One of the common reasons pets end up homeless or in animal shelters is because of house training problems. Inappropriate marking and elimination are frustrating problems for most pet parents at one time or another.

Photo: rivadarno.it

These frustrations have catalyzed changes within the pet industry so that a whole specialty product line exists for pet potty training solutions.

Books, audio tapes, videos, clean up aids, and innovative toileting systems are available from not only pet retailers but also mainstream retail outlets.

One of the more interesting trends in the last five years is litter training for dogs.

Litter training options for dogs is less comprehensive when compared to cats but the toilet training systems are perfect solutions for those people who have limited mobility, for those who live in an urban environment, and those who enjoy traveling or boating with their pets but struggle with the challenges of traveling with a pet.

I’ve taken a look at some of the top pet potty training solutions with a specific eye on litter training dogs and found a few products that may be of use to those of you seeking help.

WizDog

The WizDog System is simple–a durable plastic pan and fitted grate. The liquid waste dispenses through the grate onto newspaper or pee pad, separated from your dog’s paws.The grate is easy to clean and since WizDog also does not require the purchase of litter refill or pads, you can save additional funds by using newspaper. However you can also purchase the WizDog absorption pads made specifically for the system.

The Pet-A-Potty

One of the earliest systems on the market it includes a drainage system and concealed trap pan. I heard that the grass is sold separately so check with the manufacturer if you decide to order this product.

The Pet Loo

The Pet Loo has been on the market for a couple of years. It features a slanted ramp with grooves under the grass so drainage of the urine is guided into a removable tray.The grass lifts off for easy cleaning but I’ve heard people complain about the grass quality.

The PupHead

The PupHead uses is another litter training system that using a unique grass blend to help fight odors and provide a cleaner environment for the pet. This product almost level with the ground and comes with an attractant scent to lure dogs to use it. Pup-Head company people say that no replacement pads or grass are needed.

The Throne

One of the newest pet products on the market is The Throne by Royal Hound. The company took a look at the failings of the other products out there and made a sturdier, more customer friendly product. Included in the purchase is the easy-to-clean synthetic grass designed so that waste immediately runs through to the tray below (the tray pulls out for easy cleaning). The Throne comes in a variety of sizes and accommodates up to 200 lbs.

If you have an unlimited budget the Throne is one of the better products on the market but if you don’t have a couple of hundred dollars to spend then the WizDog is the pack leader with a price point of about $40 US.

Get more information on litter training for dogs at the pet potty training blog.

It can sometimes be quite unavoidable, yet it does happen, however how you handle it is what it all comes down to.

Photo: lknrescue.org

If you have carpets when this happens, the carpet can and will most likely stain. However, some carpet cleaner spray, and some elbow grease and get rid of that stain in a jiffy. Now, if you clean it up, even with the cleaner, the dogs sense of smell may still detect his scent there, and go there again, and again, and again. Now, to make him not go there, its best to spray that area with a vinegar type spray, that will keep him from going in that area. Of course, this is just a temporary solution to a greater problem. You must start potty training your doggie, or re-potty training him if he has had a relapse.

Relapses can happen if and when the dog is left alone for longer than normal times, and it goes past his walk, or pee time. After a certain amount of time, he will just have to go, and go he will. If you are lucky he will just go in one area, but there will be A LOT of urine in that one area, so be careful not to step in it. Or you may be an unlucky one, and the dog wants to go mark territory, so he may squirt all over the house in different spots. It is rare, but it does happen.

If the dog goes in just one area, it will be the area closest to the door he/she usually goes out to go pee. Which can sometimes be the door you come in, so hopefully you step in it with your shoes on, and not your socks, or barefoot (Hope your not wearing sandles either). If you do step it in, do not freak out, or scold the dog in any way. The dogs memory is short for praises and punishments, it only knows the last thing it did before you punished it, or praised it. However, the way this memory works, is that it will usually associate the praise and punishment with whatever it did. This is altogether a different kind of training, which I will not get into right now.

So, please, do not punish your dog, if it did its business inside, and you didnt catch him/her in the act. Just clean it up, and take your dog outside right away. Take him for a nice long walk, or a good long play in the yard, if that is your thing. He will most likely relieve himself again while you walk or play. Because usually the exercise will make him want to.

The best thing you can do is take your dog out for as many walks as possible. If you are leaving him/her alone for the day while you are at work, and can not came back to walk him/her at lunch, then get up a little earlier, and take him/her for a nice long walk before hand, at least 20 mins long, 30 mins is even better. That way they will be draining, and will feel more comfortable through out the day. Plus, they will have used up alot of energy, and will rest most of the day waiting for you, and will stay out of trouble.

Then, the first thing you should do when you get home from being away all day, is take him for a walk right away, another 20 - 30 mins is best, bigger the dog, the longer the walk. Also, remember, the smaller the dog, the more walks you might have to do, because of a smaller bladder of course.

This should prevent any more accidents inside.
Jeff L. love dogs, and wants the world to know how to better care for their best friend. Training is apart of a long and beautiful friendship with your furry friend, find out more on dog training at: http://www.behaviorofadog.com