Got a Puppy? Here’s How to Train Them to Use a Potty Pad!

The whole point of training a puppy is for them to learn how to go potty in a particular area. That way, they would be able to better hold their potty over time. However, it is much easier said than done.

Apartment and condo dwellers, dog owners living in cold climates, and others with limited outdoor access often start puppies out on indoor potty pads as a way to give their puppies a place to go while they get used to being outside.

Puppy Potty Pad Training

There was a time when people thought of dog owners having to use newspaper, cardboard, or towels when they left the dog at home and couldn’t accompany it out for walks. Luckily, the advancement of technology has included furry friends as the world moves forward.

Potty pads are a great innovation. They’re moisture-locking, extra absorbent and (in the case of several brands) odor-wicking. They offer great protection indoors and work well towards training the puppies.

A few potty pad sheets laid out in order to make a potty space will also serve to keep your floors protected. Where that should go is entirely up to you; decide where you’d like the puppy to go potty. It’s very easy to clean potty pads up and doing so doesn’t take too much time. Best of all, this is not a “one size fits all” situation: there are plenty of readily-available options on the market for your dog’s needs to fit the market.

Needless to say, large-breed potty pads will be able to absorb and protect more than a smaller breed puppy.

Setting Up Potty Pads

1. Pick a “pee spot” in the home. Be sure it can be the consistent area where they can practice “going.”

2. Make sure the potty pad (or pads) are always in that designated spot. That way, your puppy will be able to familiarize himself or herself with where to “go.” 

3. To start, use coverage that’s decidedly wide. 3 to 4 potty pads should be ideal.

Teaching the Puppy To Go

1. Set a schedule so that your puppy has set times for going potty. 

2. Stay consistent.

3. Remove them from the crate, put their leash and harness on.

4. Guide them to the potty pad area.

5. Command them to “Go potty!”

6. Give them anywhere from 3 to 5 minutes to “go.”

7. If it’s unsuccessful, put the pup back in the crate for 15 to 20 minutes before trying again.

The harness and leash will go a long way at this point. In cases where an alternative would be preferred, having the potty pad area enclosed with a pen will do just as well to help them stay there and figure out targeting the pads.

Conclusion

Potty training a puppy is important especially if they’re mainly going to be indoors. They should eventually be able to hold it in and learn the proper place/s to relieve themselves. Potty pads will go a long way since it helps dogs learn about designated areas and accurate targeting.
Want sound advice on learning how to potty train a puppy? Check out The Pets People today! We have independent consultants, advisers and writers from the pet sector eager to give everyone real life, practical advice about pet care.