Do Potty Pads Work for Dogs? A Trainer's Honest Answer
Have you ever wondered if potty pads really work for dogs? As a professional dog trainer who has worked with hundreds of puppies, I’ve seen many families try potty pads. They hope these pads will make house training easier, especially in tough situations.
The quick answer? Potty pads never work for truly house training a dog.
Why People Try Potty Pads
It’s easy to see why potty pads seem like a good idea at first. You might be thinking about using them if you live in an apartment on a high floor, your yard is under construction, you work long hours away from home, or you have a long walk from your door to the grass.
These are real challenges! But after years of experience, I can tell you that potty pads always make house training harder, not easier.
The Truth About Potty Pads
In my years working with dogs, I’ve noticed some big problems with potty pads:
1. Dogs Get Confused
Dogs don’t understand the difference between a potty pad and other soft things in your home. To them, a potty pad feels a lot like your bathroom rug, the welcome mat by your door, a blanket left on the floor, or your child’s stuffed animal.
Many dogs who use potty pads end up going potty on any soft surface they find. Others will go where the potty pad used to be because there is a pee scent there (even though the owner cleaned it with the best cleaning spray from the pet store). This creates more problems, not fewer!
2. Mixed Messages Make Training Harder
When you use potty pads, you’re telling your dog that going potty inside is sometimes OK. Dogs don’t understand “sometimes” very well. They learn best with clear, simple rules like “always go potty outside.”
According to a study in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior, “Consistent routines and clear expectations lead to faster house training success in puppies.” Potty pads create inconsistency, which confuses dogs.
3. They Never Work Reliably
Even when dogs do use potty pads, they will miss the pad partially, use the pad only sometimes, start to avoid the pad as they get older, or tear up and play with the pad.
In my entire career, I’ve never seen a dog use potty pads 100% reliably over time. Not once!
“I’ve worked with hundreds of clients who tried potty pads for all sorts of reasonable situations,” I tell my clients. “The outcome is always the same: frustration, confusion, and ultimately having to restart the potty training process from scratch.”
4. Double the Work
Eventually, most people want their dog to go potty outside all the time. When that day comes, you’ll need to start house training all over again! This means you’re actually doing twice the work by using pads.
What Works Better Than Potty Pads
Even in challenging situations, these approaches work better:
Crate Training: A properly sized crate helps your puppy learn to hold their bladder when you can’t watch them. Dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area.
A Consistent Schedule: Taking your puppy outside at the same times every day helps their body get on a regular schedule. Always go out first thing in the morning, after meals, after playtime, after naps, and before bedtime.
Middle-of-the-Night Solutions: For young puppies who truly can’t hold it all night, set an alarm for one middle-of-the-night potty break or use a special nighttime setup (which I explain in my “Puppy Zzz’s Blueprint”).
Help During Long Work Days: If you work long hours, consider coming home at lunch, hiring a dog walker, asking a neighbor to help, or using a properly set up exercise pen instead of pads.
The Fastest Way to Potty Training Success
The fastest path to a house-trained dog is clear and consistent rules from day one. This means always taking your dog outside to potty, supervising closely when inside or using a crate, sticking to a regular feeding and potty schedule, and rewarding for going in the right place.
If you’re struggling with nighttime potty breaks, I’ve created a guide called “Puppy Zzz’s Blueprint” that shows you how to sleep through the night while still successfully potty training your puppy.
It’s Never Too Late to Change
If you’re currently using potty pads, don’t worry! It’s never too late to switch to a more effective approach. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll have a fully house-trained dog.
Most puppies can be reliably house trained in 2-4 weeks using consistent outdoor training. Compare that to the months (or even years) many potty pad users struggle with accidents and confusion.
The Bottom Line
Potty pads might seem like a helpful shortcut, but they almost always lead to confusion, more accidents, and longer training time. Instead, commit to consistent outdoor potty breaks from the beginning. Your floors (and your sanity) will thank you.
Even in the toughest situations, there are better solutions than potty pads. With the right approach, almost any dog can learn to hold it until they get outside. And that’s the goal we’re all aiming for!
