Most dogs are toilet trained outdoors, but for urban dogs, indoor potty training is an option for small breeds and puppies that are in the process of completing their vaccinations.
Potty pads are also useful for geriatric dogs, dogs in high rise apartments and during the cold winter months.
Although it’s convenient, potty pads are made of absorbent chemicals and plastic, and most disposable brands are not biodegradable. Daily use of these pads only contributes to the mounting waste in landfills. To protect the planet, consider using washable wee wee pads.
Here are some tips!
- Purchase a few days worth of washable wee wee pads and rotate them as needed.
- Dogs are drawn to the scent of their own urine. During the learning phase, leave urine on their pads for a few days. Flush the poop in the toilet. The pads can be washed frequently once the dog learns to identify the pads as their toilet.
- Keep the pad in the same location so it’s identified as his toilet via scent and placement.
- Until the dog identifies the pad as their bathroom, do not use detergent in the wash cycle unless it is soiled with poop. Allow the urine scent to remain after washing. This expedites the process of potty training and prevents the dog from confusing a rug with his toilet. The scent is crucial to help the dog understand that the pad is their toilet.
- A variety of washable pads are available online. Whelping pads can also be used for potty training pads as it’s highly absorbent and comes in many sizes.
In the long run, washable pads are far more economical and kinder to Mother Earth!
