Don't whip the puppy training pads away at the first sign of pee in the garden. These things do take time, and a puppy bladder takes months to grow, so even if they only occasionally use it, leaving out the pads at night will help them feel settled and relieve any anxiety.
One of the primary advantages of puppy pads is convenience. They can be a useful aid for training, especially at the stage in your puppy's life when they need to go frequently. Maintenance and cleanup are as simple as tossing the previous pad and laying down another.
In short, there isn't a set time when you should stop using puppy pads. If your pup waits for one to be put down before they go, they could equally have held their bladder until you let them outside.
Most puppies need the bathroom when they wake up in the morning, after eating, after playing, and after napping. So, take your puppy to the potty pad every time one of these events occurs. Take your puppy to the potty pad anytime they haven't been for an hour or two.
It's important to understand that young puppies will need to use the toilet at least once during the night. So, for the initial few weeks, make sure you set an alarm during the night to let your puppy use the bathroom (usually around 6 hours after their last potty break).
Puppies can hold it a little longer while they are sleeping. You will still need to make (at least) one trip halfway through the night for puppies under 4 months old, and maybe a little after that for some pups. Remember to set a (gentle) alarm for 4-5 hours after your puppy's bedtime.
Typically, dogs between 7-16 weeks can sleep 6-8 hours, but they still need to take a potty break at night. So if your dog wakes up at night, it means it needs to pee.
Frequency of Changing Pee/Potty Pads
Having a dirty or smelly puppy pad can lead to infection, so you must change your dog's pads as often as necessary. It's a good idea to change the diaper every time he has an accident, and you should also change him at least once a day.
Puppies usually potty after sleeping, eating, drinking, and after playing. After your puppy does one of these things, you'll want to pick it up about 15 minutes later and place it onto the potty pad in anticipation of it having to urinate or defecate.
Remember, dogs and especially puppies need to urinate often. As a guideline, new puppies up to 10 weeks old typically can't hold their bladder for more than an hour. Dogs between 10 to 12 weeks old can usually hold it for around two hours.
Though many people think dogs can curl up and sleep most anywhere, your furry friend really shouldn't be sleeping on the floor. You also probably don't want him climbing up on your beds or sofas. The truth is, dogs need beds just like we do, and they are beneficial for a variety of reasons.
According to the Humane Society of the United States, most puppies can actually sleep for up to seven hours without relieving themselves—so it definitely is possible.
Give him no attention as you pace quietly back and forth by the pee spot. When he squats or lifts his leg wait, for him to finish. As he's finishing happily say your cue word “GO POTTY!” When he is done, give a marker (a verbal “Yes!” or the click of a clicker), then lavish him with praise and something really yummy.
Most puppies do best in a crate with a soft and suitable bed or bedding tucked inside. Crates keep your little guy corralled and away from temptations and dangers while you get some shut-eye too.
The instant you feel your puppy's teeth touch you, give a high-pitched yelp. Then immediately walk away from him. Ignore him for 30 to 60 seconds. If your puppy follows you or continues to bite and nip at you, leave the room for 30 to 60 seconds.
You can train your dog to go potty on a designated potty pad instead of outdoors like typical potty training.
Puppies must go a lot, especially when they are young. Some pups can even go up to four times a day! It is normal for a puppy to pee every 15 minutes to 30 minutes as they get older and can move around more freely. And remember puppies don't always have accidents.
While they might seem like a convenient solution, they'll only end up sabotaging your potty-training efforts: They teach your dog to pee in your house. They don't work for long-term use. They're not sanitary.
Once you select the best Wee-Wee Pad for your dog, place it somewhere they can easily access and away from heavy foot traffic. A corner of the room where your pet spends most of their time is often ideal.
One of the easiest ways to train a dog to go only in one spot is to train it to go on command. Take your dog on a leash to the spot you want it to use, and say the cue word. Keep the dog in that spot until it goes, then offer a reward. Only reward the dog when it goes in that particular spot.
What To Put Under Pee Pads? We recommend having them on a hard surface like hardwood that is easy to clean if the pee pads leak. You could also put the pee pad on a small, inexpensive rug that you can wash if need be (which might help the pads from sliding around too).
Most puppies can sleep for approximately seven hours without needing a bathroom break. If your puppy does wake you up in the night, don't make a big deal of it; otherwise, they will think it is time to play and won't want to go back to sleep.
Where Should Your Puppy Sleep? While you may eventually want to let your dog sleep in bed with you (or your kids), it really is best if your pup starts out sleeping in a crate — you can always let them in the bed later, once they're fully potty-trained, sleeping soundly, and happily acclimated to their crate.
Allowing your pup in the bed with you at a young age can be a gateway into them exhibiting more demanding and unwanted behaviors. If you're noticing more barking, jumping nipping and general not listening, it is common for this to all stem from the lack of boundaries and structure, especially at nighttime.
By the time your puppy is about 4 months old, they should be able to start sleeping through the night without needing the toilet. (Although small breeds take longer as their bladders are smaller.)