The holiday season is always a popular time to get a new cat or dog, but sometimes they don’t always come potty trained! In addition to the new year’s resolutions you set for yourself for 2016, be sure to set some resolutions for your pet, too. One of those goals, obviously, should be getting your cat or dog house-broken and potty trained. Thus, we’ve put together some of our tips and tricks to make it easier for you to do just that!
Dogs:
With dogs, it can take between 4-6 months before it is fully house trained, but some puppies can take up to a year before they become potty trained. However, with proper training, most dogs have no trouble learning how to take care of their business. When starting to potty train, follow these tips:
Keep a regular feeding schedule
Take dog out first thing in the morning and then once every hour. Also, always take him outside after meals or when he wakes from a nap. Make sure he goes out last thing at night and before he’s left alone.
Take puppy to the same spot each time to do his business. His scent will prompt him to go.
Stay with him outside, at least until he’s house trained.
- When your dog goes to the bathroom outside, give him a treat! Going for a walk is also a nice reward.
Cats:
If you recently got a kitten, you will have to try to train the cat to use a litter box in the absence of its mother. Cats generally prefer some privacy, so this can be a little tricky, but just make sure to place their litter box in an area of the home that doesn’t get a lot of foot traffic. Be sure to keep their litter box clean, too, as a dirty litter box can defer a cat from using it. Watch this video to learn how to potty train your cat, or you can even train your cat on how to use the actual toilet!
If you feel like you need help setting up a potty training plan for your pet, talk with a veterinarian at Phoenix Veterinary Center for tips!
