Help With Training German Shepherd? : Dog Training DIY

ξBindi§ | Oct 26, 2009 | Reply

Good luck on that! I have a German Shepherd that’s 11 years old and just uses the backyard to do it’s buisness on…ever since it was 2 months old it was like that lol.
Then just scoop it, with a big dog comes big responsibilites
-.-
btw…his name’s Rex ^.^
How old is ur Shepherd exactly?

Alison L | Oct 26, 2009 | Reply

Its possible, but not recommended.
With a dog that big, I wouldn’t even give it a try. Teach your dog to go outside, where ALL dogs should go.

♥Rose☺ | Oct 26, 2009 | Reply

it only took my dog three days to learn to go outside in a certain spot.
my aunt trained hers to go in a litter box,
but it took about a month.

Lauren | Oct 26, 2009 | Reply

I believe you can teach the dog to go in a specific area, but I’d suggest something larger then a litter box -

barelhos | Oct 26, 2009 | Reply

It is possible.

Earthlin | Oct 26, 2009 | Reply

Yes it’s possible.. but a GSD??.. it’d have to be one HUGE litter box..

Erin E and Tommy | Oct 26, 2009 | Reply

Absolutely! Small dogs and bigger dogs can be trained to use a litter box. My personal experience shows that small dogs, once trained, actually benefit from using a litter box. Small dogs have small bladders, and the opportunity to “go whenever” is a big plus! It’s also possible to train a dog to use a litter box that previously used papers or went outside. Dogs can also travel using the litterbox in other locations, and are able to use the litterbox during the day, as well as “go outside” at other times.
How Do I Start? What do I Need?
You’ll need several items to get started. Of course, a litter box is required. I suggest a Purina dog litter box — or get the largest cat litter box available, and cut the top off the hood. Removing the top makes it much easier for the dog to use, and for you to clean. Use very rough sandpaper or a smoothing tool (i.e. a Dremel) to round the edges. Dogs tend to “go” more frequently than cats, and they don’t bury their waste in the same way cats do.
People use a variety of “filler” for litter pans. Some folks like to use newspapers or absorbent “pee pads”. Others prefer commercial dog litter or cat litter, so they can scoop out and dispose of the waste easily. A few folks have voiced concern over clumping litter (in the event the dog ingests it). Personally, I’ve used all types of filler and haven’t experienced a problem with any of it.
If you use dog or cat litter, buy a large size litter scoop, it will work best! It’s also handy to get a small foot pedal “step-on” can with a plastic bucket (I found mine at Bed, Bath & Beyond). A 3 to 5 gallon size can works perfectly. I also use a standard diaper pail lined with a plastic bag in my dog room. Whenever the “step-on” pail is full, I empty the can into the diaper pail. This saves a lot of time, and my trips to empty waste are infrequent. Best of all, the diaper pail is designed to contain odors!
Cleaning Supplies Are Essential!
Most importantly, be sure to have plenty of cleaning supplies. Brooms and easy-to-use mops should be nearby. Lots of paper towels (especially at the beginning) should be kept on hand. I also find a DustBuster hand vacuum makes it easy to clean up the sand and litter that inevitably gets kicked around. Bleach is a great odor mask, and putting some in a small container (make sure it is completely out of the reach of the dogs) goes a long way in odor control. Other odor controls such as candles, sprays and plug-ins can also work well. In general, if you just keep the area clean, odor won’t be a big problem.
Accidents Can and Do Happen…
Be prepared for accidents when house and litterbox training. If you do not completely clean urine stains, they will become a reoccurring spot the dog will use. I’ve had great success with a product called Simple Solution. During the early stages, I purchased it by the gallon jug. I found no other product that worked as well — even on my near-white carpet! I also purchased a small home carpet cleaning machine, but the “blot and dry” method described in the product directions will work as well (it just takes longer). A friend of mine purchased a shop wet/dry vac, which worked better than the carpet machine for cleaning doggie accidents! The wet/dry vac was a fraction of the price, but of course a carpet cleaning machine can do “regular” large area cleaning of carpet that the shop vac simply can’t do.
More Than One Way to Skin a Cat…
As with most tasks, there’s more than one method to accomplish your goal. I have successfully trained dogs to use a litter box by using two methods: The first method is a gradual paper to litter box method. This method works well with dogs who are already solidly paper trained, and who tend to catch on quickly. The second method is a variation of the common “crate training” used to house train dogs. From experience, I think the latter crate style training is best. Some people find crate training to be drastic — but it does work, and if done properly with lots of attention, care and praise for the dog — it isn’t harmful.
What if My Dog Has Never Been Housetrained?
If you’re starting from scratch, you’ll need to work with the dog very closely, and have your cleaning supplies even closer! The best method for housetraining is to design the environment so that it is difficult for the dog to fail. Your dog wants to please you, and you can help him (or her) succeed! First, designate the area to be used for the litterbox and/or papers. Obviously, a tiled or easy to clean floor area is best. During the first few days, you will need to constantly monitor the dog when it is not in its bathroom area. In this initial period, the dog should have only two location options: either with you, or a direct path to his bathroom area. You can accomplish this by shutting doors, and using simple gating materials such as latex lattice, child gates, or even pieces of cardboard. In any event, make sure that the dog can ONLY go to his designated area when “caught in the act”. Make sure there is a direct path between you and his bathroom only (no open side rooms) at all times.
During the first few days the dog should either be with you, or in his area. If you are unable to watch the dog carefully, put the dog in his bathroom or crate area. If you notice actions such as circling or sniffing (usually indicating the dog has “to go”), then encourage the dog to go to his area to do his business on papers. Develop a key word or key phrase for this action. It can be anything you want such as: “go pee”, “get busy”, “use the box”, etc. Repeat the word or phrase often at the spot where the dog should do his business.
All the World is a Stage…
You’ll need to become an actor to housetrain and/or litter box train a dog. If you catch the dog in the act of going in wrong place, you need to “shock” the dog. A loud “NO!”, slapping your hands together, and sudden movement toward the dog should cause the dog to bolt. In any event, his direct path, his destination must be his bathroom area. Once there, start praising the dog and using the keyword. Soak a small bit of the dog’s urine in a paper towel or newspaper and put in his bathroom area. If your dog smells his feces or urine in his bathroom area, he will be more likely to use that area. Clean any “accident” areas to an extreme degree. A dog’s sense of smell is incredible. I “over-treat” using Simple Solution cleaner. After all the smells and stains are gone (to my nose and eyes), I reapply the solution. It works! Of course my mother doesn’t agree — she swears by Woolite Carpet Cleaner (apparently a special version for “pet accidents”). In any case, get a product that works for you! When the dog goes to the right place to use the bathroom, you need to lavish praise and treats on him, all the time repeating the key word. Frankly, it works best if you overact when expressing your pleasure or displeasure. If by chance you see the dog in the act going on the papers (or later in the litterbox), you simply have to be beside yourself with joy and happiness! Believe me, the dog will catch on when you are dancing, praising, and kissing his little head when he goes in the right place!
Help the Dog Become Accustomed to the Litter box
With either method (”paper to litter box” or “crate style training”) you’ll need to get the dog accustomed to the litter box. It should be in his area from the beginning, with a tiny bit of litter in the bottom and some newspaper inside of it. Newspaper should also be put right next to the litter box if paper training. Some folks have reported better results by adding a one of the commercial “potty aid” liquids in the litter box during the early stages of training.
At the outset, you’ll need to get the dog used to simply getting in and out of the box. This can made into a fun experience for the dog. Simply lift and place the dog in the litter box and use the key phrase like “use the box”. Praise him and be happy. He’ll likely get out of the box. Walk over, repeat the key word/phrase, and put the dog in the box. Repeat the “praise and happy” routine and even give a little treat. If the dog stresses or tires of the game, just stop. Repeat it another time or day. Soon, you’ll be able to repeat the keyword, while gently guiding the dog in the box from outside the box. After a few sessions, you should be able to have dog go in the box on his own when the keyword is used. Placement of the box is also important. It must be next to the newspapers, and the open side should minimize “fallout”. Dogs have a digging instinct. I haven’t met a dog yet that won’t try at least once to dig his way under the litter box! Notice the top picture on this page. See how the litter boxes face toward each other and a wall? This minimizes cleanup in the event of digging episode! It looks like a tight spot, but honestly, the small dogs don’t have any problem getting in and out. A well arranged litter box will minimize the “fallout” from a digging episode or normal tracking.
Progressing from Paper to Litter box
If your dog is solidly paper-trained, you can make a gentle progression from paper to litter box. As I said before, the “crate style” training works best, but some people prefer a more gentle approach. I’ve used both of these methods successfully. The key for the “paper to litter box” method is to make it very gradual. You’ll need a supply of cardboard boxes in various sizes. You can somet

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