For small dogs, paper training and litter-box training are much easier to use as a permanent, long-term potty solution. Both of these can work very well for people who cannot take their puppy outside that often.
However, for medium and large-sized dogs, consider the sheer amount of paper, litter and mess you'll be dealing with – all while hauling it to and from your apartment. Some messes run off the papers, and the dogs track through it. Also reconsider if your dog is a stool eater, a digger or if your apartment has poor ventilation.
Getting Your Pup Used To A Litter Box
To get your dog used to the litter box and litter of your choice, use positive reinforcement. Let your pup wander over to the box or place him in the box and give him praise and treats. Do this several times a day until your pup seems comfortable with it.
Depending on the size of your dog, you can choose from a slew of canine or feline box styles: small to large, hooded; raised and open; green to blue. Fillers can be papers, absorbent pads, recycled and natural litters, and other commercial dog litters.
Your puppy probably has a preference for certain filler textures and depths. Every dog is unique so you'll have to experiment to see what he'll go on. If you're worried about litter going over the sides, purchase a hooded feline litter box and cut the roof off (be sure to sand those edges). Place a mat or layer of paper around the box to minimize the mess.
Also, try a large, plastic storage bin with a hole cut on one end or the top half of a crate – especially for larger dogs or those that lift their legs to urinate.
Clean the litter box after every use or a minimum once daily, or your dog won't use it. At least once per moth, empty out the box entirely and wash with soap and water. As with regular housetraining, teach your pup to go on the litter by supervising, making sure it's the only potty option available at first and praising for correct behavior.
Some people who have small dogs and live in high-rises will use the litter box for the dog's entire lifetime. This is certainly not a problem. However, if the dog's only toilet is his litter box, and he doesn't want to eliminate anywhere else, you'll have a difficult time traveling with him.
Don't Be Lazy, Your Pup Will The One That Suffers
A big concern with litter box usage is that puppies, particularly small breeds, don't receive enough exercise and socialization. Unfortunately, there are some people out there who use a litter box as an excuse not to take the dog out. What you end up with is a dog that never leaves the apartment, never gets fresh air, and never gets exercise – that's just not right!
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