Housebreaking is part of every puppy's basic training, and every dog owner deals with the results of their pet's need for relief (and occasional accidents). Elimination-related products range from devices to pick up poop or scoop it out of your yard to clever indoor solutions for small dogs and inclement climates. Gating off your dog and having an appropriate indoor elimination spot can even be an alternative to crating when you're not home.
1. Poop Scoops
Barb Nefer
A good poop scoop is a necessity for any dog owner with a yard. No one likes dealing with doggy "bombs" scattered in the grass. Manufacturers offer a wide variety of scoopers to deal with poop without getting your hands anywhere near it, from standard jawed models to scoopers with built-in rakes and combination models. Scoop the poop into a trash bag, hose off the scooper, and your yard and scoop is as good as new.
2. Waste Disposal Bags
Photo courtesy of BioBag
Waste disposal bags are a staple if you walk your dog and don't want to incite your neighbors' wrath. Most of these bags are pretty standard. You use them to protect your hand as you pick up the waste, then drop it in the trash. Many pet owners want green product options, and companies like BioBag are filling the need with options like biodegradable/compostable pet waste bags. Flush Puppies takes things a step further, as they're biodegradable and flushable in your home toilet.
3. Pads
Barb Nefer
Newspaper are old-school when it comes to potty training puppies. Now you can buy absorbent, dog-attracting pads that make the job much easier. Many adult dog owners find them invaluable to protect floors and carpet from accidents. Pads also provide a convenient pee-pee spot for dogs that spend long hours at home alone and canines in bad climates that making walking difficult. Apartment and condo dwellers can put pads out on the balcony. Simply lay them on the floor or buy a holder like the On-Target Trainer that protects your flooring.
4. Litter Boxes
Barb Nefer
Litter boxes aren't just for cats anymore. Dogs can learn to urinate, and often poop, in litter just like their feline counterparts. They even have their own canine litters, like Purina Second Nature. This solution works best for small dogs and male dogs that don't raise their legs while peeing. Dog litter boxes can also be used to initially housebreak puppies and prevent accidents.
5. Artifical Turf
If you have trouble getting your dog to the grass, why not bring the grass to the dog? Artificial turf doggy relief areas work indoors, on balconies, and on decks, concrete pads or other yard spaces that are not potty-friendly for canines. You can even get models with your pet's own private fire hydrant. The urine drains to a catch pan or pad. Dogs can learn to go potty on command and do their business in one spot, which facilitates the use of artificial turf. Many dogs can also learn to It takes time and patience, but your canine can learn that the fake greenery is the right relief spot.
