Training your puppy can be a hassle at times and can be particularly difficult if you do not have proper resources, but worry not; puppy training pads are here to your rescue. They are a fully hygienic solution that helps maintain cleanliness around the house whilst also instilling good habits in your puppy. So whether you’re new to being a dog owner or are a seasoned one, this article will help you understand how to use puppy pads with ease.

Why Are Training Pads Important?

Primarily, a training pad is designed for puppies to have their own area to relieve themselves. They come in particularly handy for pet owners living in apartments with no easy access to the outdoors. They save you the hassle of having to go out every single time or risk getting your floors dirty. A good pad should be able to absorb most of the liquid when the puppy pees, hence keeping the surroundings clean and free of smell as well. However, training pads do come in especially handy during the rainy season, for instance, as they allow your puppy to stay dry and go to the same place every time.

You can read this interesting article talking in-depth about why training pads are the most convenient solution for pet owners who do struggle with frequent outdoor trips, such as those living in apartments or with mobility challenges. This is a huge timesaver. This approach is especially helpful during harsh weather, heavy rain, snow, or any other situation in which going outside is not possible.

How to Choose the Best Puppy Training Pads

Finding the appropriate puppy training pads is dependent on the size of your puppy, habits, and the structure of your home. For large breeds or more playful dogs that require ample space, larger pads work well, while smaller pads are more suited for the tiny ones. Absorbency is a vital consideration when looking for puppy pads. Opt for pads that contain several absorbent layers that retain moisture and eliminate odour. Some puppies can chew and claw at the pads, so they should be durable. Choosing pads that are resistant to ripping would suffice, as they can withstand rough treatment.

Effective Training Techniques with Puppy Pads

In order to make proper use of the puppy pads, you have to be consistent and always remind your pet to use them. This is done by placing the pads in an area that is relatively easy to reach for your puppy. After mealtime, sleeping, or even after they play with you for some time, take them to the pad and encourage them to use it.

Each time your puppy uses the pad for the intended purpose, reward him or her with some praise or a treat. This way, they begin associating the desired outcome with the pads. With time, slowly start bringing the pads to the door to make it easier for your puppy, who is still learning to switch from indoor to outdoor training.

Moving on from the factors determining what makes the house-training of a puppy successful, let us address an entirely different yet related issue. Training accidents can take place, but at such a time, you must never discipline your puppy, as this can lead to long-term problems. Instead, the best course of action is to clean the surfaces properly and redirect your pet back to the pad. The key to mastering this process is patience, together with consistency.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

There are several mistakes that people end up making often; when it comes to making use of puppy training pads, take note of the following.

• Make sure to always keep the pad stationary. Whenever you make the mistake of relocating it every now and then, it creates a feeling of loss and alters the process of learning for your puppy.
• Make sure to remember that after every single incident, you clean the area properly, as your pet has the tendency to return to the same area. Use strong smell removers as this can, after a while, prove to be beneficial.
• Do not make the mistake of being over-eager and wanting your pet to immediately develop realistic habits, as this takes a considerable amount of time. Let your pet get used to using puppy pads indoors before going outside; otherwise, the change will overwhelm and confuse them.

All in all, if you stay consistent and keep a lookout for these areas, it will make your experience easier.

How Training Pads Can Be Used Risk-Free Long Term

Many pet owners are not aware that training pads can also be quite useful for a variety of other reasons. For older or sick dogs, the pads can be a useful and easy way to manage incontinence. Some pets with age-related illnesses can become both immobile and incontinent, and this product can help them relieve themselves without stressing them out and, at the same time, make it as easy as possible for them to do so.

These pads also come in handy for pets that have just undergone surgery. After a major surgery, a dog’s activity needs to be controlled to some extent in order to avoid complications and other risks. In such situations, having indoor bathroom facilities eliminates the need to take your dog out and allows you to keep your pet comfortable while at the same time minimising the chances of any complications arising. In addition to that, when it’s extremely cold, and a bathroom outside is not possible, pads are still a great option.

When it comes to pet owners who are on the move, then training pads become a must-have. Even when checking into a hotel, going on an excursion to new places or on a road trip, pads can rescue the day and provide an excellent indoor toilet solution. This automatically lowers the anxiety levels in you and your pet, as there are times when it is not possible to take your dog out. Due to their versatility, puppy training pads are a sound investment for addressing a number of different requirements throughout the life span of your dog.

Reducing The Use of Dog Training Pads

Weaning your puppy off training pads and getting them to go for a wee outside is a critical stage. Start by gradually shifting the pad towards the door over a period of a few days so that the changeover appears organic. After this, take the pad outside to the location where you want your puppy to relieve itself. Now, after your puppy eats or wakes up from sleep, take them to this new place outside so that they replicate the behaviour learned indoors. The process requires a bit of patience, so it will take time.

During this phase, do not alter anything, as it’s a norm. Routine should ensure that the puppy gets taken to the selected area outside after consistent periods of time. For successful attempts, continue rewarding them with words of praise or perhaps a small bit of food, which reinforces the behaviour of wanting to go outside. By maintaining this kind of routine, the puppy grabs the new rules that are set and gains more trust in the whole procedure.

If your puppy is working hard, but it appears there is no progress, do not panic. Start by using the puppy training pads again and slowly introduce them to the outdoor environment. Never punish them when they say their business inside, as this breeds doubt and will scare them. Very quickly, with consistent supervision, your puppy will easily learn how to do the deed outside without any issues.