Before I bring my new bundle of joy home I have tossed the idea around to litter box train my boy. I live in NY, winters get very cold. I could only see it fair to give him the option while in the house. As he matures also praise him for releasing himself outside.
Would love input on litter box training. The good and bad.
I think it would be great. The stuff you use IN the litter box will have to be thought out, 'cause scoopable cat litter can kill puppies if they eat it. There are several litter filler like little rolled up newpaper (can't remember the name of it) or just put a pee pad in the litter box. I use washable human grade pads from a medical outlet store. Walgreen has 'em too.
I like Susan's idea. That's what I did. I started with pee pads and then trained him for outside. Of course, with today's snow, he went in his "spot!" without a pad down! little stinker!
He will pee outside in any weather - but he doesn't like to poop outside in bad weather!! Oh well!
We chose to use a Ugodog for Edie. It took her less than three days to learn to use it. The up front cost is quite high, but you don't need to buy anything else like litter or pads, you just rinse it out every day.
It's good to know you can leave your puppy alone if you have to pop out unexpectedly, and it won't jeopardise training. But the downside, apparently, is that it can be difficult to train them to go outside if you change your mind.
My thoughts on litter box was to give the option inside at first. Since I live on a farm he will be introduced to both, inside and progress outside. On nice days.
From morning potty inside and afternoon lunch we head outside to barn. He can poop where ever he wish's, since its dirt and shavings floor he will get the feeling to poop and probably squat in a stall.
I was going to use shavings as litter. Horse bedding. So its a pine smell, he could have a sense for it and a comfort if he has the need to go. Without feeling he cannot.
Being dirt floor and it smells like poop anyway, everywhere. I thought I could house break to litter box and outside.
They're so smart anyways, he'll catch on. Fortunately I have a 6 month old rottweiler. She will show him the way lol.
Although, I worry about visiting other homes. Or just not let him off leash until potty trained? Or maybe he gets confused with both methods. I train horses. So with training a dog I would use a similar idea. If he would get confused or discouraged, to back a step in training or slow down... Maybe or so, to focus more on. O_O
I want the litter box to be a option in the long run. When it is available for him and he understands outside potty is number 1. Since he can't find the box. In its normal spot, he seeks the trusty door.
That is future theory..
Litter Box??
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