One of the greatest facilities of having a kitten as a pet is that it can do its needs inside the house without much mess, but have you ever wondered if dogs can use a litter box too? The truth is that many dogs, especially when they are still puppies, have difficulty getting the right place to pee and poop, which can generate some problems for the guardians. The box ofsand used with felines turns out to be a tool that prevents dirt and bad smell around the house and facilitates the collection of pet waste. And yes, it is possible to teach your dog to use it - you'll just need a little patience, of course. Check out some tips below!

Can the litter box be used as a dog toilet after all?

Yes, dogs can also use the litter box to do their business. The main difference with cats is that for them, this is not a natural instinct, so you will need to train your friend to identify the box as the right place to pee and poop. Also, it is important to consider that it can be difficult to get the pet right the first time, so it isIt is important to follow the step by step with calm, patience and a lot of affection. You also need to take into account that dogs need specific boxes and litter, which are different from those used by kittens, so it is important to assess whether this investment fits in the family budget at the moment.

Choosing the dog litter box: price may vary

Choosing the right dog litter and crate for the size of your friend doesn't have to be a difficult task, just follow a few simple tips. First of all, you need to find a crate that is comfortable and sturdy and is the right size according to the size of your puppy, as he needs to be able to rotate 360 degrees inside it. The dog litter box cannot be too big or too small.so high that he can get in on his own and not so low that he gets the floor around him dirty when he goes potty. There are some traditional and economical models made with reinforced plastic, but it is also possible to find dog litter boxes with a "self-cleaning" function, which can be a good option if you can invest more money and need a practical model in the area.home.

How to choose the most suitable dog litter?

In addition, it is important to look in pet shops for dog litter, which is specific and different from that used with felines. Do not try to use cat litter with your friend, because they release an odor that is unpleasant to dogs and can disrupt the learning process. The same goes for scented types of sand, which can generate allergies and irritations on the animal's skin. When in doubt, theThe best thing to do is to invest in neutral options, which are usually composed of clay or activated charcoal and have larger grain sizes, facilitating absorption. To avoid bad odors in the space that serves as a dog toilet, try putting a little bit of baking soda in the bottom of the box.

How to teach a puppy to potty in the litter box

1) Find the right place inside the house to use as a dog toilet

Even though it may seem challenging at first, teaching a dog to potty is simpler than it seems, after all, dogs are easy to learn new commands. The first step is to find a place in the house that is ideal to serve as a dog toilet, and preferably away from the food and water. Look for a space where the dog spends a lot of time andthat is easily accessible but discreet and out of sight.

2) Observe the signs he gives when he wants to pee or poop

Every animal shows some signs that it is time to go potty, so you should watch for these signs to start guiding your friend towards the litter box. Also, place a wet newspaper with dog pee near the box, as this will make him associate that place with a space where he can go potty.

3) Establish a command to indicate the litter box

Once your puppy is used to the litter box, it is important to choose a short word or expression to associate with the act. "Box" or "Pee in the box" are some of the examples you can use to help your friend associate the object as the right place to go potty.

4) Use positive reinforcement when teaching the dog to use the litter box

When you notice that your pet is hitting the box when you hear the commands, it is a good idea to reward him with a treat, so you stimulate positive reinforcement that shows the animal that he must continue to do the needs inside the dog litter box. Be patient and avoid scolding him when he makes a mistake. Gradually you will notice that he is getting used to the new habit.