Has anyone litterbox trained a dog?

[Marty]

Would you use regular cat litter? And how to go about retraining an older dog? As you know, Java is going blind, and I have seen her using the DR to potty. I think it is mostly at night...I try to leave a light on by the doggy door, but DH forgets and shuts it off (yeah, try retraining him). There are steps outside the doggy door, so I can understand her fear. I put a scented oil on the edge of the steps, but she hasn't seemed to pick up on that.

I know when she is completely blind, the light won't help...so that is why I'm thinking a litterbox might work.

[Tambrey]

I have seen at Petco where they actually have doggie litter...it is larger pellets and the "litterbox" for the dogs is larger as well...

Plus they have the regular peepee pads and a frame to fit them into so they do not get all scrunched up, and there is a liquid that you use in dropper form to put a few drops onto the peepee pad, or into the litter, that lets them know to "Pee here"...

edited to add that I found this at the PetSmart website
http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_ ... 9240564502

[Marty]

Thanks Tambrey...I will check those out. We don't have PetCo anywhere close, but I don't mind ordering onlline.

[momPaws]

Marty- I have used the pads for Honey for a while now - esp when I was away working. (She also favored the dining room - maybe cause least used area?) I started with the scented ones that attract and it worked. Now I just buy any brand and she uses them when I am not home. I do have to spread out 6 to give her a large enough space. But they are a godsend and you only need to replace maybe one a day. My guess is that if Java was soiling in the same spot all the time, then spreading the pads there will be a simple way to eliminate (sorry for the pun ) the problem as she will go back to that spot naturally.
Like Tambrey said, tho, I would try the scent stuff at first. Hope it works out. I figure dogs are like people...they start out in diapers and sometimes end up in them....yikes

[Marty]

Thanks for the ideas...I know it's not her fault...she is probably as confused as I am trying to find a solution. I'll go to PetsMart today to see what I can find. My MIL will really love having Thanksgiving dinner among pee pads...not!

[momPaws]

Marty- go out to dinner - you deserve it!

PS- when I have company I remove the pads as she will only go there when no one's around. Happiness is a clean, dry carpet.

[Marty]

LOL...we did last year and I am thinking about it this year. It was really nice not to have the mess to clean up. I ended up fixing a turkey breast the next day, though, because DH wanted leftovers. I just can't win!

[momPaws]

Sounds like us. The kids hate Turkey but I love the left overs. So I cook something else for Tday and T the next week...but we should go out this year.

You can get those pads pretty cheap at Walmart...for 50- about $12...called "On Your Own"

[Marty]

Sheesh, how can we talk abutt turkey and pee pads in the same thread? Ya gptta be a dog lover..

I got some pads from PM today, showed them to her......let's hope it takes My son trained her her on those pads, so I am hoping she remembers.

[momPaws]

Marty- how is she doing with them?