Training Your Puppy to Go on Pee Pads

While most pet parents prefer to take their dogs outside, potty training is essential during initial days when you have just welcomed your pet and you aren't well aware of their schedule. Also, taking dogs out frequently may not be an option for senior and elderly pet parents, that's when potty pads come handy.

A few things to keep in mind while you potty train your puppy.

1. Choose an adequate potty pad:

Make sure the potty pad you pick is 

• visible on your flooring, 
• highly absorbent, 
• makes it easy for you to clean up, and
• large enough for your dog. 

Large breed dogs may need options which are more heavy-duty as compared to the smaller breeds. While there are several options such as newspapers, paper towels, cloth towels, and store-bought training pads, Newspaper and paper towels are inexpensive but can be messy and difficult to clean up after your puppy potties on them. Your puppy is more likely to chew on the cloth towels and don't forget the fact that you'll have to wash those regularly. Opting for store-bought potty pads is the best because they are absorbent, come in various sizes and are disposable.

2. Introduce your puppy to the pad:

Take your puppy to the potty pad frequently. How often will depend on his age and bladder strength. For young puppies, it could be as often as every 15 minutes. Better a wasted trip than an accident. Allow them to sniff, walk around the pad while you continue the command that you intend to use when you take them to poop.

3. Anticipate potty timings:

Pooping minutes after sleeping, eating, drinking, and after playing is the usual. Apart from that, notice their behaviour and eventually, you'll have a schedule to anticipate their potty timings. Make a mental note of it and when the alarm tings, take them to the pad or outside for pooping.

4. Reward your puppy:

A little bit of rewarding goes a long way and a few treats are all that you need to make your pooch to obey you. Every time your dog obeys to your command, praise him with treats. This behaviour encourages him to make it a habit of doing as you please in exchange for scrumptious treats.

5. Consistency is the key:

Initially when your puppy is just getting used to this habit, keep the pad in the same place, use the same command and keep up with the schedule. And gradually, you can move the position of the pad closer to your desired location.

While the timings, frequency and bladder strength of every puppy might differ, being a patient and observant pet parent is important to get them equipped with not just potty pad training, but with everything you may want them to learn and adapt to.