How to Litter Train Your Miniature Pinscher!

Wouldn’t it be fantastic if you could litter train your Miniature Pinscher like a cat?  Some people think that this would be the ideal arrangement, especially if they work full time.  Be warned that this technique won’t work for all dogs… but if it does it could make cleanup a lot easier.

The best place to place the litter box is in the bathroom, for a few reasons.  First, it’s away from the kitchen and living room areas where the smell could be offensive to guests if it hasn’t just been cleaned out (like if you invite people over after work).  Second, bathroom floors are usually tile or linoleum and easier to clean than if your dog misses over the side of the box onto a carpeted floor.

What you decide to use for a litter box is up to you.  As long as it’s big enough for him to comfortably do his business; won’t leak from the bottom or sides; and short enough for him to jump in and out of, you’re set.  I don’t recommend using plastic liners because they bunch and tear easily.  Instead, line the box with newspaper before adding the litter.

To get your Min Pin started on the litter box, use one of their ‘accidents’.  Once you’ve cleaned it up, set it inside the litter box and take the dog to sniff it.  Dogs like to go in the same place every time, so we want them to recognize this as the right place to go.  Each time you notice the signs that signal they have to do their business, take them to the litter box.  As with other types of training, you can expect this to take up to 6 months to work. 

Clean the box out at least once per day, replacing the litter every week to two weeks.  If you keep it clean, the smell should not become offensive or overwhelming.  Be careful with scented odor remover products; your dog might not like the smell and decide to do his business elsewhere!