How to Pad Train a Puppy - Advice from the Experts

Hello doodle family! Housebreaking a new puppy can be a bit of a headache. We want to talk about ways to make the process easier and why you might want to pad train versus house train your dog.

Pad training is a valuable step in house breaking and involves teaching your pup to use a designated area of your home, like a specific room or a training pad, for their potty needs. Plus, it's perfect for those living in apartments or with limited outdoor access.

In this blog post, we'll give you the lowdown on pad training a puppy - from picking the right pads to transitioning to outdoor potty training, we've got you covered! Get ready to say goodbye to messes and hello to a happy, healthy pup.

Picking the Right Pads for You and Your Puppy!

Choosing the right pads for pad training your puppy is an important step in the process. There are several types of pads available on the market, including disposable and washable pads. Disposable pads are convenient and easy to dispose of, but can be costly in the long run.

On the other hand, washable pads can be reused multiple times and are more cost-effective, but may require more cleaning. Scented pads can help attract your puppy to the designated potty area, while unscented pads are less likely to irritate your puppy's sensitive nose.

Ultimately, the right pad will depend on your puppy's needs and your preferences as an owner. Experiment with different options to find what works best for your puppy. Below is a link to certain potty products that we recommend.

Setting Up Your Puppies Pad Area

Creating a designated pad training area for your puppy is crucial for successful pad training. Choose a location in your home that is easily accessible and has enough space for your puppy to move around comfortably.

Learn more about training puppies:

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Place the pads in a specific area, such as a corner of the room, to create a clear boundary for your puppy. You can also use a pen or a baby gate to create a designated space. Make sure to keep the area clean and comfortable by using non-toxic cleaning products and providing a cozy bed or crate nearby.

Additionally, you may want to consider using attractants, such as potty sprays or treats, to encourage your puppy to use the pads consistently. By creating a comfortable and appealing pad training area, you can help your puppy learn good potty habits and make the pad training process more effective.

Positive Reinforcement and Dealing with Accidents Regarding Potty Pads

Positive reinforcement is an essential part of pad training your puppy and maintaining good behaviors. Positive reinforcement, such as praise and treats, can encourage your puppy to use the pads consistently and reinforce good habits. Whenever your puppy uses the pads correctly, immediately reward them with a treat or verbal praise.

This will help them associate the action with a positive outcome and increase the likelihood of them using the pads in the future. It's important to be consistent with your rewards and praise, and avoid punishing your puppy for accidents or mistakes.

By using positive reinforcement consistently, you can help your puppy learn good potty habits and create a stronger bond with them.

Dealing with accidents is an inevitable part of pad training your puppy. Despite your best efforts, your puppy may have accidents from time to time, especially during the initial stages of training.

If your puppy has an accident, avoid scolding or punishing them, as this can create fear and anxiety and make the pad training process more challenging. Instead, clean up the mess immediately with an enzymatic cleaner to remove the scent and discourage your puppy from using the same spot again.

It's also a good idea to supervise your puppy closely and keep them confined to the pad training area until they are fully trained. If accidents continue to occur, consider reviewing your pad training routine and adjusting it accordingly.

With patience and persistence, your puppy will learn good potty habits and become a well-trained, happy companion.

Graduating to Outside Potty Training

Graduating to outside potty training is the next step after successfully pad training your puppy. This isn’t for everybody or every dog depending on your personal situation, but it’s important to plan ahead if this is the main goal of pad training.

When you feel that your puppy has learned good potty habits and consistently uses the pads in the designated area, you can start transitioning them to outdoor potty training.

Begin by gradually moving the pads closer to the door and eventually outside. Once your puppy is comfortable using the pads outside, begin taking them on short walks to explore the outdoors and do their business.

Be sure to use verbal cues, such as "go potty," to help your puppy understand the purpose of the outdoor potty breaks. Remember to reward your puppy with praise and treats for successful outdoor potty breaks, just like you did during pad training.

With time and patience, your puppy will become fully trained in outdoor potty habits, making your life as a pet owner even easier.

Potty Pads in Review

Pad training a puppy is a popular and effective method for housebreaking your furry friend. By creating a designated pad training area, choosing the right pads, reinforcing good behavior, and dealing with accidents patiently and positively, you can help your puppy learn good potty habits and avoid messes in your home.

Graduating to outdoor potty training is the next step after successful pad training, and can help your puppy become fully trained in good potty habits. Remember, pad training requires patience, consistency and positive reinforcement.

With these tools and techniques, you can successfully pad train your puppy and enjoy a happy, healthy, and well-trained companion.

Jenna and the JLDD Team