Can you box train a dog, and how?

Status
Not open for further replies.
D

Dana

I have a 5 yr old cocker who spends all his time with me on and off the 27 ft Oday. Being a novice sailor I have not taken the boat long enough for the dogs needs to be a major problem. But in July I am planning a weekend trip to the Coronado Islands and Mac just cant hold it that long. Can I train him to go in a sand box? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks
 
L

LaDonna Bubak - CatalinaOwners

What I've read

I've read about people training their dogs to go on a special mat. Sometimes it's astroturf or similar, sometimes mats made for that duty. They put it someplace inconspicuous but constant. When they go, just rinse it off. It seems that it's sometimes difficult to train them to do this cuz they're so accustomed to using real turf. I think they actually applied some of the dog's own waste (poo AND pee) to the mat, let the dog sniff it, pet it, say good dog, etc. Positive reinforcement is the key. When he finally goes on the mat, give him a treat, etc. I would start the training now cuz that will save a lot of frustration & pain on the long trip. Be patient and maybe talk to your vet for add'l tips. Good luck!! LaDonna
 
T

Tom

LaDonna's right

I have heard of using a mat on the foredeck, then rinse off after use. If Mac is a male like our dog, our dog likes to pee in places where other dogs have. If you can get the urine scent from other dogs on the mat (I used to volunteer in an animal shelter, and there's alot of free dog urine on the kennel floors there), that may entice your dog to use the mat as well.
 
K

Karen

Try This

I have seen a sort of doggy litterbox at the local Petco here in Baltimore. It comes in several sizes. They start at about 18 inches square and work on up. I do not know the name of the product, but they are intended for training puppies. There is a litter that is probably some type of recycled paper. I would imagine that there is a Petco there in Chula Vista. Hope this helps!
 
D

David

Believe it or not, I train dogs part time

And I would like to clarify some myths, 1. Putting the dog's waste on a piece of carpet or box to "entice them" is a waste of time. What you will end up doing is taking a dog that is housetrained and untrain them. You are really telling them that it is "ok" to relieve themselves in the house. The urinating over other dog's urine is a territorial issue to establish dominance. Not because they think it is fun. Once a dog marks his territory in it's own domain, he will not generally re-mark unless another animal marks the same spot after he does. 2. It *could* be possible to Re-train an adult dog to eliminate in a box. However, it would take a lot of work and patience. It would probably be easier to get a cat or take many "dog breaks". Lastly, get a life preserver for the little guy. It might end up saving his life.
 
J

JERRY

dog training

I have train my dog to use a the sliding tray that goes under a rabbit cage(which you can get at a farm supply store). I have three yorkies and a great pyrenees. The way I have trained all my dogs is simple. I make two boxes one they live in (put there bedding in it) the secound is attached to the first. It has the tray in it they do not want to go in their bedding so they will use the other box. It is important you clean up the big stuff after your dog uses it, but leave a little smell so they will return.I usually start with newpaper in the bottom of the tray because it is easy to clean up and it holds smell a little. you just pick it up and throw it away. The key is to not give your dog any choice except to use the box after a few days .I give them a little more space to see if they still use the tray. If they do I give them more and etc.. If they do not use the tray back to the small box. I have trained eight dogs this way. It has worked with everyone. Keep in mind after they use the tray you can let they out for a while as a reward. the idea is not to make your dog a prisonnor but to help them get the idea of where they are to go. It has taking about a week for my dogs to get the picture. Also if you will write down the times your dog goes you will see there is a pattern like 20 mintues after they eat, when they first get up from sleeping and etc..The nice thing about this tray is I can take it with me. Be warned My one older dog (12 years old) has used any paper that she finds laying on the foor manuels and instructions. She is the only one out of eight who does I wonder if it is do to age. But over all it has worked out nicely.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.