Is Your Cat EasilyToilet Trained?

Not every cat is suitable for toilet training. Some cats resist the idea simply because they don’t like water. Some cats also don’t like the sound of toilet because it frightens them.  However if your cat likes hanging around the bathroom or toilet in the first place then he or she might even enjoy toilet training.  

The ideal candidate is the type of cat that is always hanging around when you turn on a faucet in the house, sitting in the sink or playing in toilet water.  Animal experts say that outgoing and confident cats make better candidates for toilet training simply because they are more reckless and cocky in general. Shy, submissive cats get very nervous if they can’t cover their feces after they go. They are terrified of being tracked by predators.  Confident and outgoing cats don’t care who sees their business after they do it. They deliberately leave their urine and feces exposed in the litter box to mark territory. When they do this, this means that they are not scared of anyone. The cat that does this is going to mind having his or her feces exposed in an unlashed toilet.  An insecure cat however may be very distressed by the fact that the feces cannot be covered up as usual. If you are not around to flush the toilet then the cat might resort to yowling.  

Before trying to train your cat, observe its behavior in the litter box for a bit. Does it spend a lot of time scurrying around and shuffling sand and fussing physically over its feces?   If so you are looking at a cat that might have a nervous breakdown if you to try train it , the feline equivalent of the anal human.  If the cat leaves the feces completely exposed or gives his feces just a few kicks then you have a good candidate for toilet training. A cat that kicks litter out of the box also is showing the kind of cockiness that is needed to be toilet trained successfully.  

It would be a mistake to think that a cat that won’t learn how to toilet train is not smart. In fact it is probably the alpha cat (the leader of the pack in the den) that will be the most difficult to condition to toilet training behavior.  The cats that do succeed at toilet training are the ones that aim to please you. These are the friendly cats, that love to be patted and that seem to have no fear. Usually these cats are more vocal than other cats and are willing to talk to you and make eye contact.  Overweight cats are not great candidates for toilet training. If they fall in the toilet they have difficulty getting out because they are unwieldy. Falling in the toilet, by the way, is very nightmarish for most cats and could cause other types of neurotic behaviors in the long run such as developing a fear of going outside or of water.

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Working Breeds and Children

Working breed dogs are large dogs and are often very independent and difficult to manage.   Their role in history was often that of guardian and protector.   Some such as Akitas were bred to guard palaces, homes, and livestock and others such as the Rottweiler were bred to haul carts.  

Although it seems like a working breed dog should be a gentle giant or that they would be obedient around children, often they are not. Just because a dog is a good guardian does not mean he or she will be nice to kids or other animals.   There is also no guarantee they will be nice to guests.   They are hard wired to protect you and they can be selective about who they choose to protect.  

If you have children or if you like to entertain you need to think twice before letting a working breed dog into you home. Many of them are naturally wary of strangers, easily irritated and triggered to attack when they sense quick movements or staring. This is exactly the type of dog that you should avoid meeting eyes with if you don’t know him as staring triggers his predator instincts. Dog may also attack simply if it senses fear or a lack of confidence in a human or a creature as these are signals that he has encountered submissive prey.

 Unless you are committed to a professional and formal obedience program, working breeds are not suitable for first time dog owners. Also working breeds have thick undercoats and shed a great deal of hair. The hair is very coarse and sharp and these dogs shed a lot.  Of all of the working breeds, the Samoyed, Saint Bernard, Portuguese Water Dog, Newfoundland, and Siberian Husky have the most docile temperaments and therefore make the best family pets.  The most aggressive, dominant and territorial of working breeds are the Akita, Rottweiler, Boxer, Komondor, and Doberman. Working breeds that can be socialized, but with caution are the Alaskan Malamute, Bernese Mountain Dog, Bullmastiff, Giant Schnauzer, Great Dane, Great Pyrenees, Kuvasz;, Mastiff; and Standard Schnauzer. Keep in mind that schnauzers love to do battle with other dogs, and Akitas and Mals will hunt small game and cats. It is not a good idea to introduce an Akita or Mals into a house with cats.  

Beware of purchasing the immensely popular Rottweiler, a breed that is at once maligned and praised for its ability as a family guardian.   Over the years too many breeders have been producing too many poor-quality puppies that are being purchased by too many ignorant buyers. Dog must have stable personality to go with his loyalty. If you decide on a Rottweiler, be sure to buy from a reputable breeder.   Rotties also need a substantial amount of training or else not too many people will trust the two of you when they see you out for a walk.  Many working dogs are susceptible to degenerative joint disease, particularly hip dysplasia, and should only be purchased from breeders who clear their breeding stock of this genetic abnormality.  

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