House training a new puppy can be a daunting task. While some puppies take to potty training quickly, others may struggle and need more time and patience. Using a combination of puppy pads indoors and outdoor potty training is an effective way to get your puppy on the right track. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to use puppy pads and outdoor potty training together to train your puppy.
When to Start Potty Training a Puppy
The first step is knowing when to start potty training. Most experts recommend starting potty training when your puppy is between 8 to 12 weeks old. By this age, puppies have better control over their bladder and bowel movements compared to when they are very young.
Some signs that your puppy is ready for potty training include:
- Your puppy is over 8 weeks old
- They can hold their bladder for 2-3 hours
- Your puppy shows interest in going outside or sniffing areas to go potty
- Their bowel movements are becoming more regular
Once you notice these signs, it’s a good time to start introducing outdoor potty training and puppy pads. Potty training a puppy requires time, consistency and patience so be prepared to spend several weeks to months on this process.
Setting Up an Indoor Potty Area
One of the first steps in potty training is designating an indoor potty area using puppy pads. Here are some tips on how to set this up:
Choose a Good Location
Pick a corner or area of your home that is easy to clean and won’t get high traffic. Some good places include:
- Laundry room
- Mud room
- Corner of the kitchen
- Near a sliding door that leads outside
Make sure to avoid high traffic areas or places with carpets. Tile, vinyl or hardwood floors are ideal for easy cleaning.
Use the Right Puppy Pads
There are many types of puppy pads available. Look for pads that:
- Are highly absorbent
- Have a plastic lining to prevent leaks
- Contain an attractant to encourage pottying
- Are large enough for your puppy, about 23 x 24 inches
Avoid pads with a plastic layer on top, as these make more noise and may startle your puppy.
Properly Place the Pads
Lay down 2-3 pads overlapping each other to cover the area. This gives your puppy space to move around and potty freely. Avoid placing food, water or toys on the pads so your puppy does not get confused.
Confine Your Puppy
Use baby gates or exercise pens to keep your puppy confined to the indoor potty area when you are unable to supervise them. This prevents potty mistakes around the house while they learn to use the pads.
How to Use the Indoor Potty Area
Once your indoor potty area is set up, here is how to use the pads to start training:
Stick to a Schedule
Take your puppy to the puppy pads according to a consistent schedule. Some good times include first thing in the morning, after naps, about 10-15 minutes after meals, before bedtime and whenever they show signs of needing to potty.
Praise for Using the Pads
When you see your puppy using the pads, praise them enthusiastically. Give treats and affection immediately after to reinforce the behavior. This teaches them that pottying on the pads is good.
Clean Accidents Properly
If your puppy has an accident outside of the pads, calmly clean up with an enzymatic cleaner to remove odors. Don’t punish or scold them, as this can delay training. Just make sure to take them back to the pads next time.
Gradually Transition Outside
Once your puppy reliably uses the pads, you can gradually move them closer to the door before removing them completely. This introduces outdoor training.
Introducing Outdoor Potty Training
While puppy pads are helpful for young pups, the goal is to transition your dog to pottying outside. Here are some tips on how to introduce outdoor training:
Choose a Potty Spot
Pick a designated outdoor potty spot close to an exit of your home. Choose an area with good drainage and cover if possible. Mark it with a rock or flag so your puppy associates the area with pottying.
Take Them Out Frequently
Take your puppy to the potty spot according to a consistent schedule, about every 2-3 hours as well as after meals, playtime, naps and when they show signs of needing to go. This teaches them where to potty outside.
Use a Potty Command
As you take your puppy to the potty spot, use a command like “Go Potty” or “Do Your Business.” Say it each time so they learn to associate the phrase with going to the bathroom.
Reward Success
When your puppy successfully potties outside, give lots of praise, treats and affection immediately after. This positive reinforcement helps speed up training.
Limit Access
When you can’t supervise your puppy, confine them to a crate or small room rather than giving them free roam of the house initially. This prevents indoor accidents.
Be Patient
Puppies will inevitably have some accidents at first. Stick to the training schedule consistently and don’t punish them. With time and positive reinforcement, they will learn.
Transitioning From Pads to Outdoor Potty Training
Once your puppy is regularly using the indoor puppy pads, follow these tips to fully transition them to outdoor potty training:
- Slowly move the pads closer to the door over days or weeks
- Reduce the pad size gradually until you are down to just one
- After a period of success with one pad inside, remove it so the only option is outdoors
- Stick to a consistent outdoor potty schedule, especially first thing in the morning, after confinement, and after meals
- If accidents occur, revert back to pads for a few days before trying again
- When outdoor training is successful, limit access inside and praise outdoor pottying heavily
The indoor pads serve as an important temporary tool during the transition. Be patient, positively reinforce success and stick to a schedule during this process.
Common Puppy Potty Training Challenges and Solutions
Potty training a puppy can hit some bumps in the road. Here are some common challenges and how to handle them:
Accidents in the House
Solution: Stick to the schedule, limit access when unsupervised, clean with an enzymatic cleaner and don’t punish accidents. Praise your puppy for going in the right spot.
Peeing Too Frequently
Solution: Take your puppy out more often and talk to your vet. Frequent urination could indicate a UTI or other medical issue needing treatment.
Not Using the Puppy Pads
Solution: Temporarily cover more area with pads and confine access. Ensure you are using the right pad type and praising success.
Refusing to Potty Outdoors
Solution: Ensure you are allowing enough time outside and praising heavily when they go. Limit freedom in the house to avoid indoor options.
Regressing with Accidents
Solution: Refresh the training schedule and reinforce the desired behaviors. Rule out medical issues and be patient during this natural part of training.
Consistency, confinement, praise for success and veterinary guidance can help troubleshoot issues. Don’t lose hope! With time, your puppy can learn to successfully use both indoor pads and outdoor pottying.
Housetraining Adult Dogs Using Pads and Outside Pottying
While pad training is most common for puppies, it can also be useful when housetraining an adult dog. Setting up an indoor potty area while also taking them outside establishes a clear place to go. Follow the same steps:
- Designate an indoor potty area with pads and attractant
- Stick to a schedule for taking them to pads or outside
- Confine when unsupervised to avoid indoor accidents
- Provide treats and praise for using pads and outdoor pottying
- Gradually move pads closer to door before fully transitioning outside
- Limit freedom indoors until fully housetrained
Adult dogs have better control but don’t scold accidents. Remain positive, patient and consistent. Adding pads provides backup reinforcement until outdoor training is solid.
Tips for Successfully Using Pads and Outdoor Training
Follow these useful tips to ensure potty training success as you use both puppy pads and outdoor trips:
- Establish a consistent schedule for pad use and outdoor potty trips
- Confine your puppy or limit access when you are away
- Use separate potty commands for pad use (“go potty”) vs outdoor (“go pee”)
- Always praise and reward desired potty behaviors, never scold accidents
- Be patient and stick with it – potty training takes weeks or months
- Clean all accidents with an enzymatic cleaner to remove odors
- Upgrade to larger pads as your puppy grows to provide enough space
- Get your veterinarian involved if you suspect a medical issue
- Stick to positive reinforcement and avoid punishment
- If challenges arise, refresh training and revert back to what previously worked
With consistency, patience and praise, integrating indoor pads and outdoor potty training can get your puppy on the path to being fully housetrained.
Frequently Asked Questions About Using Pads and Outdoor Training
Here are answers to some common questions about using puppy pads and outdoor potty training together:
How long does it take to fully potty train a puppy?
It typically takes 2-4 months on average to fully housetrain a puppy using both pads and outdoor potty training. Puppies under 6 months usually aren’t able to hold their bladder for more than 2-3 hours. Consistency and patience are key over this multi-month training timeline.
At what age can a puppy go all night without pottying?
Puppies can usually sleep through the night without pottying around 4-6 months old, holding their bladder 6-8 hours. Until then, expect to take puppies out overnight, setting alarms to take them out every 2-4 hours to potty.
How do I transition from potty pads to going outside?
To transition, slowly move pads closer to the door over time. Then switch to one pad before removing completely. Take your puppy outside more often than the schedule for pads, giving treats and praise for outdoor potties. Limit freedom indoors and supervise directly until fully trained.
Should I use puppy pads or outdoor training only?
Using both pads and outdoor training together is most effective. Pads provide a reliable backup indoor option while you teach your pup to potty outside through repetition and positive reinforcement. Combining both methods prevents accidents and teaches flexibility.
What cleaning products remove pet odors and stains?
Use an enzymatic cleaner like Nature’s Miracle or Bissell Pet Stain Eliminator to remove odors and stains when cleaning up accidents. Avoid ammonia-based products. Vinegar and baking soda also help remove urine stains and odors from surfaces.
How do I teach my puppy to alert me when they need to go?
As you take your puppy to the pads or outside, watch for natural potty signals like circling, sniffing, whining or heading to the door. Say “Do you need to go potty?” when you notice these subtle signs, then praise them for pottying. Soon they learn to alert you this way.
Using a combination of pads and outdoor trips takes advantage of both methods to reinforce good potty habits. Have realistic expectations about training timelines, and be prepared for messes as your puppy learns. With consistent positive reinforcement, your dog can successfully learn to use both indoor pads and outdoor pottying.
Conclusion
Balancing indoor puppy pads and outdoor potty training is an effective approach to housetraining that sets your dog up for success. By establishing a designated indoor potty area with pads and taking your puppy outside on a consistent schedule, they learn it’s acceptable to go in both locations. Praise pottying in the right places, stick to confinement and cleaning protocols when accidents happen, and be very patient over weeks and months of training. Despite some normal bumps in the road, the diligent use of both pads and outdoor trips will get your puppy well on their way to being fully housetrained. Consistency, positive reinforcement and time are the keys to potty training, so that your puppy soon becomes a happy, healthy member of your household.