Litter Box Training

 is there something wrong with him going outside? I would think someone would prefer a housetrained dog... if you want to litter train something - get a cat.

Seriously.... how is this reply helpful in any way whatsoever! I obviously have a dog, I don't want a cat, and I posted this to solicit some help on litterbox training, so I obviously WANT to litterbox train. Sorry to be so blunt, but what's the purpose of a reply like that?!

Many of us don't understand using pee pads or litter boxes, preferring to have our dogs toilet outside.  However, everyone gets to make their own choice about such things.

It could well be that the pup doesn't like the feel of the pellets, or the proximity to her crate.  For what its worth, most of us find it preferably to keep our dogs crates close to us.  At this age, unless I have a foster litter, I keep the crate in my room at night and close to where ever I spend the most time during the day.  They just feel a bit more secure being close.

Since I have BIG dogs, a litter box isn't even a remote possibility so I'm afraid I can't help with suggestions.  But, I did want to explain the previous response.  And, welcome you to the forum.

You might try taking some of the litter material and putting it in a pile deep enough that it will feel like it would in the box and having him use that outdoors. Keep him on a leash and treat and praise when he goes.  Wait till he's finished going before you praise.  Praising too early can make them stop before they have fully emptied the bladder.  I think putting him in the box outside just as he's getting ready to squat could freak him out and then you can have a dog who thinks pottying in front of humans is scary. I've never needed to litter train a dog but like all housetraining, it takes time and consistency. 

Thanks! Just to add a little more info, he does sleep in bed with us, and the crate is downstairs. So he's not in his crate very much, except when we are all gone from home for a couple hours at a time. The crate is however in the same room as the litterbox, not right next to it, but about 7 feet away maybe. Never thought about the feel of the pellets. That could be a factor.

I might give that a shot and take some of the material out with me. Good point about praising too early. We don't do that because I completely agree it can cause them to finish too quick. Thanks!

Oppps.  I'm sorry.  HE!  Senior moment.....

I guess I just don't understand why you have a house trained dog, and you want him to go inside...talk about confusing for the pup.

vbmike73

So he's not in his crate very much, except when we are all gone from home for a couple hours at a time.

Does he LIKE being in his crate?  Liking to be in there is essential, the dog should feel safe in there.  I like to keep the crate close to me as well. 

My sister has a terrier who screams when he is put in his crate, because he was only ever placed in there  when he was younger when something "bad" happened, like everyone going out and leaving him on his own.  Make sure lots of positive things happen around and in the crate, like meals and special treats.

I have never litter trained a dog, sorry... I prefer my dogs to pee outside.  But if the dog LIKES spending time in his crate then I imagine you could use that, and a schedule, to encourage the dog to pee in the preferred place (the litter box), just like you can if you want the dog to pee in a specific place outside.  

Is the litter box big enough for the dog to use comfortably?  Might a slightly bigger one engender better progress?  Just thinking aloud here....

I've never used pee pads but that doesn't mean there might not be good reasons for people to use them. Their own personal reasons.  It could be a disability issue or an access issue or maybe they just prefer to have the option.  I don't see the need to question the choice.

JackieG

I've never used pee pads but that doesn't mean there might not be good reasons for people to use them. Their own personal reasons.  It could be a disability issue or an access issue or maybe they just prefer to have the option.  I don't see the need to question the choice.

Wrong thread?

Chuffy

JackieG

I've never used pee pads but that doesn't mean there might not be good reasons for people to use them. Their own personal reasons.  It could be a disability issue or an access issue or maybe they just prefer to have the option.  I don't see the need to question the choice.

 

Wrong thread?

Yep. lol  Same sentiment, wrong thread.  Substitute litter box for pee pad.

No.  The choice has been questioned in this thread.

Look, I don't get it either, but, that doesn't make it ok for me to be the potty police.

 Maybe he would prefer a pee pee pad? My dogs will not use a litter box, because they don't like the litter between their toes. They will both use a pad, though. You can put the pad in a frame or in the litter box, if you're worried about it getting soaked through, though my 20 lb dog doesn't soak through them.