List of the Pros of Litter Box Training a Dog
1. It is very easy to get the supplies that you need. Certain breeds of dog can excel with litter box training. The process is similar to what you would teach a cat, providing them with a large tray as a place to use the bathroom. If you give your pup a lot of positive reinforcement with this process, then it can be a rewarding experience that controls messes for you. Most breeds can adapt to this training option in a couple of weeks, and some individuals may take to it right away.
2. You can eliminate the threat of urine odors and stains. Dogs that need to go to the bathroom will hold it until they no longer can. If youâre not available to get them outside, then the urine can get into your flooring or carpet to create damage, odor problems, and stains. Litter box training your pup will help you to manage the problems with liquid waste because they can manage their bathroom needs independently of your presence. If youâre running late because of work or need to get some errands finished, then you can handle your business because you know that your pet will be using the tray instead of the floor.
3. Litter box training allows for liquid and solid waste. Even advocates of house training where the dog learns to use the bathroom outside donât mind litter box training as a secondary alternative. This option gives your pup an opportunity to relieve themselves of the liquid and solid waste when it is time to go. Although there are times when this method can be messy, especially if youâre trying to train larger dogs, it is still a better option than the alternative. The cost is manageable as well, with the tray and your first litter priced less than $40 in most locations.
4. There are several different varieties of litter from which to choose. Dog litter is similar to the products that you can find for kitties in the store. When you need to replace what is in the tray, then you can find everything from activated charcoal to paper pellets. Simple clay litters are sold almost everywhere to provide pet parents with a suitable entry-level option. If you have concerns about the odors that come from the tray, then try sprinkling some baking soda along the bottom of the box every time you empty it to have more control over this issue.
5. It helps senior dogs who may have bladder control issues. If your dog is over the age of 8, then their senior status can impact how and when they need to relieve themselves. Instead of relying on diapers to manage the mess, you can work with your older pup on transitioning to the litter box. You can reduce the amount of physical pain they experience trying to walk outside, especially if you live in a high-rise apartment. They might not have enough time to let you know they need to go at that age too, so having a usable tray gives you mess containment.
6. You will give confidence to some breeds with this training option. Some breeds, with the Maltese being the most notorious for the issue, can struggle to fully adapt to the idea of going outside. Their small bladder size can make it challenging to get them to a patch of grass on time. By choosing to use a dog litter box for your training option, youâll create an effective compromise as a pet parent that can give your pup confidence. Instead of dealing with messes or scolding behaviors, you can create a positive environment that involves the litter tray instead.
Tipsto Make Your Dog Use A Litter Box
So, how do you convinceyour pup to use a litter box when he wants to eliminate? It might take somedogs several months to effectively use a litter box, but they will eventuallygrasp the process, especially if you leverage a few strategies:
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Why Is Dog Litter Worth Considering?
An average adult dog can hold their bladder for up to eight hours. “After that point, concerns for the health and well-being of your companion increase,” says Gore. That time starts to decrease as your dog ages or if he’s feeling under the weather.
“Since the average pet parent who works full-time is gone for maybe eight hours to longer, it may be a good idea—or even necessary—provide access to an indoor toilet area for your dog,” she says. It’s also necessary in cases of extreme weather or if your dog can’t go outside for health reasons.
Of course, you can also hire someone to walk your dog if you know you will be away from your home for extended periods of time, whether it’s on a regular basis or a one-time occurrence.
Be sure to read the labels to determine what is best for you and your dog. To be safe, dog litter should be clearly labeled as nontoxic. (If your dog consumes large quantities of anything and you notice a change in their behavior, contact your vet right away.)
According to Gore, “Eating, chewing, digging and carrying of dog litter pellets should be taken into consideration by pet parents when introducing this system and training their dog to use it.” If your dog is the type who chews or eats small objects, it might be best to choose another substrate as an indoor potty.
When it comes to safety, it’s also important to think about cleanup and the commitment it will involve. Since the litter absorbs moisture, it’s important to scoop and change out regularly. According to Dr. Coates, you should clean the box after each use or as soon as you get home from work.
How to Make a Litter Box for a Large Dog : Tips for Dog Lovers
Potty training dogs to use a litter box like a cat sounds like the craziest idea yet, but it may just be crazy enough to work.
Picture yourself running into gridlock traffic on the way home from work. Instead of driving white-knuckled all the way home, stressing about when you can get home to let your dog out, you can provide them with their very own potty place using dog litter. That’s right, dog litter is really a thing. And it can be a lifesaver if you work long hours or are in a bind.
Dog litter allows dogs, usually smaller breeds, to use the facilities indoors without a lot of hassle. According to Dr. Jennifer Coates, DVM, “This is a great option for small dogs who live in high-rises or other homes with limited access to the outdoors, during inclement weather, or when pet parents have to be away from home for an extended period of time,” she says.
Dog litter comes in a variety of different forms, such as pellets and clumping clay. The most common kind of dog litter is paper pellets made with recycled newspaper, like Secondnature dog litter. This type of dog litter works similarly to cat litter. According to Jessica Gore, animal behaviorist and owner of Competent Pup, the pellets absorb the moisture and help mask odor.
Some dogs may not respond well to dog litter, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be house-trained. There are other type of substrates that pet parents can use to set up elimination areas in the home. According to Russell Hartstein, dog trainer and founder of Fun Paw Care, absorbent pads (dog potty pads), grass and dog potty turf all work well in lieu of litter.
For cleanup purposes, Gore recommends using dog litter for small breeds only. It is not very practical for bigger dog breeds because they can wet through an entire tray of dog litter in one use.