pet potty training
You’ve probably seen the videos: adorable dogs and cats doing their business in human toilets.
Believe it or not — training your pet to use the lavatory is not as novel as you think. However, toilet training takes ample time, patience, and knowledge, and it might not be appropriate or possible with every pet. Before you take the plunge, here’s what you need to know about potty time.
You CAN teach a dog and cat new tricks (maybe)
The size of your dog will determine how you switch up their bathroom routine. For example: A larger dog may be able to use the toilet without the assistance of a stool, while a smaller dog may need a stool to help them reach the toilet. There are several methods for toilet training, with many tutorials available online. Same goes for cats. You can even find potty training supplies and kits to help get your cat accustomed to using their new bathroom spot. Make sure to do your research, try different methods (positive reinforcement for the win), and remember that not every pet will be cut out for using a toilet as an indoor potty spot.
Preparing your toilet — and family — for the potty training process
If you attempt to teach your pet to use the toilet, make sure all human toilet users are ready to potentially tweak their daily routines. Both young and adult dogs and cats might have some occasional accidents with aim, and you’ll want to be careful about what cleaning or deodorizing products you use in and around the toilet. Some toilets might not even be compatible with your pet (cats aren’t known for loving bidets). And remember, just because your pet won’t be using the toilet paper, it doesn’t mean they might not try to eat it!
Should I teach my dog or cat to use the potty?
Let’s face it — cats and dogs weren’t designed to use human toilets for potty breaks. In fact, for a long period of time (i.e. thousands of years), dogs and cats have survived just fine doing their business in the wild. Training your pet to use the toilet is more about convenience for us than them. (And they make great TikTok videos too.) While it may be cute and funny to film your pet flushing the toilet after going #1 or #2, it’s safer and simpler to just let them continue using the bathroom the old-fashioned way — outside or in their litter box.