As our furry friends get older, they can face some challenges like incontinence or trouble with urination. Senior dogs, much like puppies, might find it tough to go outside due to health or medical conditions or even mobility issues. Training an older dog to use pee pads is a simple and effective solution to keep your house clean and hygienic.
Luckily, Contrary to popular belief, it’s not that hard to teach an old dog new tricks. With the right dog pads, you can make this process easier. Pee pads are a handy and convenient option for when your senior dog needs to go but can’t make it outside in time. So, let’s dive into a step-by-step guide on how to get your senior dog accustomed to these pads.
How to Train an Older Dog to Use a Pee Pad
Choose the Right Pee Pads
When training your older dog , choosing between disposable and reusable pee pads can be an important decision. Each type has its own benefits that might suit your senior dog’s needs and your lifestyle.
Disposable Pee Pads
Disposable pee pads offer a hassle-free solution for pet owners. Once your dog is done using them, just throw them away, making cleanup quick and easy. These pads are designed with extra absorbent layers and Dry Speed™ Technology, which turns urine into a gel to prevent leaks and unpleasant smells. Brands like PetMd use Super Absorbent Polymers (SAP) to keep your home hygienic and reduce the risk of lingering odors and bacteria.
Reusable Pee Pads
On the other hand, reusable pee pads are an environmentally friendly choice. They are eco-friendly, allowing you to wash and reuse them, which can reduce waste and be more cost-effective in the long run.
When I switched my Labrador, Max, to these reusable pads, I noticed they needed regular washing to maintain cleanliness, but the comfort they provided him and the waste reduction were clear wins. Regular washing keeps them fresh and hygienic, making them a practical choice for my home and my conscience.
Setting Up a Schedule for Pee Pad Training
Supervise your dog closely and redirect them to the pee pad if they have an accident.. A playpen or a circular area with the pee pads can help in keeping the pads available and in sight. This approach makes the training process smoother and helps your dog understand where it’s okay to pee.
Designate a Pee Pad Area
- Choose an accessible spot in your home
- Keep it separate from their food and water bowls
- Ensure it’s easy to reach for your dog
Ensure the pee pad area is separate from their food and water bowls to make the potty area clear and distinct. This will help your senior dog feel comfortable and know exactly where to relieve themselves, making the training process smoother.
Keeping Your Dog Confined at First
It helps to keep them confined to a room with the pad at first. This helps your dog recognize the pee pad as their potty spot and get accustomed to using it. By keeping them in this one place, they will learn where they should go to relieve themselves.
Make sure the pee pad is easily accessible and watch for signs like sniffing or pawing to read their interest. This method will help your dog acclimate to their new potty routine and make the training process smoother.
Teaching Your Dog a Cue for Peeing and Pooing
When training your older dog to use Potty Pads, it’s helpful to teach them verbal cues like “go potty,” “go pee,” or “use the pad.” These commands help your dog know when it’s time to use the pee pad. Each time your dog relieves themselves on the pad, repeat the cue and give them a reward. This will help your dog associate the commands with using the potty pad and learn to follow the cue when they need to pee or poo.
Using Positive Reinforcement to Train Your Dog
Positive reinforcement is very important. Every time your dog urinate or poo on the pee pad, give them praise and a reward right away. This could be a treat, a belly rub, or some attention. According to the Animal Control Center Org( NAFC) , positive reinforcement is a key tool in helping dogs learn good behaviors. It helps your dog understand that using the designated area is a good thing.
I focused on encouraging her with praise and rewards when she eliminated in the right spot. Consistency in using verbal cues and rewards helped shape her behavior, making potty training a more pleasant experience for both of us.
Focus on Consistency and Timing
It’s important to focus on consistency and timing. Set a regular schedule for bathroom breaks and take your dog to the pee pad at frequent intervals. This helps them get used to a routine and understand when it’s time to go.
You should monitor and supervise your dog closely during training. If they have an accident, clean it up and gently guide them to the pee pad. Using a playpen or a circular area with pads can also help keep the training area clear and easy for your dog to find their spot.
Repeat training each day, for 1-3 weeks
Training your older dog to use Potty Pads requires repetition and consistency. To help your senior pup learn, make sure to train for 1-3 weeks, practicing every day. This steady routine gives your dog the time to adjust and understand that using the pee pad is the positive step they need to take.
Each day, guide your dog to the pad and reward them for peeing in the right spot. This consistent practice helps your dog meet their potty goals and makes learning the new behavior easier.
Why are Potty Pads the solution for your older dog?
Potty Pads offer an excellent solution for senior dogs, particularly those facing mobility challenges or health concerns. As dogs age, they might have trouble walking or getting outside regularly, which can make potty training challenging. For dogs living in high-rise buildings or apartments, going outside may be a hassle, making pee pads a convenient option.
Pee pads are easy to use and place, providing a comfortable and accessible spot for your senior canine to relieve themselves. They help maintain hygiene and are practical for dogs dealing with incontinence or arthritis. By using pee pads, you can make potty routines smoother and less stressful for your older dog, addressing urination issues while accommodating their medical conditions.
Expert Veterinary Advice
Dr. Jennifer Coates, DVM, a freelance veterinarian and veterinary consultant with over 20 years of experience in animal care.
“Senior dogs may take longer to learn new behaviors due to aging. It’s important to provide them with plenty of encouragement, patience, and consistency. Positive reinforcement, including treats and praise, works well for older pets,”
Dr. Mary Gardner, DVM, Co-Founder of Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice:
“Senior dogs, especially those with arthritis or joint problems, may not be able to move as quickly or comfortably. Pee pads provide an indoor option that is both accessible and comfortable for these pets. Look for pads with good absorbency to prevent skin irritation.”
Final thoughts
Training your senior dog to use a pee pad can make life easier for both you and your beloved pet. This solution helps your aging canine adapt to new routines and manage potty training challenges, especially if they have mobility issues or other health problems. With patience and consistency, you can teach your dog to use the pee pad effectively.
To ensure a smooth transition, use positive reinforcement to reward your dog when they use the pee pad correctly. Set up a regular schedule and choose the right pee pad for your dog’s needs.
By understanding their limitations and providing a comfortable and accessible potty area, you can prevent messes and improve your dog’s quality of life. This will help make the training process more successful and enjoyable for your senior dog.
FAQ’s
Can an older dog be taught to use a pee pad?
Yes, older dogs can learn to use pee pads. It’s helpful to introduce the pad slowly. Let your dog sniff it first, as they might be interested or even suspicious at first. Some dogs might start licking the pad out of curiosity. With patience and practice, pee pads can become the best toilet solution for old dogs.
How do you attract an older dog to a pee pad?
To help your older dog understand the idea of using a pee pad, you can dab a bit of your pet’s urine on the pad. This shows them it’s for potty purposes. When they use the pad, reward them with a treat to reinforce the behavior.
How to teach an adult dog to pee on a pee pad?
Take your dog to the pad regularly, using a leash to prevent wandering. Stand with them at the spot for a few minutes, but if they don’t pee within 5 minutes, ignore the pad and take it away for now. Consistency is key to teaching this new habit.
What attracts dogs to pee pads?
Many pee pads have special attractants that simulate the smell of grass or ammonia, which encourages dogs to use them. The pheromones in these pads can remind dogs of places they usually pee, like areas where they play or sleep.
What smells encourage dogs to pee?
Dogs are often encouraged to urinate in marking spots where other dogs have already gone. They use scented pheromones, ammonia, and other organic compounds in urine to mark territory and communicate with each other.
