Potty training a puppy can be challenging for a first-time dog owner, from scheduling the pee breaks to training the verbal cues, it can be a tiresome process.
Using an indoor dog potty such as dog pee pads is a great tool to use during this potty training learning curve. It helps with overnight potty breaks and for apartment-living puppies who may not be able to wait until they get outside before they go.
How do you train a dog to use pee pads?
Whether you are potty training a puppy or looking for ways to make your senior dog more comfortable, the process of training dogs to use puppy pads is the same.
1. Pick the right indoor dog potty
There are many different indoor dog potties to choose from so picking the right one for you and your dog is key. If you are potty training a puppy then you can choose any option but if you are training a senior dog, they may do better with a potty made from real bark and grass as this is what they will be most used to.
2. Pick the right spot
Next, pick a specific spot where the puppy pee pads will stay and leave it there. You want your dog to know where it is each time to avoid accidents. Keep it away from their food and sleeping areas because dogs instinctually don’t soil close to those places. A spot that is relatively quiet within your house and easily accessible is best.
3. Spot the cues
Now that the potty pads are chosen and in their right spot it’s time to look for the cues that your dog needs to go to the bathroom. These include:
- Excessive sniffing on the ground to look for a place to go.
- Pacing
- Whining
- Circling
- Jumping at the door to get outside.
When you spot these cues, put your dog on their pee pad so they associate going to the bathroom with the puppy pad.
4. Be positive
When your dog does use the pee pad, shower them with lots of praise and treats to reinforce that using the indoor dog potty is a good thing. This is especially important for senior dogs as they will be breaking the association that using the bathroom whilst under a roof is bad.
5. Be patient
Training a dog to use a potty pad takes lots of patience and accidents are inevitable. Never scold a dog for accidents in the home. This will only teach them to go to the toilet when you are not around. It also breaks their trust in you which can be detrimental to your bond together. It’s a good idea to buy a pet-friendly stain remover for when accidents do occur.
6. Repeat
Keep repeating the process of putting your dog on the pee pad when you see they need to go. Do this until they are able to find the pee pad themselves and no longer need your guidance. Keep up the praise and treats each time they do use it.
Conclusion
Pet parents can find training a dog to use potty pads can be a steep learning curve at first but with lots of consistency and positive reinforcement, they should pick it up in no time. Just remember that senior dogs who have used an outside bathroom their whole lives may find the transition a little more unsettling.
