Holistic Dog Health

Most people know that cats can be trained to use a litter box, but it is also possible with dogs. This most likely will not work on an older dog, but it can be done with a puppy. Smaller breed dogs will do very well with this technique of potty coaching, but if the dog breed is going to be huge, you probably shouldn’t use this strategy.

Bigger dogs could fill the litter box up at one point and may miss the box all together. The litter box will replace the need to take the young dog outside but you should follow the standard puppy coaching tips. It doesn’t need to be tough to litter train the young dog, but you should set the box up in the right way. To train a puppy using a litter box you will need a big sized litter box that the puppy can simply get out and in of. You need to put plastic down on the floor approximately 2 inches wider than the litter box in the event of a random miss. You could have to keep one spot of piss in the litter box so the puppy smells it and knows this is where he belongs. You do have to keep the box clean, but for a puppy, you must keep a little piss spot in the box until they’re used to using the litter box.

You may use cat litter in the litter box, that may help with the smell much more than shredded paper will. Scoopable cat litter will work very well, but you do have to clean it 2 or three times per day. You may also use more litter than you would with a cat. House training puppies can be easy if you select this strategy. If you live in a flat or have no yard for the little puppy to go, this can be good. Training an older smaller dog to use the litter box will take more time. You’ll have to be determined about placing them in the litter box if you think that they should go outside. If the dog asks to go outside, you might then place the dog in the litter box. Again using the litter box for a well-trained housedog should be the final resort and only if you live in some place with no yard. Older dogs are harder to switch once they’ve been permitted to relieve themselves in the house, but with time and dedication, you can break them of bad behavior and get them to use the litter box.

You’ll need to put the litter box in some place that’s simple for the young dog to get to at any time. Ensure it is out of the way from visitors.

One might find it hard to believe, but it is possible to train old dogs and puppies to use the bathroom when you tell them to. Lots of puppies are able to associate commands that you tell them with certain behaviors.

An example is when you dog goes to the bathroom outside, tell him/her to “go potty.” With enough repetition your dog will associate going to the bathroom with the you saying “go potty.” This is called a pavlovian response, named after Ivan Pavlov who trained dogs to expect food when they hear the sound of a ringing bell. Following these steps will allow you to train your dog to relieve it’s self at your command.

Associating behaviors with commands is a great way to train a dog. When you dog has an accident inside, take them outdoors and say “no, go outside.”

Sooner or later your dog will realize that they are doing something wrong when you say those words. You don’t need to spank your dog, commands are more effective.

Eventually your puppy will learn to go to the bathroom outside. First you must take your dog outside and wait for it to go to the bathroom as you are saying “go potty.” You must keep the dog outside until s/he goes to the bathroom. This process will go on until the dog finally goes potty. When this happens you should praise your dog, use a happy voice and pet him.

This teaches your puppy that it makes you happy when she goes to the bathroom outside. It is best to find a specific place in your yard to make the dog go to the bathroom.

This helps with the behavior association. By praising your dog when it goes to the bathroom outside you use positive reinforcement to get the desired behavior. Make sure you are clear when giving commands.

You don’t want your dog to think you say “no” if you are saying “go.” It might be a good idea to choose a different phrase like “do your business” or “potty outside.”

It is possible to associate any word with any behavior. But, it is important to use the same word each time.

You don’t want to confuse your dog by using a different phrase each time. This will get you nowhere. The use of doggie treats can help increase the positive reinforcement.

Along with your pets and positive voice, treats can go a long way. Dogs want to make their owners happy.

If you have some patience, you will both get what you want. You can train your dog through commands inside or out. Many people want their dog to go outside. But it is possible to train your dog to pee on a special pad inside.

Whatever you choose, you must be consistent and don’t change the system.

After the dog is potty trained, you can usually stop using the commands.