Litter training my dog?

Question

Okay, We got a puppy when she was 8 ,months old and managed to train her to use pee pads. She was very good at it and it didn't take that long. My roommate decided he wanted to train the dog to use a litter box. She's about a year old now. We thought the most logical thing would be to put the pee pad in the litter box, but now, she pee's on the floor where the pads used to be. Any suggestions how I can get her to use the litter box. She's a chihuhua-pom mix.

Okay,for you people who keep saying that I'm a bad dog owner cus she pees inside...she's a VERY small dog, they have to pee constantly and I live in an apt. I do take her for walks but the people who had her before us had her trained on the pee pads and she hates peeing outside. She's very hugh strung. We both work full time and there is no way this dog is going to not pee all day. Hundreds of people litter train their dogs. She's is VERY well cared for and loved. So, could you stop saying things like that, bealive me, this dog is my baby and I love her very very much.

Answer 1

I have a 4 1/2 month old Yorkie/Chihuahua mix. I have litterbox trained her. Have worked with her since day one~got her at 8 weeks of age. She does great.

I started out using the method on the site ToX mentions (there is also a picture):
I bought a wire kennel large enough to fit her bed and the litter box. The area must be large enough for the dog to get up, turn around and lay down comfortably -- but there must be no open space for the dog to use the bathroom except the litter box. If using a pen or cage, be sure to fill any open space with plastic buckets or some other safe material that will prevent the dog from using open space in the pen or cage as a bathroom area. Once you have constructed your "crate area", place the dog in this "crate" at typical bathroom times (after eating, after sleeping, etc.) The dog should stay in this crate area until he uses the bathroom. I always used the phrase "pet's name, go potty" before and while they were doing it. Try to be nearby so you can catch the dog in the act and praise him right after he uses the box. I use the clumping cat litter that is flushable for two reasons: one being the flushability of waste and the other because it turns dark when they go so it's easy to see and reward them immediately. The crate area should also be the where the dog stays when you leave the house. When you are with the dog in the house, this crate area should be open, and part of his "direct path" to his bathroom area. If the dog uses the bedding material as his bathroom spot, change it immediately! Replace the bedding, and sprinkle bits of food on the new bedding. If there are treats frequently found on the bedding, the dog will not use it as a bathroom area! The crate training routine should continue until you see the dog use the litter box on his own.

Now that she goes on her own, her box is in the bathroom where she's kept in with baby gate while I work. When I get home she gets the run of the livingroom, kitchen, and her bathroom. At night, she sleeps in her kennel (because she likes it covered with a sheet) that's large enough to house her bed and the litterbox so she doesn't have to be taken out at night to potty.

Good luck.

Answer 2

I tried litter training my dog and it didnt work she just played in it like it was sand or something! My friend also has been trying to litter train her chihuahua and she keeps messing up and not going in the box. I say that pee pads are the best option. I have a small dog and shes been pad trained. Once they know where to go potty they will always go there in that spot so just put a pad down where she goes. Since shes a year old its too confusing for a dog to understand the potty change.

Answer 3

You are going to have to put the litter box where you have been keeping the pee pads.
They make a flat thing to hold the pads for a litter box for dogs.
I think it is called a puppy john It holds either pads or newspaper and is plastic so it can be cleaned.
That is the problem with those pee pads once you teach them to go in the house on the pad that is where they know it is ok to and most will never house break.
For my clients I only tell them to use the pads if they have a tiny dog who is going to go inside for the most of its life.

Answer 4

You really don't want to use litter... it gets all over. Dogs like to dig... the litter goes all over.. the pee pads are alot easier...
But, if you insist, you should put the litter where you had the pads. Put the pad in the box. keep an eye her. She probably goes at about the same time everyday, right? So, when it's time for her to go pee, make sure that she uses the litter.

Answer 5

They actually make a dog litter. You can find it at Petco and Petsmart. It is formulated to attract the dog to it. Try keeping the litter pan in the same spot the pad was. Then slowly (day by day) move it closer to were you want to permanently keep it. You also want to clean the area the pad was in with an enzyme killing cleaner (also available at a pet store)... regular household cleaners like 409 won't work. Your dog may be smelling the urine were the pee pee pad was and be thinking it is still ok to go there.

Answer 6

You will never train a dog to use a litter box...so tell your roomate to get off the dope.

Dogs require an owner to provide the basic care off taking the dog outside to go "pee"

I think you should go to a vet and ask where you can learn more about dogs or find the dog a new home while she is still young.

Answer 7

A dog will pee forever the first place you teach them to do it.

That's why dog trainers say never use pee pads, you will have a really hard time teaching your dog to go outside. Or in the litter box.

Do you EVER walk the dog? I mean if it has to go in litter it must not get out much or get enough exercise.

My 4 lb toy poodle does not pee all day and is house trained just like any other dog.. Dogs become high strung NOT because they are small but BECAUSE they don't get enough exercise.

Answer 8

Hi, I understand that you are looking for some advice or resources to help fully train your dog or fix behavior problems. If a professional dog trainer is not an option at this time, or if you want to trt training your dog on your own (a great way to bond), I'd suggest you https://bitly.im/aMQ2z

A friend recommened it to me a few years ago, and I was amazed how quickly it worked, which is why I recommend it to others. The dog training academy also has as an excellent home training course.

Answer 9

Place the litter box where the pee pad use to be. By doing two things at once (different location & litter box) you confused the dog, and her very normal responce was to go to the location she is used to.

When training a dog always "chain" things togeather (a secuence of events instead of one huge leap to the moon)

Answer 10

This might be difficult, since she is already trained to one way. But- Perhaps you can try putting the litter box where the pads used to be, then gradually move the box toward where you want it to be. And of course, praise her when she uses the box.

That's pretty much what I did when I had to rebreak my new cats to the box, after I brought them home.

Good luck!