You may wonder, “Is my French Bulldog potty trained before joining me in my home?” The answer is yes and no. We use a litter box filled with recycled newspaper pellets to train our Frenchie pups. The box is placed in their area around 4-5 weeks old and they are encouraged to use it. This method works great and we encourage you to continue using it until they have their full series of shots as puppy diseases like parvo can hide out in the ground. Place the box next to the door so it’s an easy transition for them.
You may have reasons for continuing to use this system.
- You may live in an apartment and getting your pup out in time may be a bit of a hassle.
- One may be leery of taking the pup outside when they have to go in the middle of the night.
- You may have mobility issues and taking your pup outside just isn’t feasible.
- You may work long shifts and need a space for them to relieve themselves while you’re away.
- When you have in climate weather this may be a back up method for your pup.
- You may have a busy schedule.
- Or you may just want to because this method would work best for you.
5 Easy Steps We Use-French Bulldog Potty Trained-Litter Box
- Find a location. Choose a spot for your litter box. This needs to be away from the where he sleeps and eats. If you plan on keeping you pup in a playpen while away longer than he could hold it, place the litter box as far away from their sleeping area and food & water as possible. You may think about adding two boxes. One in the playpen and one where he has access to outside of the playpen. If you are using this as an interim until your pup receives shots, a good place to place the box is next to the door. This makes an easy transition to taking your pup outside to potty when they are ready to do so.
- Create a routine. Place your pup in the litter box and tell them “go potty” after he wakes up in the morning, after eating & drinking, after playing hard, and after getting up from a nap. You may consider setting a timer for every hour and increase the time until he is trained. Be consistent with the command you use. Go pee sounds different than go potty. Chose one.
- Give positive reinforcement. When your pup potties or poos in the box give lots of praise using the proper voice inflection.
- Celebrate. When your Frenchie pup easily goes in the litter box shower him with praise and love so he knows it’s a positive experience to go in the box.
- Be patient. Accidents are likely to happen. When this occurs, clean it up, increase the positive reinforcement, and adjust your timer to take your pup to the box more often.
Items needed to litter box train French Bulldogs
- A litter box with a lip to allow easy entry into the box.
- Pellets or pee pads for the box.
- A scoop to remove waste.
Order Potty training on Amazon:* litter box, Pellets, Scoop
There are several different types of pellets for litter box training. You can even use pee pads. Personally, I really don’t care for pee pads. The pups tear them up, they are a choking hazard, and terrible for the environment. I’ve come to the conclusion that I’ll be using recycled newspaper pellets. The wood pellets could potentially be toxic to your pup if they eat them. You have to remember as a pup everything is fun including playing in the pellets and chomping on them. Newspaper is the safest and most eco-friendly option. If you have access to a Tractor Supply Story you can get the best deal on the newspaper pellets for horses. It’s fine it doesn’t say dog as they are the same thing. I’ll tell you a litter secret. Anything that’s packaged for dogs they increase the price even though it’s identical. You can also purchase the pellets at a pet store or online here via Amazon. Order the biggest bag as you will go through it quickly.
Directions on how to use the litter box.
- Spread 1-3 inches of pellets evenly over the bottom of the litter box.
- Remove soiled litter with a scoop daily. I do this anytime I see poo.
- Refill with new litter. I suggest cleaning it weekly with soap and warm water.
Please remember that when a pup comes into your home you will need to establish his potty training habits. Congrats on your new Frenchie pup and good luck on litter training French Bulldogs. I believe you will be happy with the results.
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Looking for a Frenchie pup? Make sure to get The Ultimate Guide in Adopting a French Bulldog.
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