When you think of litter boxes, you might automatically think about cats rather than dogs. However, dogs can also be trained to use a litter box should you need one. Some breeds are much more likely to adapt to a litter box than others, such as the Japanese Chin, but there are several dog breeds that can regularly use litter boxes.
There are many reasons why you might like to train your dog to go potty in a litter box, such as their older bladder not being able to hold it anymore, or if you are trying to housebreak a new puppy in a top floor apartment.
When it’s 5 a.m in the morning and your beloved puppy starts whining because they want to go outside to go potty, we have all wished that there was another option other than us hauling ourselves out of our warm beds and into the freezing cold outside air.
Well, now there is and a dog litter box might be able to answer all of your problems. Today we’ll be looking at the five best options for dog litter boxes, as well as the most important factors to consider before purchasing a new litter box.
In a hurry? Here are the top picks!
![[PS KOREA] Indoor Dog Potty Tray – with Protection Wall Every Side for No Leak, Spill, Accident - Keep Paws Dry and Floors Clean! (Blue)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Mn-UtyyrL._SL160_.jpg)
Dog Litter Boxes Reviewed
There are numerous reasons why you might be looking for a dog litter box. No matter why you want it, you’ll definitely want the most effective option on the market.
Don’t look any further, as we have the answer for you right here.
The best dog litter box in our eyes is the PuppyGoHere Dog Litter Pan. A few reasons why we’ve chosen this litter box are as follows:
- The lowered entryway makes it easy to train your dog so that they know where to go next time.
- The shorter walls prevent them from getting spooked about unfamiliar surroundings.
- You can use this litter tray for small dogs and puppies, but also cats and rabbits!
- Pros
- Very versatile for dogs and other animals.
- The short entryway makes training easier.
- Shorter depth to keep them safe and comfortable with their surroundings.
- Eight color options.
- Cons
- Might allow more litter to come out over the top of the lip.
Starting off our list today is the PuppyGoHere litter box, measuring in at 24 x 20 x 5 inches. This is targeted towards smaller dogs and puppies, as well as cats and rabbits.
There is also an option for an even smaller litter box at 20 x 15 x 5 inches, perfect for toy dog breeds or those in need of a puppy litter box.
It has been designed for dogs less than 20 pounds, with a low lip entryway measuring only 3 inches from the floor. Puppies and smaller dogs will be able to walk straight into the litter box without having to take the daunting jump over the lip of the tray.
The depth is not as high as you might expect when it comes to dog litter boxes, but PuppyGoHere explains that this is so your dog knows where they are. If the depth were too high for them to see that they were safe and at home, it might cause them unnecessary stress.
Choose between eight colors to match your interior design themes. If you’re looking for a small dog litter box, but this one of the best ones on the market.
- Pros
- Ideal for small dogs.
- Prevents litter from sticking to the floor.
- 12-month warranty.
- Made to be long-lasting with ABS plastic.
- Cons
- Not manufactured with dogs in mind.
Second on our list is a litter box not specifically made for dogs, but it is large enough for smaller dogs to train in. It measures 22.6 x 18.1 x 8.1 inches, with a high lip to prevent any litter from being pushed out onto the floor.
There is a non-stick coating on the bottom of the litter box which can prevent old litter from sticking up to 70%. This will make a big difference when it comes to cleaning and replenishing with new litter for your dog.
The low entryway makes it very easy for your dog to reach the litter, making this ideal for puppies and older dogs alike. PetFusion offers you a 12-month warranty should any issues arise from manufacturing issues.
With the litter box being made from ABS plastic, the durability will be impressive. Small dogs will have no problems using this litter tray after being trained sufficiently. Overall, it’s a great dog poop box whether you’re training your dog or they have used it before.
- Pros
- Two size options.
- Lower entryway for easy training.
- Good stability and ease of cleaning.
- Cons
- Only one color is available.
Next up is a litter box from So Phresh, which comes in two different sizes measuring 19.5 x 14.5 x 5 inches and 20 x 23 x 5 inches. The former is labeled small and the latter is large. Many previous customers have advised the large is best for small to medium-sized dogs while the small is better for toy breeds and cats. Either way, this is a great dog litter pan for smaller sized puppies.
The entryway lowers down to 3⅛-inch off of the floor so that your dog can easily get into the litter box without worrying about what is in the box – they can see straight into it.
This might also help you with training as your dog will be more willing to enter the litter box. The litter pan is easy to clean so that there won’t be any foul odors remaining in your home from smelly plastic. The litter box comes in a simple grey color to match with the majority of interiors.
Customers have rated this litter box 5 stars for sturdiness, 4.8 for ease of cleaning, and 4.7 for money value. After purchasing this poo box for dogs, we agree with this assessment.
![[PS KOREA] Indoor Dog Potty Tray – with Protection Wall Every Side for No Leak, Spill, Accident - Keep Paws Dry and Floors Clean! (Blue)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Mn-UtyyrL.jpg)
- Pros
- Effective for potty training dogs.
- Perfect for small dogs.
- Environmentally friendly.
- Cons
- Not the best customer service.
Slightly different now, the Dog Charge Indoor Dog Potty Tray is a litter tray that uses training pads rather than litter. For some dog owners, this is more convenient because puppies can often times dig in the litter and cause it to go everywhere.
The plastic grate sits over the training pad to keep your dog’s paws dry and clean. Measuring in at 22.6 x 17.77 x 6.1 inches, this litter tray is suitable for puppies and smaller dogs.
You could still use litter with this tray if you removed the plastic grate and filled it with 2 inches of litter. However, the tray is more environmentally friendly than litter. The tray is made with all pet-safe materials to protect your pooch.
This is one of the most effective ways to potty train your puppy, with previous customers giving it a 5-star rating for this feature. Overall, it’s a great puppy pee box or poop box.
Puppy pads work well and have done for many years, which is why they are so popular. This tray allows you to use them without giving your pup the opportunity to rip the pad up.
Choose between three colors for the tray, and whether you would like the tray only or the tray and 80 training pads. This is the best puppy litter tray if you’re looking for a liner option instead of a litter option.
- Pros
- High edges allow for better privacy.
- Fewer spills or dogs missing the trays altogether.
- Simple and quick to clean.
- Cons
- More expensive than other litter boxes on our list.
Last but not least, the Doggy Bathroom is one of the fewer options that can be used for other breeds rather than just small dogs and puppies. This is the ideal indoor dog litter box for larger sized dogs.
This litter box has very high edges to allow for male dogs to cock their legs when they go to the bathroom so that nothing escapes the tray. You can clip training pads on the bottom of the tray as well as around the sides to prevent splashing from ruining the plastic.
The tray is easy to clean and designed to look very sleek inside any home. If your dog is shyer than other dogs, the higher walls can help them feel more privacy from onlookers. They might also learn how to be more independent due to the ability to go to the bathroom without their owner. We really like this dog potty box for male puppies in training!
Best Dog Litter Box Buying Guide
Now that we’ve looked at the best options on the market, it’s time to do some research before purchasing your new litter box.
We’ve added all of the most important information in one place so that you can easily learn about the litter boxes and how to choose the best one for your dog.
When would you need a dog litter box?
There are a few reasons why you might be looking for a litter box, or why you should think about getting one.
High apartment living
With the rise of apartment living, more people are keeping dogs in apartments with them.
While dogs are becoming more accepted in apartment buildings, that doesn’t mean that you want to walk up and down tonnes of stairs every time they need to go.
Likewise, the lift could be too long for your poor dog to hold it. A litter box can reduce the number of times you both will have to walk up and down the stairs.
Young Puppies Potty Training
When you’re trying to housebreak a new puppy, litter boxes can be invaluable when teaching your dog where they can and can’t go.
They also prevent you from having to clean up lots of different messes off of your floor.
Old Dogs
Older dogs can sometimes have incontinence issues and can develop weaker bladders.
A place that they can relieve themselves indoors is much easier than having to wait for you to let them outside.
Weather Restrictions
There are some areas where the weather can be incredibly extreme, with blistering colds and sweaty summers.
If you don’t want to take your dog out in these bad conditions, a litter box can avoid you and your dog from having to walk through cold snow or flooded areas.
Working Dog Owners
If you’re gone for multiple hours of the day, a little box can prevent you from coming back to messes all-around your house.
Alternatively, they allow your dog to go when they need to instead of holding it all day while waiting for you.
Dog Mobility Issues
You or your pup might have mobility issues that prevent you from getting outside. A litter box requires less movement from you or your dog, which can help prevent pain and effort.
Illnesses or Injuries
After surgeries or as your dog is recovering from an illness or injury, some veterinarians will suggest an indoor litter box to keep your dog calm.
Limiting the number of outdoor trips can help speed up their recovery process.
How to Choose an Indoor Dog Litter Box
Next, we will focus on some of the common features that will help you decide between dog bathroom boxes and trays. Not all litter boxes are the same and there are several factors that you need to take into consideration before purchasing one.
Size
It’s worth noting that litter trays created for cats are not going to be large enough for the majority of dogs unless you have a toy breed. When you are purchasing your litter box you need to make sure that it is large enough for your dog.
The litter box rule of thumb is to choose one that is at least one and a half times the length of your pet. Litter boxes are much more effective for smaller dogs rather than larger ones for this reason.
While you can find a few litter boxes for larger dogs, they are much less common than for smaller dogs. Make sure that the litter box is large enough for your dog.
Depth
Similar to the size of the litter box, the depth should also be higher than cats’ litter box would be. Dogs tend to dig more than cats, and they can throw litter all over your house if the depth is not high enough.
Male dogs also sometimes like to cock their legs when they go to the bathroom, which makes the aim lift to a higher angle. If the depth is not high enough, you might find that your dog misses the litter box entirely.
Entrance
Some litter boxes have entryways that prevent your dog from having to jump into the litter and knock it all out. Entrance to the litter box can also help your dog learn that they are allowed to use the litter box.
You should make sure that the litter box has an entryway or a lowered lip, but also check that it is not too close to the floor so that they don’t miss the box or knock too much litter out as they’re using it.
Price
The price of your litter tray will depend on its size, material, and brand. Dog litter boxes shouldn’t be too expensive, but there will be cheaper options available. The least expensive litter boxes might be flimsy, smaller, and less effective for your dog.
However, don’t automatically think that you need to opt for the most expensive litter box. There is a chance that your puppy won’t take to it anyway, and you will likely have wasted a lot of money if it doesn’t work how you expected.
Durability
Durability is incredibly important before you commit to one litter box. The material needs to be thick and reliable enough not to snap or warp under the weight of your pooch.
The litter box also needs to be stable so that it won’t wobble or flip once your dog jumps out of it.
Look to customer reviews to see whether the litter box you’re looking at is durable. If previous customers are not happy about something, they will let you know in the customer reviews, so this is a great place to find the not so great features of each model.
Conclusion for Best Dog Litter Box
Dog litter boxes are becoming incredibly popular for people living in apartments, condos, and smaller living spaces. They are great if you don’t have easy access to the outside to let your puppy do their business. Additionally, if your dog has incontinence, is older, has mobility issues, or you aren’t home to always let your dog out, considering trying out a dog litter tray. We hope that you found some great options for your dog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dog litter boxes work?
You can train some dogs to use litter boxes. However, bear in mind that cats have an instinctive behavior to use a litter box, while dogs do not.
While training is often successful, it is going to take much longer than it would to train a cat to use a litter box.
However, it’s worth noting that dogs that use litter boxes might still have accidents around the house because they don’t feel the importance of burying their waste.
How do you train a dog to use a litter box?
Set the litter box up and get your dog excited about going to the bathroom. Start talking excitedly about going to the potty or walk them to the door without opening it.
Now take them over to the box and use a treat to lure them into it. Give them the treat once they’re in and start talking about going to the potty again.
Once your dog needs to go it will begin circling around and sniffing the litter. Continue encouraging them with vocal cues, but at a lower noise level.
Once they use the litter box successfully, give them another treat and celebrate with lots of praise.
Allow them to leave the litter box and praise them so much that they know they’ve done a good thing. Repeat this process every time that you think they need to go, after meals, and after naps.
Which breeds of dogs adapt to litter boxes best?
The best dog breeds for litter training are as follows. Even if your dog isn’t on the list, it doesn’t mean that they cannot be trained. However, these are the easiest dog breeds to train to use a litter box.
- Maltese
- Bichon Frise
- Shiba Inu
- Japanese Chin
- Miniature Schnauzer
- English Bulldog
- Shih Tzu
- Border Collie
- Pug
- Chow Chow
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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At We Love Doodles, we’re a team of writers, veterinarians, and puppy trainers that love dogs. Our team of qualified experts researches and provides reliable information on a wide range of dog topics. Our reviews are based on customer feedback, hands-on testing, and in-depth analysis. We are fully transparent and honest to our community of dog owners and future owners.