Loobani AcademyOwning a dog is the dream of so many people, and since you are here, you must be one of them. Once you get a dog, you will be over the moon, but it will not take long to realize that this dream comes with its fair share of nightmares. We are talking about encountering your pet having an accident inside your home. But you do not have to worry because you came to the right place. We have good news for you—a solution.
This nightmare can easily be solved by potty training. In potty training, puppy pads, also known as “pee pads” or “indoor pee pads”, are game changers. They simplify your job and make it easier for your dog to adapt and learn. Puppy pads are super absorbent pads that allow your dog to relieve themselves inside the house without ruining your floors and furniture. This article will answer every question and query, from “why” to “how” you can use these puppy pads.
Why use puppy pads?
Before we dive into how to pee pad train a dog, let’s explore why you should consider puppy pads for your dog’s training.
At home
Let’s admit that we do not like taking trips outside every hour except for our dog. But during potty training, it could become irritating even for your dog to go out after every hour. Puppy pads offer an at-home solution for this problem by offering you to provide training to your dog without needing to leave the house.
No yard solution
If you live in an apartment, you know the stress one goes through while considering getting a dog. Apartments do not have yards or lawns where you can take your dog after every hour during their training sessions or even after their training. Puppy pads not only provide a solution during the training period but also after the training is done.
Hassle-free
Cleaning up your dog’s mess outside is not a good thought, especially when you live in an area with a busy street. While it might be okay to do it once in a while, doing it after every couple of hours is just a big no. Here, you will be glad to know that puppy pads are easy to dispose of and clean. So you do not have to worry about handling the mess.
Save time and money
Puppy pads are not only great time savers but also great money savers. While puppy pads are economical, they also come in reusable forms that allow you to use them for months after one investment. It saves you time and any worry about going out of budget.
Now that we have enough reasons to get puppy pads to, let’s get right into how to train your dog to pee/poop on pee pads?
How to train your dog on pee pads?
1.Designate a place
Set up the puppy pad at a place this is easily accessible for your dog. You can also buy a crate to designate an area and place the puppy pad.
2.Familiarize your dog
First, let your dog sniff the puppy pad so they can get familiar with it. Some pee pads also come with a certain scent that attracts the dog and makes it easy for your dog to familiarize itself with it. Your dog must be comfortable with the pad before you move on to the next step.
3.Look out for signs
Keep an eye on your dog’s behaviour before it relieves itself. Most dogs start sniffing the floor or anything they are lying on. At this, you would immediately want to take them to the puppy pad. After they relieve themselves there for the first time, it would become easier for them to understand the purpose of the puppy pad.
4.Set timers
Once your dog is familiar with the puppy pad, the real task begins. It would be best if you took the dog to the puppy pad after a small interval of time. This will allow the dog to become familiar with and understand what the dog needs to do. You can also set timers to keep track. Keep in mind that smaller puppies have to pee more often. So depending on your dog’s age, you can select the timers.
5.Associate words
Using certain words and phrases can help your dog during the training period. If you use a word or a phrase when you take your dog to pee or poop, the dog will associate the word with the activity. It will allow it to understand whenever it is time to pee/poo.
6.Please keep it clean.
If you are using a disposable puppy pad, dispose of it properly. If you are using a reusable one, you must ensure it is clean. Dogs do not like to relieve themselves in dirty places
Here is a list of dos and don’ts that you need to keep in mind during the potty training of your dog:
Do’s
1.Be consistent
You must have heard “consistency is the key”. As much as it is effective in you achieving your goals, it is also in potty training a dog. First few weeks, you need to be very consistent in taking the dog to the puppy pad and devoting your time to it.
2.Give treats
Another great way to encourage your dog to adopt this habit is to give them treats. You can give them a small pleasure every time they use the puppy pad. Vocal appreciation is equally important, as dogs can detect our tones.
3.Be patient
Patience is one of the most important keys to potty training your dog. There will be many failed trips, but you must always be patient. The more you observe patience, the easier it will be for the dog to get accustomed to the habit.
4.Clean up accidents
Now there will be many accidents during the process. But as discussed earlier, you have to be patient. One important thing is to clean up the accident very thoroughly. Scents can cause dogs to pee in the same place again and again. It would help if you made sure that no smell is left behind.
5.Appropriately sized pee pads
Last but not least, you need to make sure that the puppy pad you are using is appropriate for your dog. Most dogs grow rapidly, so you might have to change the puppy pad’s sizes more often. Small measures can cause the dog to mess up the surrounding. It is always better to adjust the size than to clean a mess.
Don’ts
1.Separate it from the sleeping area.
Make sure that whatever place you designate for the potty area is away from the dog’s sleep area. Dogs do not like to pee/poop in the places where they sleep. It could be one of the reasons why your dog is not using the puppy pad.
2.Don’t be harsh
No matter how many failed attempts you have to face, remind yourself that being harsh to the dog is not worth it. Dogs can detect your tone. If they feel you are being difficult on them, they will start peeing when you are not around, which is worse. Remind yourself that screaming at a dog is just not worth it.
Types of puppy pads
Now that we are familiar with the training process let us take a look at the different types of puppy pads:
Disposable puppy pads
Disposable puppy pads are more common. They are typically made of several layers of absorbent material, which can include a top layer that is soft and comfortable for your dog to stand on, an absorbent core that can hold a significant amount of liquid, and a leak-proof bottom layer that prevents urine from seeping through to the floor. Apart from potty training, disposable pee pads for dogs can be a convenient solution for various situations. For example, large pee pads for senior dogs who may have trouble holding their bladder, for dogs who are recovering from surgery or illness and cannot go outside, or for owners who cannot take their dogs out due to physical limitations.
One major issue faced by people using disposable puppy pads is their dog shredding the pee pad. Since it is made from a very thin material, it is more prone to shredding. It is common to see dogs tear apart pee pads when alone. At times, they do so after relieving themselves, which, as you can imagine, can cause a lot of mess. The only solution is to keep an eye on your dog and dispose of the puppy pad as soon as it is done peeing or pooping on it.
Let us take a look at some pros and cons of disposable puppy pads:
Pros:
- Disposable pee pads during travelling.
- They are economical as they come in great packaging, i.e. 100 count.
- They are better for short-term use.
Cons
- Since they are made of thin material, they are more susceptible to being torn apart by the dog.
- The lining underneath the pad is made of plastic material. Hence they are not environmentally friendly.
Overall, disposable pee pads for dogs can be a helpful tool for owners and can make dog training and managing your dog’s bathroom needs more convenient.
Washable puppy pads
Washable pee pads for dogs are a reusable and eco-friendly alternative to disposable pee pads. They are typically made of several layers of absorbent materials, similar to disposable pads, but are designed to be machine-washed and reused multiple times. The top layer is usually made of a soft and comfortable material that is gentle on your dog’s paws, while the bottom layer is waterproof and prevents leakage onto your floors.
Washable pee pads for dogs can be a great option for owners who want to save money and reduce their environmental impact and for dogs who need a more durable and long-lasting solution. They are also convenient for owners who wish to keep a supply of clean and fresh pads on hand without constantly restocking disposable pads.
To use washable pee pads for dogs, place them on the floor where your dog is comfortable going potty. After your dog has used the pad, remove any solid waste and toss the residence in the washing machine. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for washing and drying the cushions to maintain their absorbency and durability over time.
Let us take a look at some pros and cons of disposable puppy pads:
Pros:
- They are reusable.
- They can be easily washed.
- They can be used up to 300 times.
- Long-term use.
- They are made from eco-friendly materials.
- These cannot be torn apart.
Cons
- They can be expensive if you plan on using them for a while.
- Not suitable for periods of training.
Overall, washable pee pads for dogs can be a practical and cost-effective solution for owners who want to reduce waste and maintain a clean and hygienic living space for their pets.
Here is a quick comparison of disposable puppy pads vs washable puppy pads：
One point to note here is that the washable puppy pads are only budget-friendly if you are planning to use them for a long time. Otherwise, they can be very expensive.
Best disposable pee pads for dogs
These are the best budget-friendly puppy pads, but what makes them our top disposable puppy pad choice is that they have climate pledge-friendly certification.
Here are some of the features of amazon pee pads:
- Five layered
- Quick dry
- Plastic borders
- Plastic lining to avoid leakage
- Cheapest dog pee pads
Price range: 27 dollars for a pack of 100
2. Glad Black Charcoal Puppy Pads
These are budget-friendly disposable puppy pads. They have five layers of leak-proof protection.
Here are some of the features of amazon pee pads:
- Five layers leak-proof
- Budget-friendly
- Folded edges
- Controls odour
Price range: 30 dollars for a pack of 100
3. Bulldogology Premium Puppy Pee Pads
Bulldogology puppy pads are slightly expensive, but these have some extra features. These features are unnecessary, but if you feel the need, you can always have them. These are more suitable for dogs than puppies, as dogs do not frequently pee.
Here are some of the features of amazon pee pads:
- Six layered
- Adhesive sticky tape to avoid movement of pee pads
- Odour control
- Built-in attractant
Price range: 40 dollars for a pack of 100.
Company | Price (100 pieces) | CPF certification | Layers | Odor control |
AMAZON PEE PADS | 27 dollars | V | 5 | V |
GLAD FOR PETS | 30 dollars | X | 5 | V |
BULLDOGOLOGY | 40 dollars | X | 6 | V |
Best washable dog pee pads
1.LOOBANI Reusable Dog Playpen Mat
LOOBANI playpen mats are one of the best investments that you can make. They are not only eco-friendly but also super comfortable for your dog. It is made of 3 layers that make it leak-proof and helps to trap odour.
One of the best features of the LOOBANI playpen mat is that it can be placed anywhere from the playpen to the sofas and even on the car seats.
Here are the key features of the LOOBANI playpen mat that make it a great investment:
- 72”x72”.Can cover a wide area
- Eco-friendly
- Traps odour
- Non-slip base
- Machine washable
- Can hold 10 cups of liquid without leaking
- Beautiful colour
Price: 69.99 dollars.
2.Simple Solution Washable Puppy Pad
Simple solution washable puppy pads are a great investment if you are looking for a small dog pee pad for your puppy. It has all the great features but comes in a smaller size suitable for the little one.
Here are some of the features of simple solution’s puppy pads:
- Four layers
- Eco-friendly
- Machine washable
- 34”x36”
- Quick dry
Price: 35.12 dollars
3.Paw-Inspired Washable Dog Pee Pads
Paw-inspired pee pads are unscented pee pads for dogs sensitive to smell. It comes in different sizes. Apart from having a beautiful pattern, it comes in two different colours. Although the quality is a bit low, as the sides are susceptible to fraying after many washes, it is a good investment if you are looking for a stylish puppy pad.
Here are some of the main features of paw-inspired puppy pads:
- Machine washable
- Leak and skid proof
- Beautiful pattern
- Unscented
Price: 29.95 dollars for 40”x60”
Bonus mention
LOOBANI Dog Grass Pee Pads
LOOBANI grass pee pads are fake ones that feel just like natural grass. It is a great solution if you need access to a yard but want your dog to have the best experience. It has a high draining capacity. It comes in different sizes to suit your dog.
It is also ideal for training old dogs to use pee pads that cannot leave the house or have any mobility issues. LOOBANI grass pee pads give them the same experience as relieving themselves outside.
Here are some of the key features of LOOBANI grass pee pads:
- Non-toxic
- Easy to clean
- It feels like natural grass
- Four sizes
Price: 24.99 – 42.99 dollars
FAQ’s
Here are some common problems you might face, along with the reasons and solutions.
1.Why does my dog eat the pee pad?
Dog eating a pee pad is not uncommon, and there can be several reasons why they do so. Here are some of the most common reasons why dogs may eat their pee pads:
Boredom: Dogs that are bored or under-stimulated may turn to chew on objects to occupy their time. Pee pads may be an attractive target for a bored dog looking for something to chew on.
Teething: Puppies that are teething may chew on anything they can get their mouths on, including pee pads. Chewing helps relieve the discomfort of teething, and pee pads may provide a soft and easily accessible target for their chewing.
Medical Issues: In some cases, dogs may eat pee pads due to underlying medical issues, such as gastrointestinal problems or nutrient deficiencies. If your dog is eating pee pads frequently or exhibiting other signs of illness, it’s important to consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.
2.How do I stop my dog from eating the pee pad?
If you want to prevent your dog from eating the pee pad, here are some things you can do:
- Stick the pee pad to the floor using duct tape.
- Warn them with a loud sound.
- Invest in a washable pee pad.
3.What to do if my dog has eaten the pee pad?
If your dog has eaten its pee pad, then you should first check the packet of pee pads. You need to check if it contains any harmful chemicals. If yes, it is advised to take the dog to the doctor and to avoid such situations in the future, use pee pads that do not contain harmful chemicals. The permanent solution is to invest in a washable pee pad.
4.Why does my dog not pee on the pee pad?
One of the most common reasons your dog is not peeing on the pee pad is that it is too small for them. It is common for big dogs to pee on the side of the pee pad.
Another common reason is that your dog needs clarification about where to go when peeing. Consistently taking them to the potty area can help solve this issue.
Moreover, ensure that the potty area is clean and away from the dog’s sleep area.
5.How do you train a dog to pee outside after using a pee pad?
You can train your dog to pee outside by moving the position of its pee pad. You can eventually start putting the pee pad outdoors by placing the pee pad closer to the door. After some time, your dog will get used to going outside whenever it needs to relieve itself.
A point to note here is to keep the position of the pee pad the same, as it could cause accidents.
6.Why won’t my dog poop on the pee pad?
There can be several reasons your dog won’t poop on the pee pad, even if they are successfully using it for urination. Here are some possible explanations:
Scent: Your dog may be more sensitive to the smell of their faeces than their urine and may not recognize the pee pad as an appropriate place to go potty. Try using a different type of pee pad or adding an attractant spray to the pad to make it more appealing.
Training: Your dog may have needed proper pee pad training for defecation. Be sure to use positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise, to encourage your dog to use the pad for urination and defecation.
Size: The pee pad may be too small for your dog to comfortably use for defecation. Try using a large pee pad to give your dog more space to move around and find a comfortable position.
Routine: Your dog may have a specific pattern or preference for where they go potty, and the pee pad may not fit into their preferred way. Observe your dog’s behaviour and schedule and try to adapt the use of the pee pad accordingly.
Health Issues: Your dog may be experiencing health issues that are causing them to have trouble with their bowel movements or make them reluctant to go potty on a certain surface. If you suspect this may be the case, consult your veterinarian for further advice.
Accessories
Here are some of the accessories that can be used along with pee pads to help your dog train faster:
1.Attractant Spray
Attractant spray can help your dog recognize the pee pad as the appropriate place to go potty. The scent of the spray can be applied to the pee pad to encourage your dog to use it.
2.Pee Pad Holder
A pee pad holder can help keep the pee pad in place and prevent your dog from moving or shifting it while they use it. This can be especially helpful for larger dogs with more trouble keeping the pad in place.
3.Bell or Chime
A bell or chime can signal your dog that it’s time to go potty. By ringing the bell or chime every time you take your dog to the pee pad, your dog will learn to associate the sound with the need to go potty and may become more willing to use the pee pad on their own.
4.Playpen
A playpen allows you to monitor your dog and monitor their behaviour closely. This can help you recognize when they need to go potty and quickly redirect them to the pee pad. A playpen can also help you establish a consistent routine for your dog’s potty training. Keeping your dog in the playpen when you’re not actively supervising them shows a way for when they should be using the pee pad.
A playpen gives you more control over your dog’s environment and can help prevent accidents outside the designated potty area. This can be especially helpful when you’re first starting with potty training. It provides a safe and secure space for your dog to play and rest. This can help reduce anxiety and stress, which are common causes of dog accidents.
