Potty Training 101: How To Train Your Dog To Use A Grass Pad
House training your new puppy or adult dog to eliminate on a designated indoor grass pad takes patience and consistency.
Following proper techniques sets your dog up for success in using the artificial turf spot for all bathroom needs. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to potty train your furry friend to love its grass pad.
Why choose a grass pad?
Grass pads provide the perfect indoor potty solution for many pet parents. Here’s why they are a great option:
Convenient, designated bathroom area at home or when traveling
Less time-consuming than rushing outside or waiting for walks
Keep elderly, ill, or small dogs from having accidents
Provides an outdoor feel for dogs
Protects floors from damage compared to puppy pads
Controls odors better than other indoor potty options
Easier to clean and maintain than real indoor sod
Gives dogs a space to urinate, defecate, and dig freely
Helps reinforce good potty habits
How to pick the right grass pad
Before training, you must set up the ideal grass pad station. Keep these tips in mind when selecting one:
Size
Measure your space and pick a pad that fits comfortably
Allow adequate room for your dog to circle, sniff, squat, lift a leg, etc.
Get a larger size for big/giant breeds or multiple dogs
Absorbency
Select a pad that fully absorbs and retains urine
Look for synthetic grass blades designed to pull liquid downwards
Opt for built-in drainage holes or trays for maximum absorption
Odor control
Be sure the pad has activated charcoal or antimicrobials to reduce smells
Consider scented pads for additional odor-fighting power
Durability
Choose turf made from dense, resilient synthetic fibers
Reinforced borders and tear-resistant backing are a must for rowdy dogs
Go for UV-protected turf if using a pad outdoors
Easy to clean
Seek removable trays, zip-off covers, and detachable turf
Holes allow liquid to drain fully when hosed off
Picking the perfect location
Where you put the grass pad in your home makes a difference in how well your dog uses it. Here are smart setup tips:
Place near exterior doors for easy outdoor access
Position away from feeding and sleeping areas to avoid confusion
Find a low-traffic zone in the home for privacy
Elevate the pad off the floor using trays for proper drainage
Add a puppy pad or artificial turf scent attractant under the grass
Conceal outdoor pads behind lattice or decorative planters
Getting started with crate training
Crate training in conjunction with grass pad introduction helps reinforce good potty habits through consistent scheduling and confinement when you can’t supervise. Here’s how to crate train properly:
Selecting a crate
Get a crate big enough for your dog to stand, turn and lie down
Choose plastic for easier cleaning or wire for ventilation
Be sure the crate includes a comfy bed and safe chew toys
Use positive associations
Place treats and toys inside so the dog enters voluntarily
Feed meals inside the crate to build enjoyment
Avoid using crates for punishments to prevent negative feelings
Follow a routine
Stick to a daily crating schedule of once hourly for puppies and longer for adults
Take outside immediately before crating and right after releasing
Praise and reward pottying outside to reinforce the habit
House training fundamentals
No matter what age your dog is, following these standard housebreaking guidelines sets them up for grass pad achievement:
Establish a routine
Feed scheduled meals versus free feeding to predict when the dog needs to poop
Take outside to the pad or yard immediately after eating, drinking, playing, and waking
Praise every potty success, then reward with treats, pets, or play
Supervise or confine
Keep dogs under watch when loose indoors until fully trained
Limit access to rooms using baby gates if you can’t supervise
Use crates when you’re unable to watch closely
Prevent accidents
Restrict access to former accident zones with closed doors or ex-pens
Clean all old potty areas with enzymatic cleaners to remove odors
Catch dogs in the act and immediately rush them outside to finish
Grass pad training timeline
The duration of grass pad training varies by age and prior history but usually follows a predictable timeline:
0-4 months
Take puppies out every 30-60 minutes plus immediately after playing, eating, and waking
Provide constant supervision when not crated until about 16 weeks
Limit access to rooms using ex-pens or leashes to avoid sneak pees
Expect a puppy to start signaling he needs to go out around 3-4 months
4-12 months
Lengthen the time between trips outside to 2-3 hours except at night
Supervise closely when loose or confined when you can’t watch
Continue praising and rewarding every potty success
Accidents will decrease significantly by 6 months
Adult dogs
Adopted adult dogs require intensive re-training with frequent pad trips
Limit freedom until regularly using a pad with few accidents
Beware of territorial marking by un-neutered males
Senior dogs may need re-training as bathroom habits change
Essential grass pad training tips
Follow these vital techniques to get your dog eliminated on the pad instead of around your home:
Use a command
Issue a command like “Go potty” every time you place the dog on the pad
Always use the same command for consistency
Say it only while the dog is pottying, then praise after finished
Reward success
Have treats ready to reward instantly after the dog uses a pad
Verbally praise every time with an excited, happy tone
Vary rewards – treats, toy play, belly rubs, excited praise
Handle accidents properly
Never yell, punish, or rub the dog’s nose in it, which can instill fear
Quietly take the dog immediately to pad to finish, then praise
Thoroughly clean all accident areas with enzymatic cleaner
Be patient
Expect occasional accidents until at least 6 months old
Stick to a consistent training schedule
Some dogs take longer. Keep at it, and don’t get frustrated
Use attractants
Try synthetic turf scents to entice dogs to use grass pad
Or place urine-soaked puppy pads under the pad to stimulate
Add fake poop
Place artificial poop on the pad to show it’s also a pooping zone
Can help dogs that only urinate but do not defecate on a pad
Training puppy litters
If you bring home an entire lively litter, training everyone to use the grass pad takes extra work:
Have a pad available in the puppy playpen for easy access
Take each puppy to the pad individually and use the command
Supervise closely or limit access to houses until trained
Expect longer training duration due to group dynamics
Clean accidents thoroughly and restrict soiled areas
Reward every success, be patient, and stick to the schedule
Troubleshooting grass pad training
If your dog is struggling to get the concept, try these tips targeted to common problems:
Won’t use pad at all:
Restrict access and supervise closely 100% of the time
Reduce pad size drastically to encourage use
Line pad tray with used puppy pads for scent encouragement
Use prescribed medications if health issues cause uncontrolled urination
Urinates but won’t poop on pad:
Place fake or real poop on the pad to show it’s for all elimination
Ensure the pad is in a low-traffic area for privacy
Use commands like “Go poop” when placing the dog on the pad
Check for health issues like constipation or diarrhea
Has frequent accidents in the house:
Thoroughly clean all accidents with enzymatic cleaner
Limit access to rooms until fully trained
Stick to a strict outdoor potty schedule with rewards
Evaluate urinary tract infections or other health problems
Pads only work for pee:
Designate one pad for poop and one for pee
Use fake poop and command to show the pad’s dual purpose
Ensure you’re using pads made to handle both waste types
Pad avoidance after moving:
Use a brand new pad in case the old one has bad smells
Place in a low, quiet traffic area for privacy
Try treats, praise, and play to show interest in the pad
Pad chewing or digging:
Spray turf with chew deterrent spray
Cover pad when not in use
Provide alternative chew toys nearby
Peeing over pad edge:
Get a larger size pad for breeding if it is currently too small
Add removable borders to contain urine
Upgrade to pad with maximum absorption
Maintaining grass pads
To keep your grass pad actively in use and odor-free, follow these maintenance tips:
Pick up solid waste promptly in disposable bags
Hose down detachable turf and trays as needed
Use pet-safe cleaners only to avoid deterring dog
Air dry turfs and replace absorbent pads regularly
Check for tears and replace worn pads
Wash turf weekly for better cleanliness
Consider disposable pads for travel or quick swaps when washing
Achieving success!
House training any dog requires time, routine, and positive reinforcement. But by consistently luring your dog to the grass pad spot, handling accidents properly, adding attractants as needed, and maintaining a clean pad area, you’ll start to see results within weeks or months.
Just stick with it! Your dog will soon enjoy the indoor freedom of eliminating only its handy grass pad potty.
Comments