Are puppy pads for toilet training the answer?

When you’re toilet training your puppy it can be confusing to know what to do. You may have heard that puppy pad’s are the answer. Let’s discuss this. Remember that physically a pup’s bladder is very small.. they can’t hold it for too long! They don’t go to the bathroom indoors to spite you. Also remember that some dogs may not be going to the bathroom – they may be marking scent by doing very small pee’s.



What are puppy pads?

Puppy pads are absorbent pads that you put down on the floor so your puppy can go to the bathroom on them.

Why are they appealing?

·     They mean you don’t need to take trips down to the garden as often.

What are the challenges?

·     Many dogs will rip them and chew them.

·     I saw a photo of one dog asleep on one!

·     They are warm and comfy underfoot – which means concrete and grass isn’t appealing.. this means it can take longer to train.

·     They’re not good for the environment

With toilet training, there needs to be good timing, consistency and rewarding a puppy for going in the right place. Many dogs will choose to go inside (because it’s warm and that’s what they’ve been used to!). I’m not a fan of puppy pads, I think they increase toilet training time.

In puppy class we talk about toilet training and setting your dogs up for success. You can book here if you'd like to join.