Do Pads Really Help With Puppy Training?
Puppy potty training is an essential step in caring for your home, yourself, and your puppy. Puppy potty pads have become a popular option in the training process. Like anything, there are pros and cons that should be considered. Do Pads Really Help With Puppy Training? This article should help you make the right choice for you and your puppy.
Like humans, every dog is different, and the timeline to get them housebroken will vary with breed, age, and the individual puppy. Puppy pad training isn't an easy job. However, with consistency and the proper guidance, you can strengthen your pup bond and ensure your process is successful.
Puppies go a lot more frequently than older dogs, so potty pads will come in handy. Generally, puppies can hold it for about one hour for each month of age (plus one hour). So a four-month-old is going to max out at about 5 hours before an accident is imminent. But, you can get rid of all the anxiety of making it to the outside bathroom by ensuring there's a pad in a nearby dedicated area. An ideal spot would be near the door that they normally use to go outside.
There's Convenience In Using Pee Pads
One of the most significant benefits of puppy pads is that they're convenient. You can use them for training, especially when your puppy is still young and frequently needs to go. Cleanup and maintenance while using pee pads is as simple as throwing away the dirty pad and laying down a clean one. Potty pads are also versatile; you can use them part-time when you need them or full-time to fit your lifestyle and your pup's needs.
Puppy pad training is much easier with your puppy before you establish a schedule than trying to calculate the hours and finding out if it's time for them to go. Even though you should ultimately work on getting them onto a schedule, your pup will want to please you if you're consistent in showing him where to go.
Once you’ve settled on the right spot, using a vertical backstop like the Pico Potty Wall is a great way to guard against overspray from leg lifters and those whose aim isn’t the greatest.
One great training trick to get your dog familiar with the designated spot where they are supposed to use the pad is to keep a lightly soiled pad under a clean one so your dog can smell his urine and know to go in the same place. Make sure you give lots of positive reinforcement with head rubs and small treats. But once they are used to it, dispose of the soiled pads frequently.
If your dog has an accident, don't punish them. Instead, make sure your dog doesn't smell their previous mistake by cleaning up the mess with an enzymatic cleaner. Take your dog to both his outdoor and indoor potty spots so they can be familiar with them. He'll be able to go outside when you're walking him and indoors when you can't.
Pee Pads Aren't Only for Puppies
Despite being called puppy pads, they're not only meant for puppies. Pee pads can serve as backup for dogs that have to be kept indoors for long periods, such as senior dogs, sick dogs, disabled dogs, or dogs that don't have fast access to the outdoors. Having pee pads can also save your pet anxiety when the weather doesn't agree with them, such as when there's a storm outside.
There's A Variety Of Pee Pads
There's a variety of pet pads available on the market, and it can be confusing trying to choose a pee pad that's right for you and your pet. Even if pee pad selection may be daunting initially, go for the ones that are a good fit, and have multiple, absorbing layers. The good news is that the Pico Potty Wall mentioned above works with all pad brands.
Be careful if you choose to go with pads that have a scent. Some of them may seem attractive because they can simulate the smell of ammonia, pheromones, or grass. While these may seem OK at first, they may trigger your dog into sleeping on them or playing with them. However, some dogs remain entirely unaffected.
Pee Pads Aren't For Everyone
Some dogs don't think pads are essential to them. Even though pads can play a huge role in your plan to housebreak your pup, you have to train them to use them first. If you and your pup always have frequent access to an outdoor space, you're better off starting them outdoors.
Weaning
Weaning your pup off a pee pad is a whole different ball game. Once they've established their preferred "to go" space, weaning them off the pads can be difficult. Some puppies become dependent on pee pads or get confused when directed to use the outdoor bathroom. You may have to invest additional time training them to use the outdoors as their principal place to go. If you can find a way to make it fun to go outside and use the pads as the indoor backup, you can have the best of both worlds.
Sustainability
Pet waste from a pee pad can create more waste for you. Potty pads are traditionally meant to be single-use because some dogs habitually turn them into chew toys. However, there are eco-friendly options out there if you require a sustainable product.
There are now biodegradable potty pads made from recyclable materials. You can even find washable, reusable pads in stores and online.
Do Your Best (And Your Dog Will Too)
Remember, there's no one fool-proof method for training your pup because not all dogs are the same. You might fail sometimes and have success other times. However, the result, in the end, is rewarding. Accidents will happen, but as long as you're patient, consistent, and use positive reinforcement generously, you and your dog can both be happy and share a clean home.