Training 8 y/o yorkie to use doggie loo

[DocArbathnot]

Hi

My elderly MIL has moved into a flat, small balcony onto which we have put a doggie loo.

She has only been there a couple of days and at the moment she is taking the dog out on his lead for toilet purposes.

We need to get him happy with the doggie loo, once the winter starts I'm not happy that she is having to traipse in and out at all hours. The gardens are pleasant and spacious but not particularly private or secure.

I think MIL is being a bit soft with him and taking him outside rather than making him use his loo (It's only for 1st and last thing he will go for walks during the day) Any tips? We have some spray on stuff to encourage him but he's reluctant to use it.

[bexVN]

Give him a bit of time to adjust to his new home initially, it's not going to be easy to get him used to the loo esp as a middle aged dog but the important thing is not to force him.

Does he squat to wee, if he cocks his leg will the dog loo work? I've not seen one for dogs before so not sure of the design.

Motivate with treats and commands, does she use a command to get him to toilet, if not she could start now when she takes him out (eg go wee as he is about to etc) then transfer that command to indoors (well on the balcony!), if he shows interest in the loo praise him give him a treat.

I think it will take a while and your mil will need to be dedicated to help him with the transition.

[DocArbathnot]

Thanks, sensible advise. I thought of depositing some of his solids on the loo to encorage him.

He does cock his leg, but the loo has high sides so hoping it will be okay without any modifications

[bexVN]

Yes that is worth a try.