Toilet training for kittens, puppies and small “house” dogs (Cont)

Last week, we ended this topic by mentioning that spanking your newly acquired pet for defecating/urinating in the wrong place is not a recommended methodology. In fact, such action by a caregiver is synonymous with animal abuse, and would therefore be illegal. There are more humane and successful options in potty-training a new kitten/new puppy/small house dog.
I had also mentioned that I do not advise caregivers to use newspapers as litter. I received several calls explaining that: (i) caregivers have used newspapers, cut up into several pieces, as litter without deleterious effects to the animal, and (ii) commercial litter and urine pads can be costly and not always available.
Given the dilemma of unavailability on the market, one can per force use other materials. It is advisable that you discuss with your veterinarian and get clearance on your choice of alternative litter and urine pads.
Let us now return to the issue of the toilet training process – and a patient process it is! The caregiver must appreciate that puppies and kittens (like babies) have no direct control over the holding/release of urine and stool. When they have to go, they go. As they get older, (around 12-16 weeks), such control develops.
Actually, in some breeds, the control mechanism does not fully kick in until the animal has reached the age of puberty (circa 7-8 months), or even later.
Your initial efforts at potty training should be scheduled after the animal has eaten, or just after it has woken up. Young animals prefer to use a litter box with a porous surface, e.g., grass or sand (preferably not sawdust). Of course, carpets and rugs offer an inviting surface upon which they could defecate/urinate.
Clearly, it is your job as a caregiver to direct them to the litterbox at the recommended times and via the enthusing methods described in last week’s Pet Care column.
Scientific research has proven that which I thought would be pretty obvious; namely, that there is a correlation between defecation and how often the animal eats. In other words, the animal is likely to void poop 3-4 times daily if it is fed 3-4 times daily. Puppies and kittens tend to urinate shortly (10-15 minutes) after the meal intake.
Please do not panic if these guideline times are not precise. Biology is not mathematics; the latter is pretty much an exact science, while the former has great differentiations and inexactitudes.
I can assure you, from personal experience and observations, that the suggested protocols do bring success in toilet training. One can, of course, and if time is available, take the pet (on a leash) outside soon after it has finished consuming a meal. Please note that cats (kittens) do not particularly care for being leashed. But, believe me, with patience, they, too, will accept a leash. Lead puppies to a predetermined predilection spot, where they will defecate.
Dr. Krystal-Marie Ramnauth, a writer for the Trinidad Guardian, who has allowed me to extract portions from her published columns on the issue of potty training, had the following to say:
The reason you should be taking your puppy to the same “spot” for toileting is to establish a spatial as well as a scent association with the area, so the puppy knows where to go. Scent marks convey information to dogs, and the smell of an old scent mark will induce the perpetrator to top up the messages. This is why the puppy keeps messing in the same place.
This toilet behaviour is different from marking behaviour, although the scent concept is the same. It is therefore important that all incorrect areas that have been soiled be thoroughly cleaned, or the puppy will continue to be attracted to toilet in those areas.
Household cleaners containing ammonia and chlorine, strongly perfumed disinfectants, and air fresheners should not be used. The most successful method involves first scrubbing the area with warm ten percent solution of a biological washing powder, followed by rinsing with cold water and allowing the area to dry. This should be followed by spraying with an alcohol such as surgical spirits (rubbing alcohol, methylated spirits) to deal with fat deposits. After cleaning, the area must be allowed to dry thoroughly before the pet is given access to it again.
The most important aspect of toilet training is to establish a routine. So, ensure you put in the time; it will be worth it. Also remember to scoop the poop and discard same to keep your family and your dog healthy.
For those of you who choose to walk you pets on a leash, please respect your community and remove the poop and place it in a bag for disposal. Poop may be biodegradable, but it is also unsightly, smelly, and attracts flies.
HAPPY EASTER!