Obedience training for dogs starts as soon as they are brought home. It starts with the newspaper or puppy pads that are put down on his first night to avoid accidents, and it starts with the decision of whether or not to crate train, or use a dog litter box. It starts as soon as he enters the home and it continues for the rest of his life.
There are different ways of potty training the most popular being with a crate, although this isn’t the only way and some owners choose to train without one. However, a new sort of training is beginning to gain popularity and that is potty training with a dog litter box.
A dog litter box is exactly what it sounds like and these are becoming more widely used and accepted. But, is a pet potty a way for owners to hive off the training, or is it a serious training aid?
Firstly, it depends on the reasons for using one. People who have a dog and live in an apartment may find these hugely helpful, especially for young puppies that do not have the bladder control of older dogs. People who have to work and have to leave their pet for several hours also might invest in one as in this case a crate wouldn’t be an option, but a dog litter box might be.
Dog training classes are extremely popular for puppies once they are a bit older, but before they are able to attend, the potty training will have already begun, and this is the only bit of training that is done essentially ‘alone’. This is because, until the puppy is fully vaccinated, he cannot go outside on the ground where unvaccinated dogs may have been.
Potty training is an accepted fact by anyone getting a new puppy, or even a rescue dog, but it does not have to be stressful and this really lies in the choices that are made early on when the potty training is being planned.
With regards to dog litter box training every owner considering it must ask themselves, why? Is it essential for your dog? Or is it ‘essential’ for you? Adult dogs can easily go a few hours without messing and therefore won’t need a litter box.
There is also the decision of whether the dog is to use the pet potty all the time and not go outside at all, or whether it will come out when it is left alone.
Indoor potty training also comes with another important factor, which is, of course, hygiene. If a dog is able to access the litter box then it will also be accessible to children and other pets. It must be kept very clean, not only to avoid accidents with youngsters, but also to manage smells which will not be at all pleasant. Investing in some good odour eliminator and deodorizing cleaning solution will be essential to clean up any accidents.
For a family whose puppy will not be left alone for long periods, whether they are crate training or not, a pet potty is not a vital piece of equipment. Dogs naturally do not mess in their homes or dens and just because the house is not as small and containing as a crate, the decision of whether or not to teach your dog that messing in the house is acceptable should not be taken lightly. Dogs that mess in one house will not see the difference of messing in another – regardless of whether the potty is there or not.
It would be highly advisable for anyone considering a litter box for indoor potty training to talk to a qualified potty trainer. They will be able to give definitive answers and helpful advice, as well as advise on the best dog litter box for the breed and size of the dog.
For more information about Puppy Potty Training, check out the highly recommended Complete 7 Day Potty Training Guide today!
