How to Break a Dog From Ripping His Wee Wee Pads

Although your dog's potty training pads are there to help it become housebroken, your dog may find it useful as a chew toy. When you notice this behavior, it is important to correct it so that your dog does not develop a chewing problem. It is within the nature of puppies and dogs to be curious and to chew on things as a means of discovery and entertainment, but too much chewing is not a habit you want to encourage -- for the next thing it chews could be your shoes or your sofa.

Things You'll Need

  • Training pads
  • Treats
  • Dog toys
  • Crate
  • Baby gate
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Place the wee wee pad in a designated spot in the house to teach the dog where it must eliminate. Only set the pad down where you want it to go to the bathroom, and avoid moving the pad around each time. Dogs learn quickly and effectively based on routine.

    • 2

      Supervise your dog when you are at home. If you notice it starting to display signs of needing to eliminate, move it on to the wee wee pad. Remove the dog from the pad as soon as it is finished so the dog learns that the pad is only there for eliminating. Reward the dog for using the training pad with positive reinforcement, such as a small treat.

    • 3

      Distract your dog with toys other than the potty pad so that it does not mistake the pad for something to play with. Toys that squeak, roll and bounce are effective for getting your dog's attention. If you notice that your dog goes to the wee wee pad during play time, turn its focus towards the toys. The more you can keep your dog focused on other objects, the less inclined it will be to tear up the wee wee pad.

    • 4

      Say "no" when you catch your dog in the act of tearing up the potty pad. Never use physical punishment for the dog. Additionally, do not scold your dog for tearing up the wee wee pad when the act could have been done several minutes or hours ago. Dogs cannot make the association between being scolded for behavior that happened in the past. Throw the torn pad away and start fresh with a new one.

    • 5

      Crate your dog when you cannot supervise it if you are concerned about leaving it roaming free in the house during your absence. Crate training teaches dogs to hold their bladder until they are released to the yard to eliminate. If you do not wish to crate your dog, set up an enclosed section of your house using baby gates. Baby gates are effective for fencing your dog to one particular area without the trapped feeling of a crate.