Gardening Methods

Can an old dog – 15 years – be taught to use a litter tray?

My lovely Yorkshire Terrier is getting old and sometimes needs to go to the loo when I’m not around to let her out into the garden. Do you think I can teach her to use a litter tray? if so any hints on how to do it?

This is a distressing problem for you and your dog, though it is a clever idea, and I’d be interested to know how you get on with it. My old boy isn’t incontinent but seems increasingly to be having “accidents”. We never scold him or punish him, but he is absolutely so ashamed of himself when it happens, he has always been quite fastidious in his habits. My inclination would be to say with an old dog it couldn’t work but you have me intrigued. Why don’t you try just putting the litter tray or puppy pad in with her? I feel she’d be bright enough to know what it’s for.

David Beasley Garden Design And Landscaping, Hull, East Yorkshire – Hampton Court 2010 Design