How to train your puppy to use a diaper or litter box
Miscellaneous / / June 12, 2021
These tips will help protect carpets and furniture while your dog is not out and about.
Why train your puppy to a diaper or litter box
Until the end of the post-vaccination quarantine with the dog, it is better not to walk on the street. Otherwise, the puppy can pick up a dangerous infection. Better to allow him to relieve himself at home. Learning how to use a diaper or litter box will help you keep it clean. In a fewNew puppy FAQs / The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals weeks after the last vaccination, you can take your pet out of the room.
Keep in mind that up to four months of age, dogs have poor urge control. They will go to the toilet every 2-3How to Train Your Puppy to Go on Potty Pads / The Spruce Pets hours.
When to diaper or litter train your puppy
It is better to train a dog to relieve himself in a specially designated place from the day when it appears in the house. Then the pet will not have time to ruin carpets and upholstered furniture.
What to do before accustoming your puppy to a diaper or litter box
Buy a diaper or tray in advance
There are two types of nappies: disposable and reusable. The lower layer of the former consists of polyethylene, which does not allow moisture to pass through, the upper one is made of a fabric resembling cotton wool. This product is discarded after several uses. The average cost of a pack of 10 pieces is 150 rubles. They are sold at pet stores, pharmacies, supermarkets and online platforms.
Keep in mind: the puppy may start playing and tear the disposable diaper into small pieces. This behavior will have to be suppressed.
Reusable diapers also consist of several layers. The upper is made of fabric that allows moisture to pass through and dries quickly. Next, a canvas is sewn in, absorbing and holding a large volume of liquid. The lower part of the product is a waterproof membrane. After several uses, the diaper is washed, so there should be at least one more in stock. Goods are sold in pet stores. The cost starts from 250 rubles.
If it is assumed that the dog will pee at home all the time, you can buy a tray for the diaper. This is a plastic container with small sides. The litter is placed under the frame and is secured tightly. There are structures with posts or walls. These are usually taken for males.
Pet stores also sell lawn trays. As a rule, these are three-level structures. The upper tier is artificial realistic grass, the middle tier is a grate that allows liquid to pass through, the lower tier is a container where urine accumulates. Such products are thoroughly washed under water.
The dimensions of the diapers and trays depend on how big the puppy is. For example, for dwarf breeds suitable products with a size of about 40 × 60 cm, and for medium - 60 × 60 or 60 × 80.
What to buy
- Disposable absorbent nappies from "Clean Tail", 30 pcs, 313 rubles →
- Reusable absorbent diaper from OSSO Fashion, 840 rubles →
- Toilet with sides and a post from Homepet, 1 112 rubles →
- Toilet with sides from SAVIC, 1,540 rubles →
- Toilet with imitation of a lawn from Pet Park Potty Patch, 3 240 rubles →
- Toilet with a wall from ZooOne, 1 864 rubles →
Stock up on detergents
The puppy will not immediately learn how to accurately fall on the diaper. Therefore, it is better to prepare hand gloves, rags or paper towels, cleaner in advance. The latter should not contain ammonia. This compound is found in animal urine. If you add the substance to the contaminated area, the smell will become even stronger. Better to stock up on baking soda, vinegar or odor remover.
What to buy
- Gloves for hands from Vileda, 379 rubles →
- Three viscose napkins for cleaning from Celesta, 46 rubles →
- Animal odor remover spray Iv San Bernard, 1 200 rubles →
Prepare your home
Remove carpets, shoes, bags, and other items from the floor. The dog may confuse them with a diaper or litter box. If there is a carpet in any of the rooms, it is better to temporarily exclude the animal there. Wait until the dog learns to control urges and relieve need in the designated area.
How to train your puppy to use a diaper or litter box
The training may take some time. The timing depends on the age, breed and individual characteristics of the animal. It's important to be consistent and be patient. Here are some tipsHow to Train Your Dog to Use a Pee Pad / Bond Vet who will help you.
Find a corner for the diaper or tray
The toilet should be in the same place. Surfaces that are easy to clean work well. For example, tiles, laminate or linoleum. If you have chosen bedding and are afraid that the dog will miss, you can put several pieces next to each other.
The point of training is to show the dog a specific place in the house for bowel movements. Therefore, putting a lot of diapers in different rooms is not worth it. This will confuse the puppy. As a result, the animal will think that the latrine is almost everywhere.
Monitor your pet's urges
Most often, puppies wantHow to Train Your Puppy to Go on Potty Pads / The Spruce Pets to the toilet within 15 minutes after eating, drinking, sleeping and playing. At this time, it is better to be close to the dog in order to observe its behavior. The dog may start fussing, whining, sitting down, or sniffing the floor. If these signs appear, take the animal to a diaper or tray and wait patiently for the right moment.
Encourage correct behavior
Do not forget to praise your pet if he uses the tray or diaper for the intended purpose. You can kindly say that the puppy is great and pet him. Some owners treat their dogs to a treat. This also reinforces the positive response.
What to do if you can't get your puppy to diaper or litter box
Gently nip misbehavior
If you notice that the puppy is peeing past the diaper or litter box, abort the process. For example, clap softlyHouse Training Your Dog or Puppy / American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in your hands. Try not to scare the animal. After that, take your pet to the place that it should consider as a restroom.
Do not yell or poke your dog into a puddle or excrement. Even if you did not find traces of the crime right away, you are tired or very angry. The dog will not understand what it is punished for. In the worst case, the puppy will be afraid of you and will begin to defecate in hard-to-reach places.
Change place for diapers or tray
Observe the puppy to see what the problem is. If the dog just can't get to his restroom, move the litter box or place the diapers closer to the place where the animal plays, eats or drinks. This method can also work when the pet stubbornly relieves the need in the same place.
Wash areas properly where there have been puddles or feces
As mentioned, dogs often defecate in the same place. This is because animals are guided by smell. So that, after urinating and defecating, the puppy does not have a desire to repeat the process, the stained area must be carefully wash.
First, remove any urine or faeces with a rag or paper towel. If you find a damp stain on your carpet or sofa, blot it several times. Most of the liquid should be absorbed.
The next step is to eliminate the odor. To clean the fabric, sprinkle some baking soda on the stained area and leave it overnight. Vacuum up the substance in the morning. If you are in a hurry, try another method. To do this, combine a glass of water with the same amount of vinegar in a spray bottle. Add two teaspoons of baking soda to the solution and shake the container well. Spray on the surface and let sit for a couple of minutes. Then pat dry with a towel.
Do not use a steam cleaner for cleaning. The heat will leave odors and stains on the surface for a long time.
Animal odor neutralizers can be used for linoleum, tile or laminate flooring. These products contain enzymes that break down urine, feces and saliva.
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