Training a Puppy to Use Wee-Wee® Pads
By Tammy Gagne
Housetraining a puppy can feel like an overwhelming task at first, but using a few simple training aids can make the process go much more smoothly. Wee-Wee® Pads are among the best tools to help with this process. Whether you wish to indoor-train your pup or teach him to eliminate outside, these soft, absorbent pads can help your pet become reliably trained remarkably quickly.
SUPPLIES FOR EASY TRAINING
In addition to the
Wee-Wee® Pads themselves, you may opt to use the
Wee-Wee® Silicone Pad Holder or the
Wee-Wee® On Target Trainer™. The former helps to keep the pad from moving around—a definite advantage on a slippery floor. The walls of the On Target Trainer™ help keep your pup from eliminating outside the designated area. Use the
Wee-Wee® Puppy Housebreaking Aid with either of these items to help direct your pet to his potty spot.
HOW TO TRAIN
Training a puppy to use Wee-Wee® Pads is simple.
- Place a Wee-Wee® Pad in your pet’s elimination spot. Choose a location that is easy for your puppy to reach whenever the need arises. At the same time, it should be out of the way of your home’s heaviest foot traffic. A corner of the room where your pet spends most of his time is often ideal.
- In the beginning you will need to escort your puppy to his potty spot. Many pups will respond to the scent of the Wee-Wee® Housebreaking Aid by eliminating right away. If your pet doesn’t go, return him to the pad a short time later. Puppies typically need to empty their bladders first thing in the morning, after waking from naps, about 20 minutes after drinking water, and following vigorous play sessions. You may also find it useful to keep a chart of your pet’s housetraining successes and failures. Doing so can help you identify other times of the day that he needs to return to his potty spot.
- When your puppy eliminates on the Wee-Wee® Pad, praise him effusively. Some owners also choose to offer treats such as edible rewards or a toy at this time. What matters most is that your pet understands that you are pleased with his behavior. Many dogs delight in making their owners happy.
- After congratulating your puppy on his job well done, replace the soiled Wee-Wee® Pad with a new one. Remember to apply the Wee-Wee® Housebreaking Aid to the fresh pad to encourage your pup to return to his potty spot when he needs to eliminate again.
- If you wish to train your puppy to eliminate outdoors, move the Wee-Wee® Pad just a bit closer to the door each day once he appears to understand the pad’s purpose. Don’t move it too quickly, though. A difference of just a foot or two each day will get the job done. When the pad reaches the door, move it to the outdoor potty spot and begin taking your puppy there at regular intervals based on the information you have collected on his housetraining chart.
Eventually, your puppy will be fully housetrained with no need for pads or other training aids.
