If you live in an apartment or if you have an exclusively indoor dog, then you might be familiar with the concept of puppy training pads. They are towel-like absorbents that can be placed on the floor to give pets a safe space to “do their business”. These puppy pads are a life-saver for people with indoor dogs, for people who have carpet in their homes and for those days when your timeframe doesn’t cycle with your pet’s walking schedule.     
   
Although they are easy to use and rather self-explanatory at times, there are situations in which the owners make unconscious mistakes with their puppy training pads that end up making the situation more difficult for all of the parties involved.

If you’re been trying to teach your pet how to use these pads with no success, this article might be helpful for you. But even if your puppy successfully uses them, this article might open your eyes to new ideas and techniques which might be helpful.

Are Puppy Pads Useful?

Puppy pads are particularly useful when training your puppy where and how to relieve himself indoors. They provide a designated area where the puppy knows it is safe to pee. That’s important because it gives the puppy the mental, emotional and physical safety to pee indoors. Depending on the age and their history, some pets might have experienced trauma-inducing episodes in regards to peeing indoors.

Previous owners might have condoned this behaviour, which makes it a lot more difficult for the pet to get used to the idea. Having a designated space where they know it is entirely safe and allowed for them to pee on in tremendously crucial in their development. Not to mention they also keep your home safe from pee accidents and smells. At the end of the day, it’s a win-win situation.

When Should You Use Puppy Training Pads?

• Puppy training pads are usually used during the house training process, which begins when a puppy is approximately 8 weeks old. During the early stages of their life, puppies have little to no control of their bladder and that’s when you should present them with the puppy pads so that they have a safe space to urinate.

• You should also use them if you know you’ll be gone from home repeatedly or for long period of time. That’s where the puppy training pads come in handy, giving both you and your pet peace of mind.

• If you live in an apartment, then you should consider having puppy pads always available. When bathroom breaks are not granted and time is limited, these pads can be extremely useful for the dog’s health, providing a way for him to relieve indoors.

• These puppy pads are also useful for dogs which are no longer puppies, especially if they suffer from medical issues or are of an older age. They can be crucial for dogs with incontinence issues or for dogs that are no longer able to climb up and down the stairs or find it difficult to walk.

That being said, let’s get into the main issues owners often make when toilet-training their puppies.

1. Using the Wrong Puppy Pads

When choosing the right puppy pad you should always take the size of it into account. Most owners end up going for absorbents that are too small and the dog ends up peeing next to it, instead of over it.

It is best that you go for a larger option, one that provides enough room for your dog to stand over it. You should also invest in a scented pad, they will not only hinder the odor but they might also attract your dog to them.

2. Placing the Pads in the Wrong Location

There are two things you should remember when it comes to the location of the pad. First is that you do not place it in high-traffic or noisy areas. This can hinder and embarrass your dog, making it more difficult for him to use the pad.

The second is that you do not change the spot. You might have to change it one or two times until you find the best spot, but that’s it. You do not want to confuse your puppy and change the spot every other week. Make it easier for your puppy to learn by placing the puppy training pads in the same spot every time.

3. Not Changing the Pads Frequently Enough

You do not want a soiled pad in your house and neither wants your dog. Even if your dog used only parts of the pad, they might step on the wet parts and end up spreading urine all over the house. Moreover, it makes it very unappealing for them to urinate over an already-soaked pad.

If you find that you change their pad often enough yet they still don’t use it, then you might need to upgrade to a more absorbent pad.

4. Not Reinforcing Positive Behaviour

Always praise the puppy for using the pads correctly. If you’re not reinforcing the good behaviour, the dog will have no incentive to repeat it. You should know that rewards are always good, it doesn’t matter if they take the shape of treats, loving pets or words of affirmation.                         

5. Using Too Many Pads Around the House

This goes hand in hand with error number 2. You might think you’re giving your pet multiple options, but dogs have no issue in walking from one room to another if they need to pee. What’s more confusing for them is to have the same pad in multiple places.

It is best that you train your dog with the same number of puppy training pads. You should also use the same spots for these pads and if possible keep the same brand or scent, so that your dog will associate the smell with the relief zone.

Publication: 10 March 8:27