Dog Diapers & Housetraining

Occasionally we have a foster or forever kid who needs a little extra protection. Lucy recently asked the group:
I don't know what size diapers to get for Tromso to help her with her housebreaking. She only weighs 16 lbs., but the diapers I got last night for 12-18 lbs., were way too small for her. I'll keep them in case I get a puppy at some point. Someone said at one point to get "onesies" for my cairn to help her with housebreaking.

Here are some suggestions:

Lucy, Onesies are little one piece cotton baby clothes. Usually short sleeved, no legs, snap at the crotch. We put them on over the diaper to keep the dogs from taking them off. Also, put them on backwards. ie: tag on baby usually goes in the back but on our dogs it goes in the front and their tail goes out through the middle of the snaps. I buy my onesies at the dollar stores. I'd buy 18 - 24 months for a 16 lb cairn, and to really keep them on you can put on the diaper, then the onesie, then put the harness over the onesie to secure all. You might use tape on the diapers you've purchased ie: masking tape. what is most important is that the diaper catch the wet. With the onesie securing it you could use the diaper more like a kotex pad. Hope this helps. Colleen, CO

A Onesie is also helpful in keeping furkids from scratching if they have skin allergies. For potty training, girls can be fitted with diapers (Pampers, etc.; you have to cut a hole in them for the tail) or you can get a product called 'Potty Pants' at pet stores. There are different brands, some require putting in a pad to absorb the urine; the 'Potty Pants' are waterproof and don't require the pads, and they can be washed. Of course, they are more expensive than the others. You can look for products for potty training at dog product sites; just google dog potty training and you will have lots to look at. If you get a onesie (or more), you may be able to use the diapers you already have if you can find a way to safely keep the diaper in the right place inside the onesie, but I would guess it would move around too much and safety pins are not safe at all.I found the most helpful part of potty training was to make sure my guys go outside every two hours and to stay out there until they potty, give lots of verbal praise, and a treat immediately when they potty. Good luck! Lois

Buy the Simple Solutions "diaper garment" for girl dogs. You can buy them on the CP mall, for $12 (or $10 for 2 or more) which is about $10 cheaper than they sell them at PetSmart (usually about $20). You put in a sanitary pad, then put the garment on and close it with velcro. It works wonderfully well for my girl Princess. Here is the link to the CP mall, where the diaper garment is sold. A size Small is probably just fine. http://mall.cairnrescue.com/mdse/show_item.php?itemno=G44 Patti in San Diego
Thanks to all for your words of wisdom!!