Potty training is often the hardest part of being a new pet parent. It can leave you feeling frustrated and wondering if your new pup will ever be toilet-savvy.
If you want to make the process easier on both of you, try using puppy pads.
They can help you contain unexpected messes and teach your dog better bathroom habits. There are plenty of puppy pads on the market, but some are definitely better than others.
Below, we explore the options available and highlight four puppy pads we think are worth bringing home.
This is one area of puppy training where you definitely don’t want to cut corners. When shopping for puppy pads, look for a pad that’s durable. Puppy pads need to stand up to a puppy’s rough and tumble play without ripping apart. In other words, the pads should be tear-resistant.
Pads should also be ultra-absorbent to cut down on leakage and make clean up easier.
These Frisco pads are generously sized (22-in x 23-in), making them perfect for most dog breeds. They come in boxes of 20, 100, 150, 200, and 300. You can choose either scented or unscented pads, which is great for pet parents with sensitive noses.
The large size means you can stock up and not have to run to the store at inconvenient times.
Frisco pads have multiple layers for superior absorbency. This includes a fast-drying quilted top layer that soaks up moisture quickly and wicks it away from the surface. Meanwhile, the bottom layer is leak-proof to prevent spillage through to your floors or carpets.
And, if you’re wondering whether Fido will pay attention, Frisco pads contain an attractant to encourage him to use the pad.
If Wee-Wee Pet Training and Puppy Pads (22-in X 23-in) disappointed you in the past, give them another try. Important changes have been made to their design, so they’re now 25% more absorbent.
The pads also have polymer cores that turn urine into gel. So, leakage won’t occur even when you’re cleaning up. The pads come in boxes of 7,10,14, 30, 50, 100, 150, and 200. They’re generously sized, unscented, leak-proof, and contain pheromones to attract your pup to them.
This is one of the most eco-friendly puppy pad solutions on the market. Each box comes with two extra-large puppy pads (30-in X 32-in. each) that you can wash and reuse. Just throw them in the washer and hang them out to dry. They are effective for up to 300 washes, so these pads are quite cost-effective.
The pads have a moisture-absorbing top layer, so you won’t have to worry about spills. They can also be used long after your puppy has been potty trained. Bring them along on vacations or use them as bedding protection when your dog is sick. They also make ideal kennel liners and litter box mats.
These extra-large puppy pads are big enough to handle the needs of even the largest puppies. The five absorbent layers draw liquid away from the surface and into the core, where an absorbent polymer soaks up large amounts of liquid.
Wee-Wee pads (28-in x 34-in) come in boxes of 21, 40, and 75.
The top layer will resist tearing under a puppy’s sharp claws, which is great if your new furry friend has a feisty nature. Like the above options, Wee-Wee pads also contain a targeted attractant to inspire your pup to do the right thing.
These Hartz puppy pads have a gentle lavender scent, so they are a great option for anyone who is particularly sensitive to overpowering smells. They are also ideal for those living in small spaces, where odors travel quickly.
The smaller size (21-in X 21-in) is perfect for small breeds or for use in the car. In all, Hartz pads have superior leak protection and Flash-Dry technology to turn urine into a gel. The pads come in boxes of 30, 70, and 140.
Accidents happen, especially when it comes to toilet training a puppy. When you have the right puppy pads, it becomes a less frustrating experience for everyone. Learn how to choose the right puppy pads and put them to use in your home.
Puppy pads are large absorbent pads for your puppy to relieve itself on. They have layers of special material that absorbs wetness and odor. Many also have plastic backings that prevent spills and leaks. Once your puppy has used the pad, you can fold it up and throw it away.
To use a pad, unfold it and place it on the floor, plastic side down. Many of these pads have built-in pheromones to attract the puppy to them.
You’ll want to use them in areas that are easy to clean or where you want your puppy to use the toilet.
By then, it’s too late for you to scoop them up and take them outside. Puppy pads can help prevent messy accidents. Many also have pheromones that will attract your pup’s attention when it needs to relieve itself.
That can be a big expense. Using puppy pads can help keep the odor and wetness out of your carpets and furniture.
Remember that puppies can hold their urine for one hour for every month of age. So, a two-month old puppy can hold its urine for two hours. The Humane Society advises pet parents to avoid waiting more than two hours between potty sessions.
Puppy pads can be useful at night, too, especially if you live in a rural area. They allow your puppy to toilet-train indoors and avoid larger predators lurking in the shadows.
You’ll want to start using the puppy pads as soon as you bring your new dog home. Put the pads in an area you’ve designated. Start taking your puppy to that area every so often, especially after it eats or drinks.
Then, it will start associating the puppy pad as a safe place to go to the bathroom. Also, watch for signs that your new pet needs to go: barking incessantly, scratching furniture, turning around in circles, and exhibiting a general restlessness.
If your puppy pees or poops outside the designated area, firmly say “no” and place it on the puppy pad. Avoid any harsh punishments if it does have an accident, as this can make the puppy reluctant to go to the bathroom in front of you.
Make sure you praise your puppy when it does go to the bathroom in the correct area. A few words and a treat can make the learning process easier.
Avoid putting a puppy pad in your dog’s crate. The crate should be a safe space. Just as you wouldn’t want a toilet in bed with you, your puppy won’t want a puppy pad in its crate.
Don’t worry if your puppy has an accident in its crate. Just clean it up and decrease the length of time it spends in there.
The Humane Society recommends no more than three or four hours at a time in a crate. To crate-train with compassion, avoid using it as a means of punishment. This can instill fear rather than confidence, making potty-training a time of anxiety for your puppy.
Make using a puppy pad a rewarding experience for your pet. Lavish it with praise and extend lots of affection. This signals to your furry friend that you’re happy with its “accomplishments.”
If your puppy is motivated by goodies, keep some treats in your pocket and hand out one when it successfully eliminates in the right area.
As long as you consistently send a message to Fido that you want it to go to the bathroom in a specific area, it’ll quickly learn.
Every puppy is different. Some only need to use a puppy pad a few times before they understand what you want from them. Others may take longer.
Remember that consistency is key:
Don’t give up if it feels like your puppy isn’t learning. It will; some dogs just take longer. Eventually, the frustrations of house training will be a distant memory.
Investing in a high-quality puppy pad can make life with your new puppy a little easier. Don’t forget to spend plenty of time bonding with your new friend. Lots of play will tire out your puppy and promote gastrointestinal motility. Essentially, exercise can ensure better digestion and regular bowel movements.
If your pet is well-conditioned, you’ll soon be able to tell when it’s time for toilet breaks.
While house training can be time-consuming and extremely frustrating, perseverance will result in a happier, healthier pup and cleaner home.