Need Advice with Re-Training Buns To Use Litterbox

[Baxter n Boos Mom]

I realize it’s hard to expect perfect litterbox habits with two or more buns….but I need some advice for my neutered free range boys – who are only fenced in the guest bedroom at night.

Here’es the background:
Baxter had perfect litterbox habits – till we got Boo. Then he became a territorial monster peeing and pooing everywhere near Boo’s area.  After they bonded, it improved, but he’s still leaving territorial pee/poo daily.

Boo – had perfect litterbox habits, till his hormones kicked in.  After being neutered – saw serious improvement – but not back to perfect.

They mostly pee in the litterbox, but I find pee, usually small, but sometimes large spots in their room daily.  Boo might leave a couple poos outside the litter box – but Baxter leaves quite a bit around the room – mostly in the evening, and over night.

So – I’m starting to re-train them, based on advice I’ve read here.
1)  My husband laid  laminate sheet across half the room (on top of the carpet)
2)  Xpen them from dinner till morning – containing them to the laminated area
Last night was our 1st night –  I noticed that Baxter was peeing/pooing all over – but did not like his paws getting wet.  He also kept boxing air…not sure if he did this to dry his wet paws, or out of frustration.  

Question:  Should I let them free roam during the day?  or keep them contained in the Xpen 24/7 until their litterbox habits improve?  

 

 

 

 

[RabbitPam]

I’d like to make one small suggestion that isn’t related to your question above. (sorry)

Take any bit of pee you see and soak it up with a tissue or piece of a paper towel. Place it in the litter pan and clean the spot where it was left. (lightly spray a 50/50 vinegar/water mix to wipe the floor spot clean.)

When you see a tail being lifted (hard at night, I know) or when they go to use the litter pan, praise them a lot verbally, and offer a small treat some, but not all of the time. Like a raisin. You are trying to make the floor unappealing as a place to go, and the litter pan have a positive reward option. If you treat unpredictably, they will never be sure whether this is the time they get one, so it’s not ingrained that they will get a treat every time they use it. But it may motivate them to get into the litter pan each time just in case. Give this approach quite a few days over the next week or so.

[Baxter n Boos Mom]

Thanks for your response RabbitPam. I’ll try your suggestions…. They know where they’re supposed to pee/poo – I just want them to do it consistently…but as you say, since most of the naughty behavior happens at night, it’s hard to work with them.

Wish me luck!

[Author]

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