These tips can help you navigate toilet training your pet (Source: Freepik)
Toilet training is an integral part of nurturing a pet, and all pet parents want their furry friend to have a stress-free experience when learning something new. If you have embarked on a new journey of pet parenthood, and your next task is to teach your pet where to relieve themself, you are at the right place! We consulted experts and have for you some easy ways to navigate the learning process:
Dr Harsh Veerbhan, founder of WAAT Pet Clinic, Ghaziabad shared 5 valuable tips:
1. Set a routine: Fix times for meals, potty breaks, and walks. A routine helps them understand when and where they should relieve themselves.
2. Choose a designated spot: Take your pet to the same spot every time for potty training. Young dogs are fast learners, and once they understand that they have a specific place to relieve themselves, they will use that spot consistently.
3. Use training sprays: Specialized toilet training sprays are available. These sprays help by creating a specific scent that encourages dogs to relieve themselves in a designated area. Once your dog associates the scent with the appropriate spot, you can gradually train it to use other preferred locations.
4. Watch for signs and reward good behavior: Look for signs like sniffing, circling, or whining—these indicate your pet needs to go, and you should guide them to the designated spot. Always reward your pet with treats, praise, or petting when they go to the right place.
5. Be patient and avoid punishment: Accidents happen! Instead of scolding, clean up using a suitable cleaner to eradicate odors. Punishment can create fear and delay training, so stay patient and keep repeating the steps
Can your pet relieve themselves in the right spot? (Source: Freepik)
Darshankaur Khalsa, Co-Founder of Pets of Paradise, shared that for dogs, toilet training may take a few weeks to a couple of months. Puppies may have accidents, especially when they’re still developing bladder control. Most cats are naturally inclined to use a litter box with minimal training, but keeping the litter clean and keeping it in a quiet spot is essential.
She added that addressing health issues promptly can clear up a lot of confusion. “If your puppy suddenly starts having accidents inside or is reluctant to go to their designated potty spot, it could be a sign of a health issue or stress. On the other hand, if your trained cat starts urinating outside the litter box, it may indicate a UTI or other medical issues, especially if accompanied by pain,” she said. In female cats, inappropriate urination may also indicate they are in heat. Always seek veterinary advice in such cases.