Just ask any dog owner what hardest task at hand is, and most will agree, that potty training is high on list of unpleasant tasks. Actually, potty training is a simple task, requiring merely a little patience and diligence.

First, be mindful of puppies as infant dogs, not children. Dogs are creatures of Habitual Re-enforcement. Start early with basics, and you will have a well trained and obedient friend for many years.

A sure fire method of potty training, at least in opinion of a kennel and breeder friend of mine, is to simply catch puppy in act of relieving itself.

Like humans, cats like their routines and daily habits. When something changes in their home, one way their anxiety may manifest itself is by urinating outside cat litter box. With a little bit of work and patience, your kitty can be calmed down and get back to her good litter box habits.

Here are just a few situations that can make cats anxious:

- A new person or pet comes to live in your household

- You change jobs and your daily schedule

- A trip to vet

There are many more situations, but these can be fairly common stressors for felines.

A new person or pet comes to live in your household:

If you're introducing a roommate of human kind, be sure this individual understands that cats are different from dogs. They don't play same, and cats may be viewed as being cold or aloof. Tell your new roommate about your cat's personality, likes, and dislikes. Then introduce them to one another. It may take a couple weeks for everybody to get adjusted to one another.

One thing you may want to do during this transition period is to either confine your cat to her favorite room with her food, water, clean cat litter box, and toys, or keep roommate's bedroom shut to prevent your cat from marking new housemate's clothes, furniture, and possessions. Supervisor your cat's forays into this person's space. Your new roommate may opt to keep door shut permanently. This won't be a problem unless your kitty is constantly curious about what's behind closed door.

You change jobs and your daily schedule:

Cats like to know when their big cat mom and/or dad are coming and going, so they can adjust their schedules accordingly. If you or your partner takes a new job that drastically changes your household routine and lifestyle, your cat may get upset. She might react by refusing to use cat litter box.