[shabala35]

Sorry if this has been asked many times. I don't have time to read through the archives to find the thread...Can small dogs be trained to use a litter box? With the new clumping technology in litter I'm surpised I've never seen this suggestion with small dogs. Has anyone attempted it and what was the results and timeframe?

I'm an apartment dweller and a full time worker, and I haven't found a lot of owners who speak of training their dogs to use the litter box. I wouldn't substitute it for walking the dog, but would love it as an option during the work day. It would mean the dog can roam while I'm away instead of being crated. I have a balcony and would love it if the dog could use the doggy door and go out to the balcony to use the litter box. I'm even considering boxing in the litter box around the door, so he can't go anywhere else - a large enough space to sit and enjoy the day far enough from the box but enclosed to keep the balcony from becoming one big litter box. Comments and advise PLEASE. Thank you.

[cshellenberger]

They do make doggy litter boxes, so I guess they can. Look around PetSmart or Petco and you can find everything you will need including a 'how to' book

[Keno's Mom]

You can try - it might work for awhile but I would not rely on it.

My friend had a dog (mini schnauzer) who lived with cats all her life. As a pup she did use the litter pan watching the cats use it. But for whatever reason, by the time she was full grown she quit using it all together. My friend could never get her to use it any more.

[poofywoof]

Do you know they actually make things for this? Dog litter boxes can use either litter or a synthetic grass, or real grass!! check out the following website for more info www.doggysolutions.com What will they think of next?

[Lynne]

My sister-in-law and her husband moved from Southern California to North Dakota with their shepherd mix who didn't really appreciate the cold winters. My brother-in-law built a large box which they filled with cat litter and the dog loved it. They were lucky to have a garage to keep it in but, to hear them talk about it, they really didn't have to train the dog.

[ToysHaveMyHeart]

My pomeranian Oni is trained to go out and use the box. I can't even begin to describe how wonderful it is for him to have that option. I got him as an older pup (about 9/10 months) and was lucky that he took to it easily. I paper trained him first (it is alot easier to find info on that) and when he was down to using a couple sheets of newspaper, I moved it into the box.

Here is a link to a litterbox training site that I have book marked
http://www.kturby.com/litter/litter.htm

and there's the purina dog litter site:
http://www.doglitter.com/GetPage.asp...8277&T=3953603

the clumping litter can be very hazardous to the dogs health if ingested (such as choking and bowel obstructions)..your much better off using recycled paper type litter, or you can stay with regular newspaper (which is much cheaper).

Oni prefers to go outside when possible, and only uses the box if I am running late comming home, if he is sick, or if the weather outside makes it difficult to go out.

As another post metioned, there are little grass setups you can buy for your dog, which is also great if your dog is already trained to go outside...I might have to try one out myself for my new pup. When training, there will probably be regressions every once in a whice as your pup learns that you want him/her to go in a specific place in the house. Just stick to it and you will probably be okay, although there are a few dogs that just can't figure it out.