Litter box training vs outside training

[angiemcclain]

Hello everyone! I am about to become the proud new momma of a baby Shorkie and I am sooo excited!
I was wondering what some of you think about litterbox training, if any of you have done it and if you're happy with it. I am bringing my baby girl home May 17th!! Thank you so much!

Ang

[Ann]

Hi and Welcome to shorkie talk.
I haven't used alitter tray but I have heard that shorkie's take to this type of training very well so go for it, Also if you read some of the posts you may find out more about training. I believe that some of the members have actually had some experiencec with this type of training. Good luck !!!
I cant wait to see a pic when you get it.

[Mai Tai]

Hi, Welcome and Congratulations.  I have not used a litter box, but some friends of mine have and it works for them.  Let us know how it all goes.

[Cash]

I have not used a litter box either.  I didn't want to train him to go inside at all (again I have a cat and another dog in the house so didn't think this would be wise)  Though as the others have said I can see where it would be a good thing.  I do however have a homemade "porch potty" for my dog.  He's hit and miss with going down our deck steps (it's a high deck), so I have an area up top that if it's raining, or when the snow is back he could just go there. He does use this area, as well as the yard. 

[angiemcclain]

Thanks Ladies, I think i'm going to try it! We don't get our baby until May 21st and I can't hardly wait! I will let you know how it goes and post pics asap!!

[angiemcclain]

The porch potty is a great idea, how did you make yours? Our deck is high, too and has alot os steps so this would be perfect for us! Let me know PLEASE!!! And thank you for the great idea!

Angie

[Mai Tai]

Same here, we have a high little deck right outside our glass doors and then about 21 steps to the yard.  A porch potty would be a good idea. 

[Cash]

Ok, we just got done finishing our basement, so we had alot of left over materials that I wanted to recycle.  I'm sure if you wanted to make one you could use something else and make it "prettier."  I had some treated 2x4's, and some peg board from a workshop that I used as the base with some weed barrier on top of it.  I just used regular sod and thought that the weed barrier would keep the dirt from falling through the holes of the peg board, but allow for drainage.  2x4's were used for the sides, I put a little dirt on the bottom then just lay the sod on top.  I don't imagine this will last forever, but I wasn't sure if he'd use it either so didn't want to put alot of money into it.  They sell porch potty's for about $200 with a sprinkler system in it to keep them clean.  If this does last I'll have to water the grass myself and clip the grass to keep it short.  My husband is very handy so I might have to ask him to get creative for the years to come.    Hope I've explained it well enough, if not let me know and I'll see about posting a picture.. (though I'm sure if my husband knew that, he'd make a new one to show off.)

[codysmom]

That's a great idea, we have a screened in porch that is more just an outdoor play area for the kids since we don't have a fence. I was going to make the a small area of grass right outside the door and potty area since the grass is all dead and I can't figure out what to do there besides a garden. But the box would be nice cuz I could just let Cody out on the porch and not worry about getting his leash or him getting soaked in rainy season.
Question does anyone also have a cat? if so does your shorkie also use the same box? I'm wondering if I did this if he would think that the cat litter box was his to use too?
btw Angie we are getting our baby May 23rd

[angiemcclain]

It sounds like you're just as excited as I am! It is SO hard to wait, isn't it! I was at Wal Mart yesterday and they have a little indoor potty system with the fake grass, i think i'm going to try that. Only 40.00.
Although the one Mai Tai made sounds cool, with the real grass. I just don't know where i would get the sod.
Thanks though, Mai Tai!!

Codysmom, i'm anxious to see pics of your baby, i will post mine asap! Good luck!!

[Mai Tai]

I appreciate your gratitude, but it was Cash who had the outdoor litterbox idea and instructions...LOL.  I recommend not allowing your puppy near the cat litter box.  I have two cats and Mai tai thinks  cat poop is the rarest of delicacies, if you know what I mean.  We have to keep the litter box far from him.  He makes a break for it whenever he can. 

[codysmom]

Good to know, I'll make sure to keep an eye on him and the litter box. I'm sure hubby wouldn't mind him helping him clean it out though :Dlol

[angiemcclain]

oops, then i mean thanks, Cash!

[Cash]

Just thought I'd let you all know I've modified my "porch potty" for Cash.  I made one out of some old lumber we had from the basement to see if it was something he would use and he is, so I thought I needed something that would stand the test of time a bit better.  So while at Menards the other day I found a plastic container that is made to go underneath washing machines in case they leak.  It's perfect!  I still put some holes in the bottom for drainage and put the weed barrier on the bottom then the sod on top.  The whole thing cost me under $20 to make.  If only it was covered so he could go and be dry in the rain then it would be the BEST THING EVER> 

[Mai Tai]

Can you stick an umbrella up out of the middle of it for the rain...LOL.  It sounds cute.  Mine hates the rain.  Getting him to poop in the rain is no fun.