Dogs are lot smarter than some give credit for!
By blackbriar
@blackbriar (9076)
United States
December 13, 2009 9:54am CST
My pit/lab mix, Domingo, has taught himself a new 'trick'. One that I can't hold against him being he did it in the right place. What am I talking about? Woke up this morning, came in here to see what my friends are up to online only to find a cat litter box has been used..but not by a cat. Yeup..Domingo apparently had to potty during the night and instead of the usual 'take an hour to wake someone up from a dead sleep', he chose to use the litterbox for what it is for. I've noticed a few times where there was a HUGE wet spot in it and often wondered which cat could go THAT much at once but when we got up, he didn't do his usual gotta pee nowwwwwwwwwwwwww dance at the door so he HAS to be the one doing it. btw..we have 3 boxes but only one isn't covered. That's the one he goes in. I can't yell at him for going potty in the house when he did it in the correct place, can I? 
Tigger told on his brother so that's another way I know he did made the HUGE wet spot. Half the box needed cleaning after Domingo used it and I just cleaned it last night before going to bed.
I know there are dog litterboxes on the market and often wondered if I should purchase one for him but they be pretty expensive for a big dog. Besides, they are only meant for use with small to med. sized dogs, not 85lb. lap dogs.
Anyone have a dog that uses their own litterbox or one meant for their cat? Or maybe know of a dog that uses one? How about a dog who self-taught themselves how to use one? He made a dead-aim in it. Nothing on the tote behind it or on the floor around it.
Tigger told on his brother so that's another way I know he did made the HUGE wet spot. Half the box needed cleaning after Domingo used it and I just cleaned it last night before going to bed.
I know there are dog litterboxes on the market and often wondered if I should purchase one for him but they be pretty expensive for a big dog. Besides, they are only meant for use with small to med. sized dogs, not 85lb. lap dogs.
Anyone have a dog that uses their own litterbox or one meant for their cat? Or maybe know of a dog that uses one? How about a dog who self-taught themselves how to use one? He made a dead-aim in it. Nothing on the tote behind it or on the floor around it.5 people like this
17 responses
@camomom (7535)
• United States
13 Dec 09
VERY COOL! I would give the cats credit for teaching him though
. I don't know of any dogs ever doing that before and I've never heard of a dog litter box. I bet my mother-in-law would LOVE to have one for her Golden, Barney. I don't know that he'd be smart enough to figure it out though.2 people like this
@blackbriar (9076)
• United States
14 Dec 09
http://www.petco.com/product/110111/PETCO-Contour-Dog-Litter-Pan.aspx
@mcat19 (1357)
• United States
13 Dec 09
I think he is brilliant. What a wonderful thing to learn all by himself. You don't have to get up out of a sound sleep for his needs. Much better than the floor. Our cat Peaches ignores perfectly clean litter boxes to poop on the livingroom rug every morning. Your dog's choice is sooo much better.
@blackbriar (9076)
• United States
14 Dec 09
Yeah but the newspaper litter isn't exactly cheap and with him peeing in it really uses up the litter. But, like you said, much better than the floor. Especially when it's carpet in here. lol
@thinkingoutloud (6127)
• Canada
14 Dec 09
I think that's AWESOME! Domingo! Where I live here in Canada, there are people that do train their small and toy breed dogs to use litter boxes because it's quite simply too cold at some points for them to be outside for any length of time. My mom had a runt Shihtzu that was paper-trained because the vet told her no going outside in the winter for that little one... but I've yet to hear of a dog that trained himself! They are soooo smart :)))
Domingo! Where I live here in Canada, there are people that do train their small and toy breed dogs to use litter boxes because it's quite simply too cold at some points for them to be outside for any length of time. My mom had a runt Shihtzu that was paper-trained because the vet told her no going outside in the winter for that little one... but I've yet to hear of a dog that trained himself! They are soooo smart :)))
@thinkingoutloud (6127)
• Canada
14 Dec 09
You know, it's not funny but I'm actually laughing because I'm thinking that Domingo must have excellent aim LOL If he is that big, using a litterbox just can't be easy for him... and yet he can do it. That's one terrific dog you have there - pig brain or not *grin*
@blackbriar (9076)
• United States
14 Dec 09
Sometimes they are too smart for their own good. lol When I first learned of dog litterboxes, I had to laugh and laugh hard cause I didn't think any dog in his right mind would even think to want to use one. I mean, they are for cats and cats drool, dogs rule according to dogs. But then, after thinking about it for several days and seeing a lot of the toy breeds bundled up in the winter just to go potty outside, I came to realize maybe it is a great idea for the lil' tykes so they don't freeze solid trying to relieve themselves. But a dog Domingo's size? He's quite big (tall) for either breed that's in him. He towers over every Lab and pit bull I've ever introduced him to and that's a lot of dogs. I hear pigs are very very smart. Maybe he has a pig brain which explains how he taught himself?
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
16 Dec 09
Well as the saying goes, when ya gotta go, you gotta go, but bravo on Domingo figuring out a way to pee in the cat pan...uh, guess the kitties weren't too thrilled though with the strange scent in "their" box. Maybe you could find a large plastic storage type container to use as a dog litter pan..might be cheaper?
Sorry I didn't answer this sooner as I tend to be over there-----------------
@blackbriar (9076)
• United States
16 Dec 09
Tigger came and told on him to me. He was going bonkers telling me what Domingo did in HIS litterbox. Of course, I HAD to clean it out right away so he could use it. LOL I use Yesterday's News which isn't all that cheap so I usually have this room blocked off with a baby gate. Domingo can hold it but he rather just go in the litterbox than hold it or attempt to wake us up. I know where ur at and also know you would of gotten to this discussion eventually. NOW...we both know Lori is over thar ------- and think she hasn't checked email in quite a while so guess I'm gonna have to give her a heads-up over yonder to git her butt over here. lol
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
16 Dec 09
Speaking of not checking their email....
Well she was over there-------------- but seems to have disappeared again--so maybe she's over here
Well she was over there-------------- but seems to have disappeared again--so maybe she's over here
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
14 Dec 09
That is quite amazing and I’m sure that he would probably use a cat box if he had his own. He sounds like a rather large dog and I have not ever seen a litter tray that large! If pets are properly toilet trained it can make life a lot more pleasant, that’s for sure! Pets never stop surprising us, I think...! I am impressed that Domingo has left no mess behind, he sounds like a sweetheart who just wants to please yiou!
@blackbriar (9076)
• United States
14 Dec 09
He is a big baby with people he knows and lives to please us. You know his feelings are hurt just by his stance. He's a very dominate dog that rarely backs down but will crawl to me whimpering when he done bad and knows momma isn't pleased at all.
1 person likes this
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
14 Dec 09
He is a beautiful boy and very loved I see! I think he's lovely! Thanks for sharing his picture!
@madteaparty (2748)
• Japan
14 Dec 09
I don`t have pets currenty but I find funny that your dog was smart enough to learn from your cat. Even if it`s the cat`s box he`s doing his best for not to do his things in a bad place, isn`t that cute?
By the way, interesting name your dog has
@blackbriar (9076)
• United States
14 Dec 09
Thanks! Yeah, gotta give him credit for wanting to be a good boy.
When I took in Domingo, he came with the name 'Buddy' but that name just did not fit him at all. He's very dominate and deserves a fitting name. I poured thru a website listing names and the meanings behind them. I chose 'Domingo' because it's spanish meaning..of the Lord, belonging to the Lord. I normally won't change a pet's name but in his case, I had to cause I felt he was being brought down with the other name.
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
14 Dec 09
Ok send him here now so he can teach Gissi as in the Winter I would love him to use the Litter Box lol but he just looked at me when I showed him next Door Neighbours Cat box, as if to say "You are kidding me, I do not think so" lol
That is great and I agree you can not tell him of as he was very clever about it so please put him on the next Plane to me and he can teach Gissi for me
It is only at Night that I hate going out in the Winter because it is so dark but well if Gissi has got to go he has got to go lol
It is only at Night that I hate going out in the Winter because it is so dark but well if Gissi has got to go he has got to go lol 
so you better send me the Link@blackbriar (9076)
• United States
14 Dec 09
LOL Hiya gabs... they do have actual dog litter boxes on the market for small dogs.
http://www.petco.com/product/110111/PETCO-Contour-Dog-Litter-Pan.aspx Not sure what other stores sell them but Petco does and I believe it comes with complete instructions for teaching Gissi how to use it. He's very intelligent so I bet it wouldn't take him long at all to learn how.
btw...I have a link posted in facebook to my singsnap account. I know you sing there so look me up..same user as this one.
btw...I have a link posted in facebook to my singsnap account. I know you sing there so look me up..same user as this one. 1 person likes this
@stephcjh (38473)
• United States
14 Dec 09
Wow. That is neat. I recently bought a new puppy and we are trying to house train him right now. It is a very hard job to do. It goes well at times and not so well, the others. It is an on-going process. I hope to get him trained soon.
@blackbriar (9076)
• United States
14 Dec 09
Be patient, steph. The lil' guy will learn to hold it. Just takes lots of love, patience, time, and consistency.
@abbey19 (3106)
• Gold Coast, Australia
14 Dec 09
That is so funny - and pretty amazing too! I've never heard of a dog using a cat litter tray before, let alone one that has taught himself to use it for what it was intended! You have one mighty intelligent dog there blackbriar - one that can think for himself!@blackbriar (9076)
• United States
14 Dec 09
I'll never forget the first time I came in here to the catbox flooded with urine. I stopped in my tracks wondering which cat had the faucet left on. I'm not kidding! He must of really had to go a lot that night cause I had to completely empty it and then scrub it out before adding fresh litter. I still have yet to catch him actually using it cause he only does it at night when we are sleeping. I only came to that conclusion cause there is no way even my three cats together could of made this much of a wet spot. He is a one-of-a-kind dog alright.
@Loverbear (4918)
• United States
14 Dec 09
He is absolutely great! Talk about smart!!! Our Rottweiler had to pee so bad and instead of interrupting our meal, he hopped in the bathtub and peed there. We heard water running so I went and checked...when I saw what was going on I called my Mom and we both were amazed at his thinking process and that rather than bother us he used the tub.
I hate when people state that animals don't think. Just because they don't speak our language doesn't mean they are stupid. Maybe it's humans that are the stupid ones for not figuring out what animals are saying.
You're right about the doggie bathrooms. Not only are they expensive, but I saw the potty patch at one of the local pet shops and I wasn't impressed. The capture tray is very flimsy and it would be a bit of a challenge to get it outside or wherever to empty it. Also I got the impression that the collection tray wouldn't hold up long if a big dog was using it.
I wish that my sister's dog, Abby, would learn about using the litter box. I have had to clean the carpet in my work room nearly every other day for the past few weeks. I take the dog out at night to pee, but she still pees in the house and I am getting tired of it. That dog may find herself wearing depends soon!
Hug your super intelligent furry buddy for me and my herd of critters. Give him an extra treat for being so smart!
@blackbriar (9076)
• United States
14 Dec 09
LOL @ your Rottie using the tub for his business. That is so cute! Actually, they do speak our language if you think about it. We use body language ourselves all the time to express something even if we don't think we are. He got tons of hugs and kisses and treats this am but will give him more when I retire for the morning. Thanks!
@gitfiddleplayer (10362)
• United States
13 Dec 09
Very cool, maybe you should hit one of the dog show circuits, people love that kind of stuff.
@blackbriar (9076)
• United States
14 Dec 09
LOL I don't think so, git. I like to stay outta the limelight although Domingo would prolly love the attention.
@Opal26 (17679)
• United States
13 Dec 09
Hey blackbriar! I think your dog Domingo should be commended for
using the litterbox! That is one very very smart dog! And being
that he is such a very large dog that is amazing! I thing that
should be his litter box and you should be so very proud of him
that he was smart enough to pick up on that from watching the
cats! I honestly have never heard of a dog, especially one so
large doing that and not missing even a bit! You have yourself
one incredibly smart dog there! Congratulations Domingo, you
truly are one of a kind! And you deserve some doggy treats for
that performance!lol
@blackbriar (9076)
• United States
14 Dec 09
Woof Woof! pantpantpant...First time he done it, he did miss some but most of it landed in the box. This time there was a tote behind it so maybe that's what he needed for aiming? Glad to know he will use it if really needed but still rather he go outside since it's free for him to go out in the woods v paying for the Yesterday's News cat litter.
@Bad_Daddy55 (497)
• Canada
15 Dec 09
Dogs have been teaching themselves for years all good and some bad. My dog opens doors to house, cage automatic doors he just luvs to play with n drive people up a wall, he announces he opens them with a howl of delight. He tells me all types of things verbally of course. He gets his leash when he wants to go for a walk. He answers the phone when I'm at home n not at home, he will even talk for awhile if he knows the voice.I can go on .
REMEMBER ALWAYS LUV/ CARE FOR YOUR DOG/ PET, THEY WILL ALWAYS LUV U..
@blackbriar (9076)
• United States
16 Dec 09
Answers the phone? 
hmmmmm...Dom doesn't know how to do that. Then again, don't think I want him to cause he would be too cheeky to whoever calls.
hmmmmm...Dom doesn't know how to do that. Then again, don't think I want him to cause he would be too cheeky to whoever calls.
@lynkshadow (299)
• Canada
16 Dec 09
That must have been a biiiiiiiiiiiiiig clump! lol. That was a smart thing for your dog to do. But it shouldn't be a habit I think. Maybe taking him out more or at a different time to go will stop this. That's pretty incredible though that your pup had a thought process as to, ok I can go here even though it's usually for the cats. lol.
@GardenGerty (160675)
• United States
13 Dec 09
I am not much of a dog person, and only had my sister's dogs for awhile, but I had a rabbit that litter trained himself. I had a rabbit and we had SEVERE cold, so I brought him in for awhile. He found a cardboard flat from my shopping in the litter tray area and he used that. Yep, sure enough, it was full of rabbit rocks. 
He found a cardboard flat from my shopping in the litter tray area and he used that. Yep, sure enough, it was full of rabbit rocks. @blackbriar (9076)
• United States
14 Dec 09
Rabbits are very clean and will choose to use a box if provided with one. We had a bunny that did that as well. He had a box in his cage and would use it even if he was roaming the house. He would always run back to his cage since we would leave the door open for him to come and go as he pleased.
@polachicago (18716)
• United States
27 Dec 09
There are few litter boxes on the market for dogs. O met the inventor few times. He invented the litter box after his dog used the one for cat.
Gods are smart, they understand that if there is a "toilet" for cat, it is OK to use it when needed...
My dogs used few times paper towel that I always place under my cat's litter box....
one of the indoor litter boxes for dogs:
http://www.lovemypetsupply.com/u-go-dog.html
@Professor2010 (20162)
• India
11 Dec 10
Dog are the most honest and wise animal on earth, they are always grateful to their master, you give a piece of bread to a dog, it will show its gratitude by waving its tell, that part is sure
Adog can be trained to do any thing, good or bad, my friend taught his dog to poo out side home, he does it and washes too mear a water tap, wonderful..
Thank you so much for this post.
Professor ‘Bhuwan’. .
God bless you.
Welcome always.
