Puppy pads, sometimes called wee wee pads, are a cleaner, more manageable solution to the piles of wet newspaper. These folding squares have waterproof material on the bottom and contain a scent attractant. The top layer of a wee wee pad is soft, cottony material that effectively absorbs urine.
Step 1
Lay the pad in a specific area of a single room. Giving your puppies free run of the house makes it difficult to monitor their behavior. Contain them to a certain room, or section of your home and place the wee wee pads in the same corner of a certain room every time. Moving the pads will confuse the puppies, and may cause them to eliminate in that corner even without the pad.
Step 2
Place the puppies on the wee wee pads at key times throughout the day. For example, as soon as your puppy wakes up, carry her to the pad and place her in the center so she can eliminate. Do not put your puppy down anywhere besides the pad or she will pee on the floor. Give lots of praise and treats to the puppy when she correctly relieves herself on the pad.
Step 3
Place her on the pad whenever you notice "warning" signs of elimination. Such indicators include sniffing around the floor, circling and pacing while sniffing. As soon as you observe these behaviors, you must immediately place the puppy on the pad so she can relieve herself. If she gets off, return her to the pad. Offer praise and a treat after she successfully eliminates.
Resources
Tips
- Slowly move the wee wee pads toward the door, and eventually, outside to completely house train your puppies.
- Dispose of soiled pads in a plastic garbage bag to contain the odor.
- If you catch puppies eliminating someplace besides the wee wee pad, clap your hands to get the pup's attention, and then calmly place her on the wee pad to finish her business. Even if she doesn't have much left to urinate, it will help her learn the appropriate place to use.
Warnings
- Don't hit, scold or punish your puppy for eliminating off the pad. The only thing she'll understand from punishment is that she shouldn't relieve herself when you're looking. Instead, offer an incentive to behave correctly by offering lavish vocal praise and treats when she does eliminate on the pad.
Writer Bio
Christina Bednarz Schnell began writing full-time in 2010. Her areas of expertise include child development and behavior, medical conditions and pet health. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in international relations.