The Ultimate Guide to Using Dog House Training Pads

Using dog house training pads can be a convenient and effective way to potty train your dog, especially for small breeds or puppies. This method is especially useful for busy owners who may not be able to take their dog outside frequently.

Dog house training pads are designed to mimic the experience of going outside, with absorbent materials and a realistic grass-like texture. They usually come in different sizes to fit various spaces and breeds.

To choose the right size, consider the size of your dog and the space available. A general rule of thumb is to select a pad that's at least 1.5 times the length of your dog.

By following these simple steps, you can help your dog feel comfortable and confident using the training pads, making the potty training process smoother and more successful.

A fresh viewpoint: Dog Pads for Potty Training

Don't panic if your puppy has an accident on the potty pad. It's not the end of the world, and it's actually a normal part of the learning process.

To handle accidents calmly, interrupt your puppy if you catch them in the act, but don't scare or startle them. A quiet hand clap or saying "oh-oh" should be enough to stop them mid-stream.

Take your puppy to their potty pad as soon as you catch them, even if they don't finish on the pad. This shows them where they should've gone.

Don't react if you learn of an accident after it happened - lecturing your puppy afterward won't teach them anything about potty training.

Proper cleaning is essential to prevent your puppy from being attracted to the smell of previous accidents. Use an odor-destroying cleaner to thoroughly clean the area.

Some common mistakes to avoid when potty pad training include a lack of training and inconsistency. Make sure to use a leash to guide your puppy to the potty pad when it's time, and keep a close eye on them, especially at key times like after they get up in the morning and 20-30 minutes after they've eaten.

Here are some key times to keep an eye on your puppy:

Remember to stay calm and ignore the impulse to repeat your potty command over and over. Firmly give the command once and let your dog just be for a moment. They just might surprise you!

You'll want to choose a pad that's absorbent and easy to clean up, as well as large enough for your puppy's messes.

Large breed dogs may need heavy-duty options compared to toy breeds.

Newspaper and paper towels can be messy and difficult to clean up after your puppy potties on them.

Cloth towels are absorbent but will need to be washed regularly, and your puppy is more likely to try to chew on it like a blanket or toy.

Store-bought pee pads are the most popular option due to their absorbency, size options, and ease of disposal.

Start with the largest potty pad you can find, regardless of the size of the dog, to make the target easier.

You can gradually go smaller if you need to once they're using it consistently.

Frisco Extra Large Dog Training & Potty Pads are a good option to start with.

Fully-lined, leak-proof, disposable pads are easy to clean up and great for travel.

Frisco's premium potty pads have five absorbent layers to further protect your floors.

Some dogs may prefer a product with the natural look and feel of grass, so choose a washable, reusable product like the Four Paws Wee-Wee Dog Grass Patch Tray.

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Introduce your puppy to the potty pad by letting it see and sniff the pad, and walk on it while repeating a consistent command like "Go potty."

Puppies usually potty after sleeping, eating, drinking, and playing, so pick them up about 15 minutes later and place them on the potty pad in anticipation of them having to urinate or defecate.

To anticipate when your puppy will potty, watch for key times and behaviors like sniffing around on the ground instead of playing or chewing on a toy.

Puppies may have to go potty every two to three hours, so get in the habit of taking them to the potty pad every few hours.

Praise and treats work wonders with puppies, so immediately praise your puppy if it goes potty on the pad, and use a special treat reserved only for potty time.

Don't confuse your puppy by moving the potty pad around until it knows what it's for and is going potty on it consistently.

Explore further: Puppies Training Tips

To stay consistent, follow a 24-hour schedule, take your puppy to the potty pad every time it wakes up, eats, plays, and naps, and bring it to the pad anytime it hasn't been for an hour or two.

Here's a sample schedule for a three-month-old puppy:

Keep a close eye on your puppy at all times, especially during the first few weeks of training, and clean up accidents immediately to prevent confusion and longer training times.

Choosing the right location for your dog's potty pad is crucial for successful house training. Place the pad in a consistent location where your dog can easily access it, such as a designated area in your home or yard.

You can also move the pad around during training to help your dog learn to go potty in different locations. However, if you're using the pad for daily use, it's best to keep it in a consistent spot. For older dogs, placing the pad in the area where they usually go to eliminate can be helpful.

Here are some tips for introducing the potty pad to your dog:

Allow your puppy to see and sniff the potty pads you chose to get it used to the new item so it isn't scared of it at potty time.

Let your puppy walk on the pad while you repeat a consistent command that you plan to say at potty time, such as "Go potty."

To introduce the pad, you'll want to show your dog what to do. Always put your dog on a leash before you start using the pad, as this helps guide them onto the pad and prevents them from getting overwhelmed.

The leash is crucial for behavior, so don't skip this step. Use the leash to guide your pup onto the pad, then say "go potty" or your chosen training cue. This will help your dog associate the pad with the command.

If your pup is well-trained to go potty on command, they might just eliminate on the pad on cue. If not, keep trying, focusing on times when your dog typically needs to do their business, like 20-30 minutes after eating or just waking up.

For more insights, see: Dog Training Guidelines

Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind:

Remember to be patient and consistent when introducing the pad to your dog. With time and practice, they'll learn to associate the pad with going potty.

Worth a look: Training Puppies to Use a Pee Pad

To successfully use dog house training pads, you need to establish a consistent routine. This means taking your puppy to the potty pad at the same times every day, such as when they wake up, after eating, playing, and napping.

Know the signs that your puppy needs to go, like sniffing or circling. Most puppies need to go to the bathroom within an hour or two of these events. Take them to the potty pad immediately.

If your puppy doesn't go to the bathroom, don't let them run around and play. Instead, put them back in their crate for 10-15 minutes, then try again. Repeat this process until they do their business.

Feed your puppy on a schedule to better predict when they'll need to go to the bathroom. Avoid free feeding, as this can make it harder to establish a routine.

Choose a consistent location for the potty pad and avoid moving it while your puppy is still learning. This will help prevent confusion and accidents.

Here are some key times to take your puppy to the potty pad:

House training pads can be a lifesaver for new dog owners, but they require patience and consistency. According to Dr. Pippa Elliott, a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience, a partially trained puppy like your 5-month-old Pomeranian thinks the entire house is a toilet, not just the pad.

To fix this, Dr. Elliott recommends keeping your puppy on a lead in the house so you can spot signs of sniffing to toilet and then putting them straight onto the pad. Give lots of praise when they go, and thoroughly clean all areas where they've peed to remove scent markers.

Suggestion: Indoor Dog Training

If your puppy doesn't go at the scheduled time, don't be too rigid with the schedule. Dr. Elliott advises that the schedule is a guideline rather than a hard and fast rule. If you suspect your puppy needs to toilet, remove them from the crate and put them on the toilet area.

Here's a quick guide to help you remember Dr. Elliott's advice: