Toilet issues for large dogs! Reasons why they overflow the tray and how to train them

If you own a large dog, have you ever had trouble with toileting?

Because of their size, the toilet space needs to be large and proper training is required, which can be quite challenging.

Today, I'd like to introduce some tips on how to train a large dog.

Reasons for Cats Overflowing the Toilet Tray

①Toilet tray is small

Because he is a large dog, a regular litter box may not fit properly and urine may spill out.

Even if you choose a fairly large litter box, it may still be too small for a large dog.

Generally, a litter box should be 1.5 to 2 times the size of his body.

② Lifting his leg to urinate

Lifting his leg to urinate is especially common in males.

To demonstrate their dominance, they mark their position by urinating as high as possible.

Compared to sitting to urinate, urinating with a raised leg causes the urinary tract to spread over a wider area, making it more likely to spill over the edge of the litter box.

By the way, even females sometimes urinate with their legs raised.

③ Poor toilet environment

Placing the toilet tray in a small space, a public place, or a place where light reflects off the dog's eyes will prevent the dog from urinating calmly.

This can cause the dog to move around and cause urine to spill out of the toilet tray.

What to do when your cat overflows the toilet tray

① If the toilet tray is small

If your dog's litter tray is too small, try making it bigger.

As mentioned earlier, a litter tray 1.5 to 2 times the size of your dog's body is ideal.

If you can't find a litter tray that big commercially, you might want to make one yourself.

For now, you can make a frame and place a litter sheet inside...

It's important to prepare a litter tray that's properly sized for your dog.

② Lifting a leg to urinate

The main reason male dogs lift their leg to urinate is marking behavior.

They generally lift their leg to urinate in order to mark as high a spot as possible to demonstrate superiority to other dogs.

If they urinate indoors, where they share their owner's space, they may engage in marking behavior if they think they are superior to the owner or if they do not have a good relationship with the owner.

Proper training is necessary, so please refer to the training methods described below.

Also, the main reason female dogs lift their legs to urinate is when they are in heat. Female dogs may lift their legs to urinate as a marking signal to let others know that they are in heat or breeding season.

This behavior can also be trained to stop them from lifting their legs, but since it is caused by heat, spaying or neutering may also resolve the issue.

③ If the Toilet Environment is Poor

As mentioned above, if the toilet environment is poor, make sure to create a toilet environment that is relaxing for your dog.

Like humans, dogs prefer a private toilet environment.

If the toilet is located in a place that is too visible, your dog will not be able to urinate in peace.

If you're placing a litter box in your dog's room, it's best to place it at the edge of the room, or somewhere less visible.

However, placing it too close to the wall can create a feeling of oppression, so it's important to keep it some distance from walls and furniture.

Also, places where light reflects off mirrors and other objects can be perceived as unpleasant places by dogs.

Make sure the litter box is in an appropriate location.

How to Toilet Train

① Lay toilet sheets in a large partitioned area

It's difficult to get your dog to use the toilet in a specific place from the start.

Make the partitioned area as large as possible and lay toilet sheets in it so your dog can use the toilet there.

It doesn't matter how large the area is.

② Place your dog in the toilet area and praise him when he urinates.

Place your dog in the toilet area you prepared earlier and wait.

Praise your dog when he urinates or defecates there.

Providing treats as a reward is also effective.

You'll be pleased if your dog learns that peeing or pooping in this spot will earn him a treat.

③ Gradually reduce the toilet space

This will require a little patience, though.

Gradually reduce the toilet space each day.

Once you've narrowed the area enough, install a commercially available toilet tray and lay down a toilet sheet.

At this point, leave the partitioned space as it is.

If your pet is suddenly left with only the toilet tray, it may become anxious or confused and stop using the toilet in that area.

④ Allow your dog to use the toilet tray only

Continue with step ③ until your dog uses the toilet tray inside the separate compartment.

Once your dog uses the toilet only in the toilet tray, try removing the separate compartment and leaving only the toilet tray.

If things don't work out along the way, you'll need to start over again, even though it's a pain.

Training requires patience, so take your time and train your dog slowly.

⑤ If your dog lifts its leg to urinate

If your dog is peeing on the toilet sheet but still lifts its leg to urinate, gently pat its hind leg when it tries to lift its leg to encourage it to lower its leg.

It's recommended that you start this training once your dog is properly peeing in the toilet tray.

⑥ General Training Tips

As with any training, don't get angry if your dog makes a mistake.

For example, even if you get angry because your dog urinates in a different place than the toilet tray, your dog may think that urinating in the first place is bad.

If this happens, your dog will try to urinate out of sight, which could lead to urinating all over the room, rather than training you.

So when disciplining your dog, instead of getting angry, praise him more than usual when he succeeds.

I recommend a discipline method where you get praised for doing this, not scolded for doing it.

Summary

This time, I've written about toileting situations for large dogs.

Because of their large size, owners may have a lot of difficulties, but by properly understanding dogs and creating an environment that suits them, you can create a stress-free environment for both of you.

Dogs are important members of the family, so it's important to think carefully about them.