Every pet parent knows the struggle of potty training your little one. It can be easy to get excited when you first bring home a new furry friend, but then things start to get a little challenging.
Instead of going outside to relieve themselves, your new best friend just won’t know when to stop. That’s where potty training comes in: Get your pet outdoors as often as possible and they’ll learn that the fun stops once they reach their final destination.
If you have a guinea pig, then you most likely know that this is not an easy task. Not only do they have short legs and a small cage, but they are also nocturnal which makes them harder to train than other pets.
This guide will help you through it; from choosing the right time for training up to understanding why your guinea pig isn’t going out on their own yet.
Is It Easy To Potty Train A Guinea Pig?
Potty training a guinea pig can be both challenging and rewarding.
It all depends on the individual, but they generally need to be house-trained and able to go outside on their own before they start training to use a litter box. In the beginning, you’ll have to be patient in order for them to learn how to relieve themselves outdoors.
They also need constant supervision as well.
You should keep track of your pet’s progress so that you can see when it is time for them to start potty training and continue with the process. This includes noticing when they are going outside during the day and working up until they consistently go on their own.
Will Guinea Pigs Use A Litter Tray?
Pets have a natural instinct to use their litter tray for excreting waste. In order to potty train your guinea pig, the first thing you need to do is get the tray and set it up before you begin the training process.
If you notice that your guinea pig never uses the tray, then try moving it closer to them or putting it in a different location.
Remember, if your pet isn’t using the tray, it doesn’t mean they don’t know how to use it; this is just part of their natural tendency not to use a litter tray outside of their cages.
This may take some time but with patience and persistence, your furry friend will eventually learn how to use their new home away from home!
Can Guinea Pigs Control Their Poop?
Guinea pigs are not exactly the best at holding in their waste, and they need to be kept in a litter box that is clean and in a spot where they can easily go outside. Having a well-trained guinea pig is vital for making sure that their waste doesn’t get all over the house.
Guinea pigs also have two bladders, which means that they have to find somewhere safe to poop on their own.
There are many reasons your pet may not be able to dispose of the waste by themselves. If they are scared of something, then they will hold it in until they feel safe enough to defecate.
Sometimes, if the animal has been injured or is ill, this could happen as well. Finally, if you give them too much food or water, then your pet may eat too much and not want to go out because of the discomfort in their stomachs.
Can You Walk A Guinea Pig?
Cage: The size and shape of your guinea pig’s cage will vary depending on the type of guinea pig you have.
A small-sized cage is best for a guinea pig that weighs up to 3.5 kilos (about 7 lbs).
A medium-sized cage is best for a guinea pig that weighs 4 to 8 kilos (about 9 to 18 lbs).
For a guinea pig that weighs 9 to 13 kilos (18 to 30 lbs), a large-sized cage is best.
Guinea pigs can live with other animals or alone in spacious cages, but you should always limit their potential space.
Place: A place for your guinea pig’s bedding, food, water, and litter box should be in your pet’s living area.
This will also depend on the type of guinea pig you have; some may prefer a dish or water bowl while others prefer having their food and water placed in front of them.
You can offer both options or give them both types if they want it so they can choose what feels comfortable.
Time: Always make sure to provide plenty of time for playtime when introducing new toys and new places into their environment. This will help increase the bond between owner and pet, letting them know they are safe with you around.
Set up a few new things at one time as this will help prevent any stress caused by too many changes at once.
Training: Potty