How To Potty Train a Guinea Pig?

Before training them, at first, you need to know how the training is done. It is to ensure that all of the accessories used are correct, and would not cause any problems for your little pet.

The things that will be used and should be prepared are as follows;

Litter Box

Of course, you will need a container or any form of storage to store their poop and urine, otherwise known as a litter box. You would need a tray that fits perfectly to the spot where your little pet usually does its job, and should also be accessible and comfortable.

Keep in mind that it should not be too small. Instead, it should have enough space for him to sit and potty.

Usually, you can buy these little trays at your local pet store and warrant that it is best suited for your guinea pig.

Litter Box Lining

Your litter box needs bedding to welcome your little pet implying "this is where you need to urinate and defecate." At first, it may seem confusing as to how to do this, since communicating with animals isn’t easy, but it can be done through conditioning.

Simply take the bedding where your furry little creature already urinates or defecates and put it in the box. Also, provide new bedding to the overall cage for him to be able to smell his scent in the box and think "I need to litter at that spot."

You can use the same bedding used for his cage, specifically hay, straw, aspen, litter pellets or wood pulp. Do not apply corn cob or cedar as bedding, for it is too toxic for your furry animal. Also, consider putting a little amount of eating straw in the box so he can munch while he is doing his job.

A Five-Step Guide To Successfully Potty Train Your Guinea Pig

Not having the correct guidance to train your guinea pig how to potty can lead to the delay of your little pet learning to eat. It may be because of poor observation, or your movements that may make your little animal seem doubtful or anxious.

To properly guide them, here is the step-by-step process to train them;

1. Step One: Based on Observation

Observe your guinea pig in their natural habitat. Before you apply the litter-box in his cage, see where he usually defecates. They typically like to put their scent in their territory, so a spot or two may already be chosen by your little one.

Though it does not mean that he will always do his job there, it holds high probability that he might choose it again.

Also, never put the litter box near the area where he eats. They may feel cautious when you attempt this, for they do not like to urinate at the same spot where they eat their dish of the day!

2. Step Two: Be Mindful Of Their Behavior

Once you place the litter-box, see if they want to use it. Since their scent is all over the box, there is a high possibility that they will.

If they do not, take out the box from their cage and inspect it, there must be something wrong with it such as failure to get inside, the material of bedding, or any hazardous materials that you failed to notice.

In case the sides of the tray seem too big for his liking, you can cut some of the edges off using scissors or a small knife. This will serve as his little entrance to get into the box.

3. Step Three: Clean Properly

You should clean the litter box every three days or more. Though, you should only wash the tray itself once a week. Keeping a litter box that is too clean may not engage them to do their business there.

To clean, you can dump the previous bedding that was used to introduce them the spot and leave their new litter. Keeping his smell intact would likely mean that she would prefer to litter there again. Here's our guide for best bedding for guinea pigs.

4. Step Four: Be Patient With The Training

Do not rush your guinea pig, for the preparation takes time depending on your pet. Some never learn how to use it, but that does not mean that you should give up. Always keep trying, and if he does not use it all the time, allow errors for your little one and be patient with him.

Never scold, punish, or yell at your guinea pig. This behavior does not work on them. The animals do not understand why they need to potty at one spot, which is why they encourage and praise them if they can do so. This is called positive conditioning, and it works wonders on all domestic animals.

5. Step Five: Train Them In Your Home

After getting used to the acquired training in the cage, they are now ready to be trained on an open space in your home, especially for their daily playtime escapades.

To do this, you need to start with a small area and make sure that there are not any holes or vents where he may use to suddenly escape. You can use a bathroom or hallway as the starting area. Then, pick an area for the litter tray that ought to be under the shade and in any corner of the room.

Since the litter-box has its scent, he will be able to find it anywhere in the house. Though, if you want, you can let him loose at first, to know which area he prefers to potty.

Cover up the remaining corners so that they seem restricted for the pet. If there are no other dark corners, he will surely choose the one with the litter tray.

If you want things to be cleaned up easily in case he has a "little accident," then you can place newspapers around the room. When he is getting used to the area, expand it little by little, but of course, be mindful of the potential holes and hazards.