My litter trained dog only goes in the box when she feels like it, any suggestions?

Question

I trained my dog when she was a puppy to use a cat litter box. She also goes outside. She is very small (5 pounds) and cannot hold it all day when I am at work (probably due to the fact that she was trained to just go in the box when she had to). She will go in her box sometimes and then sometimes she will just go on the floor. I understand when she does not want to go in there if there is already #2 in there or if she does not think it is clean. She knows she did something bad when she goes on the floor.Does anyone have any suggestions on what I can do to make here quit going to the bathroom on the floor? It is driving me crazy. By the way the breed is known to be hard to potty train (maltese).

Ok, first of all I do not appreciate people calling me crazy, so please do not respond to my question if you plan on insulting me.
Thank you to those who actually have suggestions and not judgements. A few things to note
- I cannot let her out in the yard if I am not there because she is too small and can escape from the yard from under the fence, someone may steal her, there are snakes, spiders, cats that may attack her.
- I thoroughly clean any spot that she has gone, she just goes in a new spot.
- Otherwise she is a wonderful dog and very affectionate and happy and likes to cuddle.

Answer 1

i think the best way is to keep the litter box cleaned. dog's doesn't like to go potty in the same area if you haven't cleaned that area yet. if you have a fenced yard, a doggie dor is the best idea.

and also, praise her if she went to her litter box.

Answer 2

You are taking her with you and no longer leaving her at a doggie spa. You do not say what country, but if it is England, there are strict quarantine laws. Check these out for the country(s) you will be traveling. The airline principles would have to be checked also, as you wouldn't like your canine in an unheated baggage area. Sure i have heard of field knowledgeable puppies, however it seems like yours will probably be difficult to box instruct.

Answer 3

Once an animal goes on the floor it leaves its scent and returns to commit the crime. Two suggestions I have would be
1. Try sticking her nose in it when it is fresh
2. You purchase deterrents for such in pet shops, if this is not convienent try sprinkling distilled vingear on the areas where she goes, this pugnent smell will stop her from repeating it.

Best of luck!

Answer 4

You already are crazy and it is not the dog. This is not in the nature of a dog. Make provisions to walk that dog at appropriate intervals. To do otherwise is abuse.