Sometimes, we simply don’t have the time to let our little pooches outside regularly. Whether it be work, school, or something else, sometimes our pets can’t go outside as often as we like.
On the flip side, no one likes coming home to a mess on the floor or stains in the carpet to deal with. Don’t worry. We have an alternative – potty pads!
What Are Puppy Pads?
Puppy/ potty pads are a great little invention for dog owners who work long hours, who live in sky-rise apartments, areas with harsh weather, etc. Basically, they are exactly what the name implies; a ‘pad’ for your pup to ‘potty’ on, as opposed to the floor.
Most pet stores carry a variety of pads! There are:
- Super Absorbent Pads
- Pads meant to attract your pup
- Pads that resemble lawn
- Quick drying pads that neutralize odors
If you can’t fund what you are looking for, either ask an attendant, or a simple Google search should provide many options!
Simple Training
The principle here is the exact same as the basic outdoor training principle. Instead of rewarding your pup for going potty outside, reward them for going potty on the pad; eventually, they will catch on ‘this is where my owner wants me to go’.
It’s important to be consistent; reward every time (until he/she has it down), and catch any mistakes. If your puppy is about to go on the floor, run him to the pad! There is one unfortunate constant- as with all potty training, this requires diligent observation.
- Place the potty pad in an area easily accessible to your pup; try not to move it during training.
- Incorporate command words/phrases, like “Do your business”. Again, use the same phrase every time!
- Set a schedule for your pup, but a frequent one! As a general rule of thumb, puppies can be expected to hold their bladders for one hour for every month of age (to a point, of course).
Constant Supervision
Puppies are not much different than human children in this manner; constant observation is a MUST. Puppies have died in cases as simple as getting caught in a potato chip bag; if you can’t watch your puppy adequately, crate him/her.
- Try your best not to miss mistakes; this could confuse your dog, and lengthen the training process.
- Many trainers recommend you keep a leash on your pup at all times while training; this prevents the possibility of missing mistakes.
The Dog Crate
There is a saying- “If you can’t train, contain”. Meaning, if you aren’t able to observe your puppy, crate them. Dogs avoid relieving themselves where they sleep if possible, meaning (if they sleep in their crate) your pup likely won’t make a mess. Even more importantly, crating a puppy when you can’t watch him/her provides a safe environment; no opportunities to get into trouble.
Remember the ‘potato chip bag’ reference I made earlier? Although that actually happened, that owner’s dog would still be alive today had he crated it instead of letting the pup roam while he left for work. This is the exact sort of trouble you are preventing!
- If done properly, your pup will grow to enjoy their crate, actually enter and leave it as they, please! Line your pup’s crate with comfy material, feed them in their crate, leave their favorite toys…
- Never use a crate as a punishment! This should be both a safety and training tool only.
- Often times your pup will enter their crate as an ‘escape’, try to leave them be!
