Pawademy

Tag: puppies

  • How to potty train your puppy to use pee pads

    How to potty train your puppy to use pee pads

    Learning to use pee pads is one of the first everyday skills a puppy picks up. The key is consistency: puppies learn gradually through repetition and clear associations.

    When pee pads make sense

    Pee pads are useful:

    • during the first months of a puppy’s life
    • after vaccinations, when outdoor walks are limited
    • at night or during bad weather
    • for small breeds (like Pomeranians, Yorkies or Chihuahuas)
    • during the adjustment period in a new home

    Even if your dog will eventually go outside, pee pads can be a helpful transitional step.

    What to keep in mind

    A puppy cannot control bladder function the same way an adult dog can. Accidents early on are a normal part of the process, not “bad behavior” or stubbornness.

    Puppies usually need to go:

    • after sleeping
    • after eating or drinking
    • after active play
    • first thing in the morning

    How to set up training

    1. Choose a fixed spot

    Place the pad in a quiet, easy-to-reach area. Avoid moving it unless necessary. Consistency helps your puppy learn faster.

    2. Limit the space

    If your home is large, it can be harder for a puppy to figure things out. At first, it helps to keep them in one room or place pads in several areas.

    3. Take your puppy to the pad at the right times

    After sleep, meals or play, bring your puppy to the pad and wait a few minutes.

    4. Reward immediately

    As soon as your puppy uses the pad, praise them and offer a treat.

    5. Repeat consistently

    The more successful repetitions, the faster the habit forms.

    If your puppy misses the pad

    Do not scold or punish after the fact. Your puppy will not connect the correction to something that already happened and will not understand what went wrong.

    What to do instead:

    • clean up calmly
    • use an odor remover
    • think about what you missed
    • adjust your routine and supervision

    Helpful tips

    • remove rugs for now
    • watch for signals: puppies often circle and sniff the floor before going
    • stay calm and patient

    When to expect results

    Some puppies learn quickly, others take more time. It depends on age, routine, personality and your consistency. Progress usually does not happen overnight — it builds step by step.

    The most effective way to teach your puppy to use pee pads is a clear routine, calm training and regular positive reinforcement. Patience and repetition work far better than punishment.

  • A puppy at home: what to buy and how to prepare

    A puppy at home: what to buy and how to prepare

    Getting a puppy is exciting, but it also changes your daily routine completely. The first few weeks are usually about feeding schedules, sleep, potty training and overall adjustment. The better you prepare in advance, the less stressful it will be for both the puppy and your household.

    Your main goal at the start is to create a safe environment, get the essentials ready and understand what to expect in the first days.

    What to do before your puppy arrives

    1. Set up a safe area

    Your puppy needs a space where they can rest and feel secure, while still being easy to supervise. A kitchen, part of a room, a playpen or a gated area all work well.

    Why it helps:

    • reduces the risk of chewing unwanted items
    • makes potty training easier
    • helps establish a routine
    • prevents overwhelm from too much space

    2. Remove potential hazards

    Puppies explore the world with their mouths. Remove anything dangerous from their reach:

    • cables, chargers, extension cords
    • household chemicals
    • medications
    • trash bins
    • small objects
    • shoes
    • children’s toys
    • toxic plants (such as dieffenbachia, lily, aloe vera, ivy and cyclamen)
    • plastic bags, threads, rubber bands

    3. Plan for potty training

    Decide in advance where the puppy will go to the bathroom. This could be pee pads at home or a schedule of frequent outdoor trips if the puppy is old enough.

    Make sure you have:

    • pee pads
    • odor remover
    • wipes and paper towels

    Basic checklist: what to buy in advance

    1. Food and water

    • at least two stable bowls
    • the same food the puppy is currently eating
    • a measuring cup or kitchen scale
    • a container for food storage

    Tip: avoid changing your puppy’s diet right away unless necessary.

    2. Sleep and rest

    • a dog bed or mattress
    • a blanket

    Tip: choose a bed that is easy to wash.

    You can also check our article How to choose the right bed for your dog.

    3. Walks and training

    • a properly sized collar or harness
    • a lightweight leash
    • an ID tag
    • treats for training
    • waste bags for walks

    4. Home and safety

    • a playpen or divider
    • a few safe toys
    • chew toys
    • odor remover
    • a brush suited to your puppy’s coat type

    5. Health

    • contact details for a nearby veterinary clinic
    • a carrier for transport
    • a folder for documents, vaccinations and notes

    The first days at home

    On the first day, your puppy needs calm more than stimulation.

    It’s best to:

    • limit the number of visitors
    • show water, sleeping area and potty spot
    • let them explore at their own pace
    • keep your voice calm
    • avoid forcing interaction or play
    • observe more than you interfere

    The best preparation is not about buying everything, but about setting up your home properly. If the space is safe, the essentials are ready and the routine becomes clear over time, your puppy will adjust much more easily.