How to Potty Train Puppy on a Puppy Pad

It takes time and diligence to properly potty train puppies. They need to be taught self-control and learn where they are permitted to go. Disposable puppy training pads can help make this process easier. The pads are specially scented to create an attractive spot for elimination, protecting your floors while helping your puppy learn to focus its efforts. Puppy pads, combined with positive reinforcement, will make potty training much easier for both you and your puppy.

Things You'll Need

  • Disposable puppy training pads
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Instructions

    • 1

      Section off an area of your house to designate as a play pen. This area needs to have hard floors instead of rugs to make cleanup easier. An enclosed space such as a utility or laundry room is best, since you can easily confine the puppy with a dog gate.

    • 2

      Set up the puppy's crate and toys in the pen area so that it can play and relax. Lay the pads down in an end section of this pen area, preferably away from the crate. Dogs prefer not to eliminate next to where they sleep. The puppy will naturally move away from its crate when looking for a place to go.

    • 3

      Give your puppy food and water on the schedule your breeder or veterinarian recommends. Consistency will put your dog on a daily routine and help you monitor when it needs to go to the bathroom.

    • 4

      Pick up your puppy and move it to the pad when you see the puppy pacing or sniffing. Let the puppy go to the bathroom; then, praise it. The positive reinforcement teaches the puppy to use the pad.

    • 5

      Replace the used pad with a new one, and be as consistent as possible in moving your puppy to the pad. Eventually, the puppy will learn to use the pad on its own. Once the puppy learns bladder and bowel control and starts using the pads consistently, you can transition to training the puppy to go outside instead of on the pads.