Small Dog Litter Box Training

If I ever get a small breed puppy, (litter box training question)?

Which of these methods would be better? a) a puppy pad in a litter box, which reduces pee getting off the pad b) the "dog litter" stuff c) normal cat litter or d) aspen shavings? I probably wouldn't litter box train my pup, and probably won't be getting a small breed pup (I like medium to larger breeds better) but If I ever DID, what would be best?
Like I said, I DO prefer to have a medium sized outside pottytrained dog, but I was just wondering what people thought...

If you are to ever get a small dog and indoor train them I would suggest a WizDog ( http://wwww.wizdog.com ). We have two small Chihuahua/Poodle mixes and we use it for them. It is a great little thing. There is a plastic tray that you put the puppy pad in and then there is a plastic grate that you put over the pad to keep them from walking directly on the pee and/or chewing the pad when they are puppies. The solids sit on the grate to be picked up (we just flush it). It is nice because our small dogs have small bladders and seem to pee about every hour or so. It is also nice because when we go out we don't have to worry about them having to hold it which isn't good for them. They get up in the middle of the night go potty and come back to bed. Simply change the pad every day and clean the grate/tray a few times a week. It is very easy.

We decided to indoor train them because of our work schedule and their size. Our little 7lb girl ( http://www.chipoo.designermixes.org ) hates the cold weather and with the amount of snow we had this year it would have been 3 times over her head most of the winter.

Good Luck!

Stephanie

http://www.purebredpups.org

http://www.designermixes.org

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Tidy Cat Second Nature Dog Litter - 12 lb. $11.49 Train your small dog to use a litter pan. Absorbent, recycled paper litter lessens odor and is specially designed for litter training your dog. Second Nature litter includes a training guide to get started.

Crown Pet Products Cat Litter Box/Small Indoor Dog House $343.1 Brand: Crown Pet Products Name: Cat Litter Cabinet/Litter Box or Small Indoor Doghouse/Doggie DenModel: CLC-MAHColor: MahoganyMaterials: Eco RubberWoodDimensions: 26.7" L x 21.2" W x 19" HWeight: 35 lbsClosure Type: Hinged Top Access Safety: Totally Safe Accessories: Accessory Hook inside, litter scoop, inside carpet. Assembly: Easy 15 to 20 minute assemblyCleaning instructions: Clean with a cloth and polish exterior surfaces.

SuperPet Potty Litter (16 oz) $2.99 Potty Litter the clean and comfortable litter for critters. The sanitary solution for spot training hamsters, gerbils and other small pets. Your pet will instinctively use the specially formulated, hypo-allergenic, dust-free Super Pet Potty Litter. Simply add Potty Litter into the Super Pet Hamster Potty or any other litter box. Follow our "Potty Training made EZ "steps on the box and your furry friend will become litter box trained. Remember to spot clean the litter on a daily basis and completely change the litter every 7-10 days. 16 oz. box with convenient, resealable, easy pour bag.

Super Pet Small Animal Potty Litter 1 lb $3.99 Potty Litter the clean and comfortable litter for critters. The sanitary solution for spot training hamsters, gerbils and other small pets. Your pet will instinctively use the specially formulated, hypo-allergenic, dust-free Super Pet Potty Litter. Simply add Potty Litter into the Super Pet Hamster Potty ( see item #100079343, sold separately) or any other litter box. Follow our "Potty Training made EZ "steps on the box and your furry friend will become litter box trained. Remember to spot clean the litter on a daily basis and completely change the litter every 7-10 days. 16 oz. box with convenient, resealable, easy pour bag.

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Litter Boxes Aren't Just for Cats: A Guide on How to Successfully Litter Box Train Your Puppy or Small Breed Dog $64.41 How many times have you and your three pound Chihuahua wished you could stay inside on those cold, rainy days instead of venturing outside for a potty walk? Did you know that, with the same effort it would take you to housebreak a puppy, you can effectively teach your dog to use the litter box? For the first time, a book has finally been written on the method of successfully litter box training a puppy or small breed dog. You will learn the four steps of litter box training, problem solving, and how to retrain a dog from going potty outside, on papers, or on pads. Not only will your small dog be able to use the litter box in your home, but you can also bring it on vacation, to friendas houses, or to work, and your puppy will still use its litter box. Not only is it convenient for you, but now your dog has the freedom to go whenever it needs to instead of needing to wait for hours.

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Dog Pan Scooper Small Dog Big Litter Box Training Pads $19.99

Small Dog Litter Box Pan Training Pads Scooper - Large $18.99

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Does Your Dog Help Himself to Treats From the Cat Litter Box?

As strange as this sounds, it is a fairly common occurrence in households that have both dogs and cats living together. Since a cat's meal is not totally digested, the feces may give off a strong odor, an odor that may be appealing to your dog. Totally disgusting to us, the fact is that dogs find this to be a "tasty treat". 

Why do they do that? 

Many dog owners' first question is, "Is this caused by a nutritional deficiency." In a very few cases this may be to supplement a dietary deficiency. Although, in most cases it is found to be a habit of well nourished dogs and they seem to just like the taste.

Will it harm my dog?

Dog owners' next concern is usually, "Will it harm my dog." Although, it is felt that this behavior is certainly not a healthy one for your dog, most often it will not cause severe harm. You may want to have your dog checked by your veterinarian for intestinal parasites and if you are using "clumping" litter to assure that there are no intestinal blockages. If you notice any unusual symptoms or a change in eating or bowel patterns, consult your veterinarian and advise him of this discovered habit. In some cases, a cat will abandon using a litter box if a dog intrudes. To some pet owners this can be as serious a problem as the dog eating the cat feces.

How do I stop this behavior?

The best way to stop this behavior is to prevent access to the cat litter box by the dog. If your dog is larger in size than the cat, an easy solution is a cat litter box with a cover and an opening small enough for the cat to enter but that will not allow the dog access. Many pet stores carry this type of cat litter box. Another solution is to use a dog gate or a baby gate at the doorway to the room in which the cat litter box is keep preventing the dog access to that room. Position the gate off the floor enough that the cat can get under but the dog cannot. Another option is to put a chain on the doorknob attached to the doorframe in a length that allows the cat to enter but bars the dog's entry. In the case of a small dog, you may have to position the cat litter box in a place above the floor where the dog cannot reach.

In Conclusion:

Having your dog eating cat feces may be a "tasty treat" for him but is a disgusting and unhealthy behavior. Your cat may also feel that this invades their privacy. The best thing to do is to prevent your dog's access to the litter box. There are many other more suitable treats available for your dog to enjoy! Life without a Pet is a dull life indeed !!

About the Author

Visit http://www.fourpawsboutique.net for a large selection of Dog Clothes and Costumes, Dog and Cat Carriers, Beds, Collars, Leashes, and various other fine pet products for "YOUR FRIEND WITH FOUR PAWS". Sharon Kraft is the owner of http://www.fourpawsboutique.net the online source for Designer Fashion and Accessories for the Pampered Pet. Copywright 2008

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