When to Start Training Cats and Dogs

Training cats and dogs to use the litter box or to scratch at the door is simple if you start early. Usually the earlier the pet, the faster they will learn as long as they are weaned from their mother. The best performing dogs and cats have been started early and constantly praised for their efforts. Animals vary in personality so do not fear if the dog or cat doesn't learn right away. Be patient and loving with your animal. If the pet does not learn after many weeks of training, something could be wrong. It might be a behavioral or medical problem. Check with your animal's vet if you become concerned.

Kittens can be litter trained any time after 4 weeks. If the kitten is still around its mother, set up a smaller litter box next to the mother's larger litter box. The cat will learn by watching and eventually start using it as well. If the cat does not have its mother to draw an example from, or it is still not learning to use the little box as it gets older, you have a little more work to do, but do not be alarmed. All animals vary on their learning abilities. Try putting the cat and its litter box in a small room such as a bathroom or laundry room, with food and water. Check every hour to see if the cat has used the box correctly. Do this one more time until the cat has used the litter box again correctly, then praise the cat, and remove its supplies back into the rest of the house. Place the litter box where you would like then show the cat where it is located. Always make sure the litter box is clean because cats have a tendency to not use a litter box if it is constantly dirty. Clean the box once a day in order to avoid this.

Anywhere from 5 to 8 weeks is acceptable to start potty training a puppy. As soon as a puppy can start going outside, do so. Take the dog out after eating, playing, and waking up and show it an area where it is acceptable to go. Also, pay attention to what the puppy does inside. If the puppy is sniffing around the house, take the dog to its spot outside. Pee-pads are also acceptable if you have a very young or small dog, but training a dog to do its business outside is always less messy.

Talk to the dog whenever you take it out. Phrases like "Let's go outside" or "Let's go potty" said excitedly will eventually be learned by the dog. When the dog finally does do its business outside, praise him or her immensely. Give the dog treats and a lot of attention. After the dog is potty trained, obedience training can begin via at home or dog training classes at your local humane society or local pet stores like Petsmart or PetCo.