Litter Box Training Your Puppy

​What Kind of Litter?

Choice of litter is VERY important.  DO NOT use cat litter for training you puppy!!!  I have heard of people doing this and it is BAD.  Cat litter can get stuck in their pads and they can lick it off their coat causing expensive and harmful gastro-intestinal complications.  I USE ONLY SECOND NATURE LITTER FOR DOGS. It is in an orange bag and can be purchased at any fine petstore.  I shop at Pet Supplies Plus, but I am certain it is available at Petco and PetSmart as well.  If you don't see it at your pet store, ASK.  They might carry it for you or tell you somewhere that does.

Starting Out

Oftentimes when you get your puppy, it will have started being trained to paper or "wee wee" pads that sit on the floor.  If you did get a puppy like this, great, as this is an easy transition to make.  If your puppy has no idea and won't use the pads either, hope is not lost.  First off, get your pup to use newspaper or a pad in a designated area (or two) of your home. If he/she won't do this already, there is spray available from the pet store you can spray on your paper and get puppy interested in going there.  Once your pup is on paper consistently (hopefully from the breeder), go to the pet store and buy as SECOND NATURE BRAND litter box.  These are economical as the biggest one I believe is under $25.  Buy one that will suit the ADULT SIZE of your pup.  The boxes state adult size and weight so this is an easy step. These are great boxes with a "lip" for your little one to get in.  I don't use cat boxes so I can't comment on how they might work.  I believe in sticking to what works. :)  Bring your box home and when you put down new paper (in the same designated spot) for puppy, put it IN the litter box.  If you like the paper can go over the edges of the box.  If your puppy is at all hesitant, use the spray and stick to very big positive reinforcement when puppy uses the box with paper to do his/her business.

​Second Step of Training

Once your puppy is using the litter box with the paper on it CONSISTANTLY for 5-7 days, take your SECOND NATURE FOR DOGS dog litter and put it in the litter box for your puppy.  COVER THE LITTER WITH THE PAPER OR PADS YOUR PUPPY HAS BEEN USING.  That way when your puppy now climbs into the litter pan to go, he/she will feel the litter under their feet.  THIS STEP IS IMPORTANT.  DO NOT SKIP IT.  Your puppy might need the same encouragement to use the paper with the litter under it, but give it to them.  You are on the right track. :)  Once your puppy CONSISTANTLY uses the litter pan with the litter in it and paper over it for 5-7 days, REMOVE THE PAPER.  Your pup now knows where to go and how.  Your puppy might need a little encouragement with the litter, but has, over time, learned this is the way to keep you happy with their potty habits.