Today we’re talking about a common potty training tool - indoor potty pads. Also known as wee-wee pads, piddle pads, or grass pads. Essentially anything that creates a bathroom for your dog where there usually isn't one.
While they’re super popular and seem convenient, potty pads aren’t the quick fix they appear to be. Let’s talk about how these pads can impact house training.
Just like most things, it's not black and white. So we'll talk about how for most, potty pads make things more challenging while for some they can be a good option.
If you're looking for a complete guide on how to potty train your puppy check out my free download here, including a bonus puppy tracker.
🎧Like to listen?
Check out my Your New Puppy's Podcast episode on this same topic.
What are Indoor Potty Pads, Anyway?
Also called wee-wee pads or pee pads. Most commonly they are large absorbent paper squares. Some fancier types include grass pads or trays similar to kitty litter boxes.
You can find them in any pet store with pictures of puppies all over the packaging.
Some might claim they have a scent that attracts your puppy to relieve themselves conveniently right on the pad.
This makes it feel like a natural choice when starting house training. But as we'll talk about in a minute, you'll want to resist this urge.
They're very appealing. Easy clean up and less trips outside. But these easy connivences can back fire later.
How Potty Pads Make Potty Training Harder
House training is all about teaching your dog the only place to go to the bathroom is outside. It sounds obvious, but remember, dogs don’t inherently know this! We have to teach it to them.
We do this by increasing and rewarding potting outside and avoiding accidents inside.
You can check out my Complete Guide to Potty Training Your Puppy for full details on my potty training process. - Free Download
They send your dog mixed signals
When you use potty pads, you’re teaching your dog, “Sometimes it's ok to go to the bathroom inside.” This inconstancy is super confusing for your puppy. It will create a longer, more drawn out process.
The clearer and more consistent we can be, the faster they’ll learn.
Using potty pads adds an extra step
When you use pads indoors, you’re likely adding an extra training step later. First, you teach them it’s okay to go inside on these pads. Then you have to wean them off the pads and teach them ONLY outside is OK.
This back-and-forth can make training last longer than it needs to.
Long term consequences
During your dog’s puppy stage, habits picked up during this time can stick with them for life.
Many adult dogs that still have accidents in the house originally used potty pads.
While this habit isn't impossible to break, it becomes harder the longer it goes on.
To be clear, this all applies to every type of pad, even grass pads. The location of the potty training is more impressionable than the texture.
When Potty Pads Might Be the Right Choice
Potty pads do have their place and can be an essential tool to some.
If you have an older dog who is struggling to make it outside, or a pet with a health condition that makes regular bathroom breaks difficult, potty pads can be a lifesaver.
If you have a small dog or live in a high-rise building or a place where going outside is a hassle, using pads permanently might make sense for your lifestyle.
Essentially if you eventually you want your pup to go potty exclusively outside then potty pads can hinder that. If you plan on using them for your dog's life then they can be useful.
Here's a common situation that's a bit of a gray area:
What about using pads on a balcony or deck, particularly for those living in apartments or condos?
This can be a good compromise if you don't want to use the pads inside but while the puppy is young and needs frequent breaks it will be very hard to get them outside often.
It's better than having pads indoors—since your puppy has to go through a door and it feels like going outside. The risk is that your dog may always see that spot as a bathroom, even after you remove the pad.
In this case, I recommend using the balcony, but as little as possible. For example, if you have to get your pup out quickly to avoid an accident or if middle of the night potty breaks are too disruptive.
The less you use it the easier the transition will be once your puppy can hold it longer.
Check out Episode #41 of Your New Puppy's Podcast: Tips on Raising Your Puppy in an Apartment
Other Things to Consider When Using Potty Pads
There are some things to consider if you plan on using potty pads indefinitely:
Boarding and Friend's Homes
If your dog is used to pads, new houses or boarding facilities can create some complications. Dogs that are trained to use pads may not understand where to go in a new environment.
For some dogs (though not all) it's about the location of the pad and not the pad itself. So when presented with a new house, they might just pick a random corner instead of the pad.
This has been a common experience for me when boarding dogs, and it's why many in home pet sitters prefer not to take on pad-trained pets.
Underestimate the importance of walks
Another downside is that using indoor pads can make us a bit lazy as dog owners. If we know our dog has the option to relieve themselves inside, we might skip that extra walk.
Walks aren't just about doing their business—they're about exercise, bonding, and exploring their world. The is the same trap we can fall into if we have a fenced in yard.
It's easy to get caught up in our busy lives and to think since they've already gone we're good, but dogs still need those stimulating walks.
Complete Guide to Potty Training Your Puppy
My tried and true potty training process. You'll know exactly what to do when and how to handle those inevitable accidents. Plus tips and tricks to make everything go smoother.
Includes a bonus Potty Tracker for you to use to keep track of your dog’s schedule, any accidents that happen, and your wins!
Let's wrap it up
In short, if your end goal is to have a dog that’s fully house trained to go outside, my advice is to buckle down, embrace the chaos for a bit, and skip the indoor pads altogether.
Hire a dog walker if you need a hand during the day or ask a neighbor for some help.
Yes, it might mean a bit more work upfront, but trust me, it'll pay off with a more straightforward house training journey and fewer messes in the long run.
If you do plan to use potty pads permanently, just be mindful of the limitations and challenges that can come with it.
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to raising your dog—but knowing the pros and cons can help you make the best choice for you and your furry friend.
What's Next in Potty Training?
If you need more guidance on the entire process of potty training I have two resources for you:
Check out this post:
YNP #10: Complete Guide to Potty Training Your Puppy
Or Request a free download of my compressive guide including a bonus puppy tracker:
Complete Guide to Potty Training Your Puppy - free download
If you're ready for full personalized support in raising your new puppy I'd love for you to join YOUR Perfect Puppy, my 4-week online course designed to teach new puppy owners the skills and knowledge needed to raise a happy and well-behaved dog, covering topics from basic cues and potty training to building a relationship of trust and respect. Check out all the details here.
When you join YOUR Perfect Puppy you receive 6 months inside Playtime Paws Academy. The Academy is membership program that provides ongoing support to new puppy owners through features such as weekly live calls with me, a community forum, and a database of enrichment activities. This combination of structured learning and ongoing support aims to empower puppy owners to confidently navigate the challenges of puppyhood and build a strong bond with their dogs.
