occasionally having to clean up puddles and "landmines" while you train your puppy to use the dog litter box. Puppies are highly trainable and learn quickly, especially when treated with the love and attention they deserve. It is important that you are consistent with your puppy until he has learned what is required of him and starts using the grown-up dog litter box without being told.
Occasional "Accidents"
It is natural for your puppy to have the occasional accident while learning how to use the dog litter box. After all, human babies have to learn how to use the potty, too. The toilet-training process is no different for puppies that learn fast given the right type of reward and encouragement, earning themselves well-deserved praise for doing the right thing. Never scold your puppy when training him to use the dog litter box; always show love during training to earn trust and respect from your puppy. Scolding only instills fear and is likely to result in your puppy continuing his bad behavior by going potty behind furniture and in obscure places due to the fact that he fears your reaction when he's done something wrong. Never rub his nose in his "accidents." Simply pick up your puppy and place him in the dog litter box so that he knows that is where he is expected to go potty. After your puppy has eaten or drank something, put him in his dog litter box to relieve himself.
Reward System
When your puppy does something right, reward her with a treat such as a Beggin' Strip or a similar tasty morsel she will remember (see Resources below). Always offer lots of praise and squat down to her level to pet your puppy, telling her what a good girl she is. Your puppy will be eager to please you given such rewards and praise, and this will speed up the learning curve. Do not reward bad behavior; ignore the inappropriate things your puppy does. Soon she will associate the correlation between good behavior and tasty rewards.
Using the Litter Box
After approximately 2 weeks of consistent dog litter box training, your puppy should know to use the litter box and not the floor to relieve himself. Your puppy will remember the treats he received for good behavior, which prompt him to do what you expect. Each time your puppy uses the litter box all by himself, he may come bounding up to you expecting praise and a lot of petting. Eventually, he will outgrow this behavior as he learns other tricks such as fetching a ball or a stick, sitting and lying down, shaking his paw and rolling over. All learning activities must be done with love and respect.
Resources
