Has anyone ever used (or been told about) a "Pooch Potty?"

Basenji Training

  • Hey everyone- I joined last night (working on the avatar) and just got my little tri-colored basenji, Peter, last week. I live in a third floor condo so by the time I see Peter walking around to go potty, it's a little late to hop in the elevator or run down the stairs without leaving a yellow trail behind.

    The Pooch Potty is a patch of sod with a liner that you can put on your balcony that comes in 3 different sizes. Here are some photos:

    http://www.poochpotty.com/satisfied-customers/

    Basically what I'm trying to find out is if anyone has ever used these, and if not, has anyone ever trained their basenji to go potty on the balcony..? Am I just being lazy? Or is this a plausible idea?

    Thanks!
    Shane


  • @xshanerileyx:

    Basically what I'm trying to find out is if anyone has ever used these, and if not, has anyone ever trained their basenji to go potty on the balcony..? Am I just being lazy? Or is this a plausible idea?

    Thanks!
    Shane

    I have tried to train Dallas to go outside on our little concrete porch/patio but he just don't do it. He prefers going in grass (or the carpet!!! :mad:). I even tried putting a "potty pad" out on our porch but he just stood there & stared at me with a quizative look. Then of course he managed to squeeze his body through the rails (I did have him a leash!) & immediately squatted & went pee. I just don't think it is easy to get a dog to go on concrete. But if you do be sure to let me know how!


  • Congrats on getting little Peter!
    I wouldn't have a basenji on a 3rd floor balcony without a leash..ever…unless it was totally enclosed. That being said, I'm sure you could train him to use the Pooch Potty. I have friends that live in a condo and have trained their b's to use a litter pan INSIDE the condo.


  • I personally think this is a very clever idea and an excellent option for apartment dwellers. My brother has done something similar for his dogs. He has three Pekingese and the dogs are unable to go up and down the stairs from the porch to the yard. He can carry two down to the yard and by the time he gets back to the third it has relieved itself. So he made an area on the porch (which is a completely enclosed screen porch) layered with newspapers and a large heavy bucket in the middle for them to lift their leg on. It isn't pretty but it's functional.

    Many Basenjis are trained to use litter boxes though this is not neccesarily a good option for a male who lifts his leg. Remember though that while the pooch potty is great for quick potty breaks, you will still have to walk the dog for exercise. And I agree with Rivermoon that the dog needs to be supervised while on the balcony unless it is enclosed. There are too many tales of dogs who took flying leaps off balconies to consider unsupervised time on one IMO.

    Let us know if you try this product out. I am interested to hear how it worked. :)


  • I have never used one or heard of anyone using it, but it sounds like it could work.. so keep us posted if you try it.. i would like to know how it goes..


  • Many B's are litter box trained.. and I think too, great for apartment B's….

    Congrats on your puppy, who (breeder) did you get him from?


  • Thanks for the tips =)

    I got Peter from Sharon Schindler in Lexington, Texas.


  • Hopefully your pups sire and dam have been DNA tested for Fanconi? and other health clearences. If not then you should do it as soon as the test is available again… if you need information go to www.basenjihealth.org


  • Cute avatar!


  • Yes both parents tested clear for Faconi and come from Faconi-free bloodlines. The breeder also said something about the entire litter having blood work done with a diabetes testing strip to test for something else..? What it is, I'm not sure.


  • Prior to the DNA Marker Test, breeders would strip test urine with a diabetes test strips for the presence of glucose in the urine. Since glucose is not usually present until a dog is between 3-7 years old, strip testing puppies does not give any useful information.

    Make sure that you have verified that your pup's parents have test results listed in the OFA database, http://www.offa.org. If they do not then the breeder did not use the the DNA based Fanconi Marker Test and you will have to test your puppy as soon as testing resumes to know whether or not your puppy may become affected with this disease.


  • I would stick some dead weeds in the potty box too. My EL D likes to brush up against things when he goes.


  • That looks like a good idea but WOW i just looked at the prices and OMG i would have to get another job just to replace the sod everyweek lol :D :D :p :p


  • it looks quite easy to build yourself. They are way too overpriced!


  • @phoenix3:

    That looks like a good idea but WOW i just looked at the prices and OMG i would have to get another job just to replace the sod everyweek lol :D :D :p :p

    This is true plus finding a place that sells fresh sod every week may prove to be a challenge. I wonder if you could make a bunch of large, flat containers and grow your own grass potty boxes? Each week, put down a new grass potty box, empty the old box then replant it? The problem I forsee with using real grass is the intense desire to eat grass that some Basenjis possess. Mine graze like sheep when the fresh spring grass starts to come up lol!


  • They are very expensive!

    You know, they sell this stuff at Petsmart that supposedly attracts the dog to that spot to eliminate. You just spray it where you want them to go potty. I thought about buying it & trying to spray some on our patio since again this AM it was pouring & Dallas would not stay out in it. I tried so many times for like 25 minutes (had to give up to go to work!!!) but just kept running to get out of the rain. I then took him onto our porch & said "go potty" but he just sat there because he didn't understand that it's okay to go on the porch I guess.

    So yea, if anyone can tell me how to get a stubborn B to go on a concrete patio please enlighten me! LOL. Think that spray actually works at all???


  • @Ninabeana26:

    They are very expensive!

    You know, they sell this stuff at Petsmart that supposedly attracts the dog to that spot to eliminate. You just spray it where you want them to go potty. I thought about buying it & trying to spray some on our patio since again this AM it was pouring & Dallas would not stay out in it. I tried so many times for like 25 minutes (had to give up to go to work!!!) but just kept running to get out of the rain. I then took him onto our porch & said "go potty" but he just sat there because he didn't understand that it's okay to go on the porch I guess.

    So yea, if anyone can tell me how to get a stubborn B to go on a concrete patio please enlighten me! LOL. Think that spray actually works at all???

    I know people that have tried it (the spray) it doesn't work unless by accident… and you know, you need to stand in the rain with Dallas...:p Been there done that with many a puppy


  • @tanza:

    I know people that have tried it (the spray) it doesn't work unless by accident… and you know, you need to stand in the rain with Dallas...:p Been there done that with many a puppy

    Oh believe me, I was soaked! I was standing right in the rain (during the most downpour of course) in the middle of the grassy area he goes in but he just would NOT go! I even kept bribing him with treats to stay in the grass & go but he kept trying to back out of his collar to get his paws on the concrete vs. in the wet grass. I know when the sprinklers go off it's a bit more a challenge to get him to go in the grass but he manages. This is actually the first time he's been out when it's still be raining down.

Suggested Topics

  • How to stop pottying in her crate?

    Basenji Training
    4
    0 Votes
    4 Posts
    4k Views
    YodelMaY
    Try feeding her bran cereal (with NO artificial sweeteners listed in the ingredients!) softened in plenty of water an hour B4 a walk. This has helped me correct crate/indoor pooping issues with several puppy mill fosters by increasing the urge to eliminate; They poop outdoors, giving me a behaviour to reinforce. She might be a shy pooper, too–if you can, find her a screen of tall grass or brush for privacy, don't interupt her with praise or be loud offering it, and never yell or strike her for pooping indoors...many dogs won't potty within sight of their owners for fear of being reprimanded.
  • The myth of "normal" dogs

    Basenji Training
    2
    0 Votes
    2 Posts
    1k Views
    P
    Thank you for the link - and how true. I've added this site to 'my favourites'. I also read an excellent article on the 'Alpha Roll' there.
  • People Who Still "Beat to Train"

    Basenji Training
    10
    0 Votes
    10 Posts
    4k Views
    QuercusQ
    @DebraDownSouth: I won't claim I have never smacked a dog… pop for effect not hard enough to hurt. But I also won't pretend it is good training or necessary. Is it abusive, no. But it is not good training. But then, I also think the best parents don't spank. I want neither my dogs or child to behave for fear of getting hit, even if the hit doesn't hurt. I want them to do what I want through training, rewards and punishments that do not include hitting. Good post!
  • Clicker "type" sounds

    Basenji Training
    7
    0 Votes
    7 Posts
    2k Views
    P
    Isn't it interesting that some of us use the same language for the same purposes no matter where we come from?!!
  • Beach "Leash"

    Basenji Training
    13
    0 Votes
    13 Posts
    4k Views
    MacPackM
    I used one of those giant 'corkscrew' tie-outs at the beach and had 3 attached to it. I put it as deep in the sand as I could get it and it didn't budge…of course the sand was packed, rather than 'fluffy'. Be sure and provide an umbrella for shade, they get hot and like to go in and out of shade. Mine don't like the water, but do enjoy the beach! Anne in Tampa
  • Using a Doggie Door

    Basenji Training
    26
    0 Votes
    26 Posts
    9k Views
    JazzysMomJ
    He still paws it open prior to going through, but he goes through which is >>the important thing. LOL That's how our older cat goes through too! Jazzy goes {or went, since she's banned from them now} nose first and had to wiggle and squeeeeeeeeeeze the body through little by little. She looked ridiculous! LOL