litterbox training!

[Sammy101]

I just bought a 3 month old Papillon puppy and I'm trying to teach her how to use a litterbox. Right now, I put shredded newspaper in the litterbox and everytime she tinkles I take her to the box. But she still doesn't seem to understand that she needs to do her business there even though it has been a week. What should I do? :confused:

[ihartgonzo]

I don't have any experience with litter box training. However, don't they have special doggy litter pans that attract them? Maybe try those? Or, you could lay a puppy pad inside of the pan. If she poops or pees on the carpet, try placing that inside of the litter box, or placing the papers used to clean up the pee inside of the pan. Just be very strict about the training and use strong cleaners (such as Nature's Miracle) to get out any potty odor on the carpet. Where is she kept when alone? Maybe if you blocked her off to a tiled kitchen or bathroom, she'd be more willing to use her litter box? I can imagine it must be very difficult to train a dog to a litter box.

Also, are you sure litter box training is right for you? It could result in a dog that is reluctant to go potty outside at all. As long as litter box training is not used as an excuse to not take your pup out and let her play outdoors every day, it can be practical for some one who is away for longer hours.

[Raerae]

I have a 9month old chihuahua and I have been training her to go in the litter box. Being very consistent is the key, you have to watch them like a hawk and plop them in the litter as soon as they look like they need to go. I have even sat there for looong extended periods of time with her in the box just saying "go potty" lol. With alot of time and effort she is doing very well.

What I did find after a few months though was that she didn't have the best aim and would sometimes go number 2 just outside the box because of the way she was standing. So to fix that I started using puppy pads instead of the litter and paper...much better. Now I just have a puppy pad in her designated spot and I like that much better because it is alot easier to clean up. I feel like I just nattered on and didn't really give any good advice! lol If you want to ask anything else feel free :)

[Sammy101]

yeah ive tried those things for a week and it seems as if she doesn't get it at all! Everytime i take her to the litterbox when it looks like shes trying to poo she just lets it drop all over the place :( and she doesn't like puppy pads and doesn't even go near them. hah my luck. :rolleyes: well thank you for the advice i will keep trying for another week or so. :)

[bubbatd]

Can't she go outside ?? I would hate to train a dog to go inside....it's not natural to me.

[Julie]

Can't she go outside ?? I would hate to train a dog to go inside....it's not natural to me.

And it's not natural to them........;)
I know some apartment living people see this as an easier alternative, but for goodness sake if you have access to outside then forgo the litterbox. :)

I would hate to have to smell and clean dog poo from inside everyday. It is bad enough scooping it up on a 5 ft shovel from in the yard. :D

Oh yea......... I guess I would also need a 5 ft x 5 ft litter box. :eek:

[bubbatd]

LOL!!! Same here !! I guess that's why I prefer larger breeds. No question where they pee and poo ! Sorry to those of you who want a dog and have NO way to take them outside. I personally feel all dogs need outdoor times ... for walks, their eliminations and play.