I have a 9 month old boy. I also work full time. I started from the very beginning training him to a litter pan, but with a wee wee pad in it instead of litter. So that way he has a clear cut area..the litter pan, but without the messy litter. Also, able to cut the wee wee pads in half and get twice as much use out of them. Also, I used Housebreaking Aid spray on the pads in the beginning. I don't use it anymore, but in the beginning it really seemed to help. You can get it at the pet store and you just spray a couple sprays on the pad, the scent is supposed to make them want to go on the pads. I bought a bigger crate for him so there was room for his water, food, a bed and his potty pan. This has worked out great. When we are home, he still goes to his potty pan to go, he doesn't go outside at all for potty. I started by keeping it in the living room with us and every half hour or so I would put him in it and say potty to reinforce. When he had accidents I would pick him up and put him in it again and tell him potty. He learned very quickly that was where he was supposed to go. When he did go in it, lots of praise and a small treat. He is still using this now and it is working well. That way he has his potty with him in the crate since you are gone so long. It is also nice, cause when I go to someone else's house I just take the pan with me and throw it in a corner somewhere. Hope this helps you. |