City Dog Litter Training – Using Litter Boxes
Using litter boxes seems the most sensible idea for litter training city dogs. For small-sized dogs, litter-box or paper training are much easier to employ as a permanent litter solution. For the reason that they are easy to handle, pet owners who are always on the go won’t have to take their puppies outside.
Medium to large-sized dogs however, may have different needs. Considering the size of their litters, one would have to use loads of paper and the number of cleaning trips that has to be made. And when the litter area is not large enough, mess could the area-off the paper or litter box. Poor ventilation and certain dog behaviors like digging can also cause problems.
Training Your Puppy to Use the Litter Box
Getting your puppy used to a litter box takes time and patience but whatever method you use, always use positive reinforcement. You would not want your puppy to hate using the litter box instead.
Ensure that the litter box is the only option available for your puppy at first. Allow your dog to roam around and over the litter box you have set up. When he does, make sure you give enough positive reinforcement-praise and even some treats. You may need to do this several time daily until your dog is fully comfortable with the area.
The type of litter box you use will depend largely on the size of your dog. You can choose from a number of canine boxes which range from small to large, are available in different colors or are hooded, open or raised. Feline boxes may also be considered when they match the size of your dog.
When it comes to fillers, you may choose from absorbent pads, recycled paper materials, commercial dog litters or natural litters if needed. Before using any filler however, you may want to consider your puppy’s preferences. Your puppy might be comfortable to a certain litter box depth or filler texture. You may need to experiment with a few fillers to get the right type.
Litter that goes off the box can be a problem. Hooded boxes can be a good choice for puppies with this problem. You may cut of its hood and sand the edges to avoid your puppy from getting cuts. With other types of litter boxes, you may layer paper around them to control the mess within the area.
Cleaning the litter box is critical to its success otherwise; your puppy won’t make use of it. You may choose to clean it after every use or once daily. Every month, ensure that you empty the box and wash with soap.
Take Your Puppy Outside
The only concern with using litter boxes with city dogs is that they tend to lack socialization and exercise. Owners should not use litter boxes just as an excuse not to go out. Dogs need their exercise otherwise they can develop certain unfavorable behaviors or certain medical conditions. Boredom have been known to cause chewing and digging.
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