How to Use the Puppy Potty Box

A simple guide to building clean habits from the start

The Puppy Potty Box is designed to help puppies learn an important early life skill: keeping their sleeping and play spaces clean. By introducing a clearly defined potty area early, puppies begin to develop natural elimination habits that make the transition to housetraining in their new homes significantly easier.

This approach works with a puppy’s instincts—not against them—and has been refined through hands-on use in our own breeding program.

Puppy Potty Box training: step-by-step

Introduce the Concept

When your litter is about 2.5 weeks old, start with low-sided starter boxes (boot trays or rabbit trays work well) so young puppies can easily step in and out.

  1. Add a thin layer of litter substrate to each starter box.

  2. Place the starter potty box directly inside the whelping area, so it occupies roughly half of the available space, with bedding and toys in the remaining area.

  3. Maintain this setup for 2–3 days, allowing puppies to begin exploring and using the box naturally.

Expand the Space

Once puppies are using the box regularly, expand their living area by attaching a pen to the whelping box.

Place starter potty boxes over at least half of the expanded space, ensuring a potty area is always easy to find.

During this stage:

  • Allow access to the expanded area during the day

  • Return puppies to the smaller space in the whelping box overnight for consistency

If you notice a puppy beginning to eliminate outside the box, gently lift and place them into the potty box, and rehearse this with the puppies as much as you can.

Transition to the Puppy Potty Box

As puppies gain mobility and consistency, transition to the Red & Roan Puppy Potty Box.

We recommend having 2–3 Puppy Potty Boxes to allow flexible configurations.

Initially, place the boxes together in the centre of the pen, creating a large, clearly defined potty area.

Once puppies are using the boxes reliably, separate and reposition them toward the edges of the pen. This:

  • Encourages puppies to actively seek out designated potty areas

  • Frees up more space for play, exploration, and enrichment activities

Other Helpful Information

Why potty box train a litter?

Potty box training offers meaningful benefits for both breeders and puppy families:

  • Encourages puppies to keep their living space clean, separating sleep, play, and elimination areas

  • Gives new owners a head start on housetraining, reducing confusion and accidents at home

  • Leverages natural canine instincts for cleanliness and location-based elimination

  • Simplifies daily cleanup during the early weeks of puppy rearing

While indoor potty training does not replace outdoor housetraining, it helps establish a strong foundation that carries forward as puppies mature.

Litter substrate options

The Puppy Potty Box can be used with a variety of substrates. Choose one that is non-clumping, low-dust, and safe if accidentally ingested.

Common options include:

  • Naturally Fresh® non-clumping cat litter*

  • Hardwood stove pellets

  • Fresh News® non-clumping paper cat litter

  • Alfalfa pellets

*Always use non-clumping litter and confirm it is safe for puppies.

Cleaning & care

The Puppy Potty Box is made from durable, non-porous HDPE, which does not absorb liquids or odours and is resistant to common cleaning agents.

  • Remove soiled substrate daily

  • Wash with warm water and a mild, puppy-safe disinfectant as needed

  • Allow to dry fully before refilling

The smooth, sealed surface makes thorough cleaning quick and effective between litters.

Questions?

If you have questions about using the Puppy Potty Box in your program, we’re happy to help. Connect at support@redandroan.com