Adult Dog Litter Training 

Usually, crate training is the preferred way to teach dogs not to do their business in the house. Even adult dogs will usually respond to this method of training if done properly. But not all dogs are suited for it and in some cases - adult dogs with medical conditions for instance - it isn't fair. So the best way to approach a problem like this and stop having to clean up all the time is to use some adult dog litter training.

Advantages Of Litter Training A Dog

There are several reasons you may want to consider training your dog to use a litter box. Dogs who stay alone for long periods every day may not be able to “hold it” until their owners get home. If you work full time, it will be easier on your dog if you give him a place to relieve himself indoors. This is more humane than making him wait, and more convenient for you when he can’t. The box will keep the waste confined in an easy to clean area.

Litter training can also be helpful if your dog has a medical problem. Health issues can make it difficult for a dog to go for a long time without relieving herself. (It’s important to remember that accidents can be a symptom and your dog may need to go to the vet.) Chances are your dog doesn’t want to urinate in the house. You certainly don’t want to clean up a mess every day. A litter box offers a humane alternative in this situation.

Litter training can also make things easier on you if you live in an apartment. Letting your dog out on demand (assuming there is some kind of yard that he can relieve himself in) might be somewhat inconvenient if you have to go down apartment stairwells or use an elevator etc. In some homes, using a litter box will be the most convenient option.

How To Teach A Dog To Use A Litter Box

Adult dog litter training is no more difficult than regular housetraining, although you may need a bit more patience with an adult dog than a puppy. Your adult dog is probably already conditioned to do his business outside, and it will take some time to convince him that using his litter box is okay. To start out, you might want to consider covering the litter with some grass turf. If your dog is used to going in the yard, this will make him feel more comfortable with using the box.

When introducing the litter box to your dog, you should regularly take him to his box on a leash. This is the same technique you might use to teach him to go outside. Just as you would take him for a short walk in the yard, lead him to his box. If he knows that a short walk on the leash means a trip to the bathroom, it will be easier to convince him that the litter box is his new toilet.

It might take some time for your dog to get the idea. Reward him as soon as he shows some interest in the box. A treat for climbing in will increase his desire to do it again. Continue this like you would any other training. Praise your dog and give him a treat every time he gets it right. If he starts to relieve himself elsewhere in the house, interrupt him and take him to the box. He needs to know that the box is the only place inside that he is allowed to “go.” If he finishes his business in his litter box, reward him.

But of course, adult dog litter training isn’t the only option for house breaking an adult dog. Part two of this article describes crate training in house breaking adult dogs.

Looking for a complete guide to dog training? We recommend this online dog training book as the most comprehensive package available.

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