Dog and cat question.

[TNDemo]

My daughter has been displaced by the hurricane and is probably going to be moving in with us for awhile. She has a dog and two cats. They have not been good with housetraining. She was here with her dog a few weeks ago and she pooped and peed every day in my house despite adequate walks, etc. Her cats are several years old and don't want to use the litterbox all the time. I already have a cat and dog and they are perfect in the house. While I want to house my daughter I am wondering how to deal with the pets and not have a cesspool. Any ideas on this??

[miss_kitty]

1. crates for them to stay in when no one is around, and at night

nice crates, roomy enough for them. It will probably help them, a lot too. and if her place has been destroyed, animals who want to stay in their crates will help all of you out tremendously.

Sorry for your hardship. Keep the animals contained and it will help diffuse some tension.

[SOteric]

2. I can understand the cats not wanting to use the litter

box in your house, as they're somewhat territorial and that would mean going in someone else's territory. I'd recommend you get your daughter's cats their ownlitter box and put it in an area your cats are less likely to go. Give them a chance to carve out a little space of their own and they'll likely start using the litter box with no problems.

The dog is another story. But, - It's never too late to paper train a dog. Positive reinforcement works much faster than punishment. Start by paper-training the dog. Anytime you see a squat or tinkling behavior, move the dog immediately to the paper/tarp, etc. And say 'good dog,' give chin scratchies and treats, whatever it takes to get the message that potty behaviour in the right place can get him a reward.

Alternatively, buy a roll of painter's plastic and cover your floors wall to wall.