Potty pads have been around for quite some time, but did you know that finally, they are tough enough for the job they’re designed for? If you’re one of the many dog owners that have tried to use dog pads before but found that they didn’t work for you and your beloved pooch, this article might give you the solution to enable you to utilize potty pads to keep your house clean, and your dog comfortable.
What Makes for a Bad Dog Pee Pad Experience?
With pee pads, especially a few years ago, some companies marketed them as the answer to all of your puppy training problems and then some, but unfortunately the quality of the products available didn’t live up to the hype. Somehow “leak proof” still left your floors wet, “odor control” didn’t seem to take away the smell of urine, and “super absorbent” still resulted in your dog’s paws being wet, only to then track soil from the pad to other parts of your home.
With a bad dog pee pad experience under your belt, we understand why you would be less likely to try the dog pee pad route a second time. Before deciding to try pee pads again, it’s important to be clear that potty pads don’t replace conventional potty training, but they are an exceptional tool to use in conjunction, and in certain instances when you or your dog can’t easily access the outdoors.
What to Look For in Quality Dog Pee Pads:
- High absorbency: The best dog pads have to be able to hold everything your pet has to offer
- Leak proof: Lateral barriers and strong sealed edges to ensure no leaking or spill-over.
- Odor control: The quick absorption of urine captures and eliminates unpleasant smells.
- Adhesive tabs: Stay Put tabs secure the pad to the floor and protect your home.
- Scent attraction (i.e., a “pee here” aroma): A safe, pet-friendly formula attracts your dog to the pad.
- Eco-friendly materials: Recycled materials that provide super absorbency.
Proper Pee Pad Training
Dog ownership isn’t all fluffy puppies and playing fetch; it takes work and a responsible person to be able to be a great dog owner. When you’re prepared to put in the work and take the time necessary to train your dog to use potty pads correctly, you’ll be overjoyed with the results. Here are a few key areas to be aware of/focus on.
1. Make a Specific Spot
When training your puppy or older dog to use pads, make a particular area in your home, away from anything that could be confused with a pad, such as plush carpeted areas or rugs. Eventually you can move where you put the pads, but initially, continuity is very important for your pooch to learn where it’s OK to go.
2. Use the Right Stuff
Potty pads, paper towels, newspaper, same difference right? WRONG. Potty pads are specifically designed to not only attract your pooch with scientifically proven “pee here” scents that are entirely safe, but they are also incredibly hygienic. Using inferior products or replacements usually aren’t as clean as they don’t trap every drop of urine and keep it contained. Instead, you can have urine making its way all over your home which can cause yourself, your pup, or your family to become ill.
3. Stay Strong
It’s been a few days since you started your potty pad training, and so far you will have spent quite a few boring hours just holding your dog on a leash and waiting for him to go potty. While it’s not the most fun thing that you could be doing with your time, the immediate sacrifice in fun is worth the reward of a well-trained dog and clean house for years to come.
4. Clean It Up BIG TIME
If your dog does have a little accident, the best thing that you can do is clean it up as much as you possibly can, especially if he tinkles on the carpet. The ammonia smell that his urine leaves behind will make any dog instinctively want to pee in the same spot, and will draw your dog to pee there again. But fear not, because if you do get rid of that smell, he won’t have any reason to go there again!
5. Crate Size is Key
When potty training your puppy using a crate, using a correctly sized crate is going to be the biggest factor in success. Speak with your veterinarian, dog breeder, or rescue center to ask for their advice on crate size for your pup as this varies by breed.
Final Thoughts
Potty pads are a great tool for most dog owners, whether you have mobility issues and can’t take Fido out as often as possible, or if you work long hours and Fido is left at home without access to the yard. I’d encourage you to try potty pads for thirty-days and see for yourself how they can make your life easier, and your dog more comfortable.
