Are puppy pad's the magic cure when toilet training a puppy?

5 February 2025

Are puppy pads for toilet training the answer?


When you’re toilet training your puppy it can be confusing to know what to do. You may have heard that puppy pad’s are the answer. Let’s discuss this. Remember that physically a pup’s bladder is very small.. they can’t hold it for too long! They don’t go to the bathroom indoors to spite you. Also remember that some dogs may not be going to the bathroom – they may be marking scent by doing very small pee’s.

ο»Ώ


What are puppy pads?


Puppy pads are absorbent pads that you put down on the floor so your puppy can go to the bathroom on them.


Why are they appealing?


·     They mean you don’t need to take trips down to the garden as often.



What are the challenges?


·     Many dogs will rip them and chew them.


·     I saw a photo of one dog asleep on one!


·     They are warm and comfy underfoot – which means concrete and grass isn’t appealing.. this means it can take longer to train.


·     They’re not good for the environment



With toilet training, there needs to be good timing, consistency and rewarding a puppy for going in the right place. Many dogs will choose to go inside (because it’s warm and that’s what they’ve been used to!). I’m not a fan of puppy pads, I think they increase toilet training time.


In puppy class we talk about toilet training and setting your dogs up for success. You can book here if you'd like to join.


by Lisa Sinnott 30 January 2026
Some dogs do it for hormonal reasons others due to behavioural. Reasons behind humping can include hormones, anxiety, tension attention seeking, frustration, eliciting play or displacement behaviour when stressed. Filling out the diary can help pinpoint more triggers and look at what is happening.
by Lisa Sinnott 30 January 2026
Children and Dogs: A Guide to Safe and Happy Relationships Having a dog in your family is exciting and fun, but it’s important to teach children how to interact safely and kindly with their furry friend. Puppies and young dogs are still learning, and we need to help them grow into happy, well-behaved companions.
by Lisa Sinnott 30 January 2026
You may have heard that you have made a 'rod for your own back' with your dog, or 'spoiling' them has caused separation anxiety. I am here to tell you, that this is not the case. Dogs from breeders and rescued dogs can experience it. Separation distress can be caused for lots of different reasons. These can include:
by Lisa Sinnott 30 January 2026
Understanding Pica in Dogs: Why They Eat Non-Food Items
by Lisa Sinnott 29 January 2026
Sound sensitivities can be distressing for us to watch.
by Lisa Sinnott 27 January 2026
Many trees can be dangerous if a dog eats them which many dogs can do.
by Lisa Sinnott 19 January 2026
Sometimes management at home can be tricky if you have more than one dog, with this in mind I wanted to break down some options for you.
by Lisa Sinnott 12 January 2026
It is thought that in chronic stress that the part of the brain responsible for learning and memory – the hippocampus – has shrunk.
by Lisa Sinnott 7 January 2026
Introducing dogs to one another
by Lisa Sinnott 15 December 2025
Not all muzzles are made the same. Fabric one’s can inhibit panting, and can easily be torn on branches and some hold a dog’s mouth shut – uncomfortable and mean they cannot pant.