Litter Box Training for DogsLitter box training of dogs can be accomplished, but it does take some time and effort. Since Chihuahuas are an indoor dog, potty training them to use a container can sometimes be your best option, especially if you are an older couple or live in an apartment.
Since dogs turn a few circles before they poop, it is best to buy one that is big enough to accommodate this instinct. This way your Chihuahua has room to turn circles, and also will not be as apt to be inside the box, but actually pooping over the side of it! While your pup is still small, I find it best to cut out one of the sides of the container, so she can easily step in and out of it. As she grows and becomes able to step over the side, then I replace it with a new, uncut one. You can line it with either newspaper or cat litter. I prefer the cat litter as it is easy to clean. You do need to decide ahead of time which you plan to always use, as sometimes dogs that have learned to go on newspaper will not make the switch to cat litter later, as it will have a different texture, smell, and sound when they get into the box. 
I always start with the plain, unscented, cheap stuff! Even though you will be setting her into the box, you will still want her to be able to smell her own urine without it being masked by the perfumed cat litters. After she has learned to potty inside the litter box, then you can switch to a different brand, if you prefer, but make sure you first mix it with the old brand for awhile. This way the new smell will not confuse her and discourage her from continuing to use it. When she has a bowel movement, you can remove the poop, but do not constantly remove where she has peed. To help dogs with litter box training, they need to be able to smell their own scent of urine as a reminder that this is where they are suppose to go to potty. 
When training indoor dogs to potty in a certain area, you will basically need to follow the same guidelines as you would for housebreaking puppies, with the exception of using a leash. I simply place the pup into the litter box as soon as I let her out of the crate. Then I stay right by her and wait. If she hasn’t used the potty, but tries to exit, I just put her back into the box and give her the command of “go potty”. If she continuously tries to leave, then I would resort to having her on a leash to help her understand that this is where you want her to be. If you catch her starting to pee in the house, quickly get her into her container for her to finish doing her business there. By following the principles of outside housebreaking, but combining those tips with the ones outlined here, you will be well on your way to litter box training your dogs!
|