How to Train Your Puppy to Use Training Pads in 5 Easy Steps

Nothing compares to the joy of bringing home a little puppy. The excitement of new puppy parents is usually through the roof and understandably so. Welcoming the new addition to your home is a priceless experience, but house training can prove to be challenging sometimes. This is where Puppy Pads and Puppy Training Pads come into play and save the day, providing a convenient solution for those pet owners who do not have the luxury of going on a walk at anytime or for those puppies that are yet too young to be taken outside 

If you're a first-time owner, if you're bringing in a new puppy or if your dog's circumstances have changed and you're now looking into tips and tricks on how to house train, this is the place to start. We're going to cover the main steps on how to get your pet to use the Puppy Pads, what are the most common mistakes pet owners usually make and how to increase your chances of success. 

Step 1: Choose the Right Location for the Puppy Training Pads

You might think that since the puppies are trained to use the pad, you can place it anywhere you like and the puppies will use it, but that is not entirely true. If you want to maximize your chances of success and minimize the time it takes to train your puppy, then you must take the placement of the Puppy Training Pads into account.

Here are some of the best places you can put it:

• Entry way
• Bathroom 
• Balcony
• Porch
• Hallway 

You should avoid placing it near your pet's eating area, as they will instinctively avoid to soil their eating area. The place should be a low-traffic area, it should be in a quiet zone and, if possible, somewhere near the outside zone to make the transition easier. 

Another important thing is that you shouldn't change its placement too often. This can create confusion and indicate to the puppy that any place is a relief station.

PRO TIP: Keep the surroundings clean and tidy so that the puppy doesn't feel intimidated or scared to approach the pads.

Step 2: Introduce Your Puppy to the Puppy Pads

You can't just place the Puppy Pads somewhere in your house and expect your pet to instinctively find it and use it whenever they may please. Not in the beginning, at least. 

The first thing you should do is  introduce the Puppy Training Pads . Try to grab their attention and allow them to explore the pad and get used to its feel and scent. 

PRO TIP: Guide your puppy to the puppy training pad after eating and drinking or even after play time. That is when your pet is most likely to attempt to relieve himself and it is best that they are already on the pad when that happens.                                                                                          

Step 3: Reward and Reinforce Good Behavior

One of the easiest ways to train your pet to use the Puppy Pads is by reinforcing good behavior. If you find them sniffling around the pad, if they are getting more attracted or interested in it, if they use it (although not fully successful at first) always reinforce that good behavior. Here's how you can do it:

• Congratulate the puppy
• Give them praise and verbal recognition
• Offer them treats
• Give them a gentle pet on the back

Remember to join in their celebratory moment and your puppy will most certainly pick up on the idea that they're doing something good.

On the other hand, if things don't go that smoothly at first, avoid using harsh words and scolding. It might take them a few times to get it right.

PRO TIP: Always keep treats nearby so you can reinforce that positive behavior 

Step 4: Handle Accidents Properly

This is a very important aspect that not many pet owners foresee when starting their house training. First things first, acknowledge and get used to the idea that accidents will happen. Do not assume your dog is some sort of genius dog that is infinitely better than all the other dogs out there and that they will use the Puppy Pads with no issue right from the first try. That is delusional. Understand that accidents are prone to happen and get used to the idea, so that you can manage your reaction.

When (and not if) accidents happen, keep your calm and avoid punishing the puppy, as this will only create a sense of fear and confusion. If you catch them in the act, let your expression do the work for you and then redirect them to the training pads, so that they know that's where they are expected to relieve themselves.

Now, when it comes to cleaning, you want to use enzyme-based cleaners that thoroughly remove any laundry scent. This is important because a puppy will be inclined to use the same spot, if it scents traces of urine there.

PRO TIP:  Never clean with ammonia-based products  because urine contains ammonia and might attract the puppy to use that spot again

Step 5: Transition to Outdoor Training (If Needed)

If you're planning on switching to outdoors, then you should gradually move the Puppy Training Pads closer to the door and, once your pet is successful in using them there, then you may attempt outside training. 

You should use the same commands you used inside and take your pet outside after eating, napping or playing. 

Additionally, once you have introduced outside training, you should gradually reduce the number of pads you have placed around the house.

Pro tip: If your puppy has a hard time switching to outsider, you can take a soiled pad and place it in the grass

Conclusion:

Getting your pet to use Puppy Training Pads doesn't have to be difficult. Or last least not too difficult. Remember to have patience, to reinforce positive behavior and to keep a generally positive attitude.