3 Dogs and 2 Cats

If you have an inside cat or it doesn’t have access to the outside at all times, I suggest you potty train them with a litter box.  They must be taught where to find there litter box and it needs to be kept clean.  They may not use their litter box if it’s not cleaned out regularly.  The location of the litter box is important as well.  Most importantly, your cat needs to feel comfortable with the location.
Once you have decided where to place the litter box, pick your cat up and place it in the clean litter box a few times so they know where to find it.  You should not place it by their food and water as they do not like to eat right by where they soil.   Make sure you have the right amount of litter in there for your cat so they feel okay using it.  2-4 inches of litter is average when potty training your cat.  You should keep it at this level even after you clean it.  Cats can be very picky.  They are constantly cleaning themselves as they are very clean animals. 

However, they can’t clean their own litter boxes so they need some help from you!

The more time you spend with your puppy, the easier it will be to house train him/her.  New puppies don’t have control over their bladders and bowel movements and this is what makes the house training process difficult. It’s important to start them on a house training routine as soon as you get them home.  They operate better this way. The most common problems are scent marking, submissive and excited urination or territory marking. 

Your puppy should have access to it’s food and water bowl until a certain time in the evening.  If they have access to their food and water even an hour before they go to bed, you will most likely be waking up to accidents in the house. 

Crate training is a great way to set a steady training routine for your new puppy.   It may not seem like it at the time but you are doing your pet a huge favor by using this crate.  It will keep them out of trouble when left alone.  They won’t be able to chew up your things and they won’t have accidents all over the house.  They will learn to control their bladders.  Using a crate will make house training your puppy more consistent and effective. If you properly train your dog to use the crate, he will begin to think of it as his/her safe place.  The crate training process should be done with in a positive way with no negative associations.

There are tons of books and websites on how to properly and effectivley house/crate train your new puppy.  Be sure to do your research before you bring home your new puppy.  It will make the experience for everyone much more pleasant if you have the upper hand.