How to Train a Dog to Use a Puppy Pad

Potty training is the most frustrating task new pet owners face. This is because no matter how diligent a person is in their endeavors, accidents will still occur. Some pet parents may not be able to take their pet outside regularly during the day. You may want to consider training your dog to use a puppy pad, which is an absorbent pad with a waterproof backing. This pad will encourage your dog to soil only one small area, so the mess will be easier to clean.

Things You'll Need

  • Pet gate
  • Newspaper
  • Pet's bed
  • Puppy pad
  • Dog treats
  • Soap
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Instructions

    • 1

      Decide on a location in your home for your pet's potty pad. Try to choose a room that is out of the way and is just large enough for the dog to eat and sleep. Use a pet gate to close this room off from the rest of the house.

    • 2

      Lay out newspaper across the entire floor of this room. Overlap the newspaper somewhat to make sure the entire floor is protected.

    • 3

      Place your pet's food and water dishes in one corner of the room. Try to put them in the area that is farthest away from the corner in which you would like your pet to do its business. Place the pet's bed and toys in a separate corner away from the potty area.

    • 4

      Open a package of puppy pads and unfold one of them. Bring your pet to the pad and allow the dog to sniff it. Pet your dog and praise it so the animal will not be fearful of the pad.

    • 5

      Place the potty pad in the desired location. Bring your dog to the pad and have the pet stand with all four legs squarely on the pad. Praise it for standing on the pad and give it a treat for doing so.

    • 6

      Wait for your pet to urinate. If it goes on the newspaper instead of the pad, take the wet newspaper and place it underneath the potty pad. Clean the floor with soap and water if any urine seeped underneath, then place fresh newspaper down to cover the bare spot on the floor.

    • 7

      Check the confinement area for signs that your dog has defecated. Clean up all but a tiny bit of the feces and discard. Lay the other small piece on the puppy pad and show this to your dog without scolding him.

    • 8

      Remove soiled newspaper from the room as quickly as possible after an accident. Take your dog to the puppy pad often to reinforce that this is where it needs to do its business. Praise your dog profusely whenever you notice it using the potty pad rather than the newspaper.

    • 9

      Gradually reduce the amount of newspaper in the room as your pet becomes more regular in using the pad. Keep the dog confined to the same area when you are not directly supervising it until the canine has gone two weeks without pottying anywhere except the puppy pad.