If you have heard about the possibility of litter box training your dog, then you may have investigated a few pros and cons. Training requires time, patience, and a little understanding and creativity on your part. Here are a few tips to get you started. Before you know it, you will be on your way to training your pooch how to use the indoor toilet.
First thing is first: you must acquire the supplies. If you have a small dog, then it is okay to use a cat’s litter box. But, you must make sure that the sides are low enough so that the dog can get in and out easily and high enough to keep the litter inside. Also, using a cat box means removing the top. Your pooch probably won’t like the idea of relieving himself in a small cave. If you have a larger pooch or prefer not to use a cat’s litter box, then you are in luck. Many companies have started making boxes especially for dogs! Do a little shopping, and you’ll find the perfect one.
Once you get the box, then it’s time to get litter. Many owners stick to lining the box with potty pads, especially if their pups are already accustomed to the pads. Other owners suggest newspaper or newspaper pellets, since it can be easily disposed of. There is also litter made especially for dogs. You can purchase the litter wherever your purchase the box; although, more and more retailers are beginning to sale dog litter. You will also need a scoop to clean out the box, unless you plan on disposing of the entire contents each time. In the beginning, your pet may not like to step in 6 inches of litter. It’s always a good idea to start with a small amount until he gets accustomed to the feel; then, you can slowly increase the amount of litter each time you change it out.
Once you have the supplies, then you need to concentrate on location; the location of the box is important. Some dogs have a hard time urinating outdoors because of all the sights and sounds: cars riding by, children yelling, other animals communicating. Consider this when placing the box in your home. It should not be in a high traffic area; your pet needs a little privacy. Since the box will emit an odor until it is cleaned out, it is also a good idea to keep it out of common areas. You can bet your guests won’t like to smell poop while they are eating! Another thing to consider with placement is the flooring. Accidents do happen, so carpeting may not be your best bet. If you have a bathroom or other room with tile or hardwood floors, then these can be better box-location options.
Make sure that the box is placed somewhere that is easily accessible to both you and your dog. You will need to clean the box frequently to encourage its use, so you better be able to get to it! To make cleaning easier, keep a covered trashcan nearby. You probably don’t want to drop the waste into the kitchen trash can, and you probably won’t you be able to take the trash to the dump everyday. Purchasing a small trashcan designed for diaper disposable is a great way to take care of your pooch’s wastes.
Now, the final tip: start early! Just like obedience training, it’s easier to teach a puppy the desired behavior than it is to teach an adult dog set in his ways. However, older puppies and adult dogs can be taught to use a litter box, but it will take more time and patience. Crate training is a great complement to litter training! Instead of taking your pup out of his crate and straight outdoors when it’s time, you can take him directly to the box.
If you are considering litter training your dog, then you will probably benefit from these tips. The size of the box and its location are extremely important when training your pup to use a litter box. The litter is also an important factor; it needs to be slowly introduced and cleaned often. It’s normally easier to train a puppy, but adult dogs can learn, too. Good luck with training!
This article was written by authors at pet-super-store.com a website featuring dog training collars from PetSafe and Innotek.
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August 30th, 2008 