Toilet Training Ideas for your New Puppy

Grass Mats vs. Puppy Pads: A Guide to Effective Toilet Training for Puppies

Greetings fellow pet enthusiasts! Today, we embark on the exciting journey of toilet training for puppies, a crucial step in ensuring a harmonious coexistence between your furry friend and your home. In this blog, we'll explore the benefits of using grass mats over traditional puppy pads, offering a natural and effective solution to help your pup master the art of potty training.

The Importance of Proper Toilet Training:

Toilet training is a fundamental aspect of a puppy's early development. Teaching your furry companion where and when to relieve themselves not only fosters good behavior but also creates a hygienic and stress-free living environment for both pet and owner.

When your puppy has an accident, it's important to catch them in the act and say "uh" or "no", then pick them up and take them to the grass outside. Once they go to the toilet, give them loads of praise and say "Good! Go Toilet". Each time you say "Go Toilet" they will start to understand what this means and will start to go on cue. If you find your pet is sniffing around and playing without any more interest in going to the toilet, try keeping them on a leash to stop them from getting distracted. They will start to understand this is toilet time, not play time. Then reward them when they go!

Do not punish a puppy for an accident you have found, as they will not understand what they have done wrong, and you will hurt the relationship you have with them. Only correct them during the act and show them where is the approved place to go. You can use a paper towel to clean the accident and rub this on the grass mat. This way, they can smell their scent and are more likely to go to the grass mat first.

Having access to outside grass is also important for setting your puppy up for success. Whether it's timely walks if you're in an apartment, grass mat on the balcony/at the door, or outside grass for a house. Your puppy cannot hold their urine for long, and they will need to find somewhere to go within 30-60min of drinking (and eating).

Why Choose Grass Mats?

While puppy pads are a popular choice for toilet training, grass mats present a more environmentally friendly and natural alternative. Puppy pads look a lot like carpet, rugs or mats, so your puppy is more likely to destroy these things with urine or faeces because they are confused. Grass mats are a much more ideal option.

Here's why you might consider making the switch:

1. Mimicking the Outdoors:

- Dogs are naturally inclined to relieve themselves on grass. Using grass mats helps replicate the outdoor experience, making it easier for your puppy to associate the designated potty area with their instinctual preferences.

2. Odor Control:

- Grass has natural odor-absorbing properties, minimizing unpleasant smells associated with puppy pads. This is particularly advantageous for indoor spaces, ensuring a fresher and more pleasant environment. If you have plastic grass mats, use an enzyme cleaner from the pet shop to clean and hose off, or vinegar from the kitchen helps too!

3. Easy Transition to Outdoor Pottying:

- Training your puppy on grass mats facilitates a smoother transition to outdoor pottying. The familiarity of grass makes it easier for your pup to adjust when they eventually venture outside for bathroom breaks. You can start to move the grass mat towards the outside door that you would like them to use or sit at when they are ready for the potty. Just start moving a metre at a time for example, until the grass mat is outside on the grass. Your puppy will soon learn to hold it and sit and wait for you to take them outside.

Steps for Successful Grass Mat Training:

Now that we understand the benefits, let's delve into the practical steps for effective grass mat training:

1. Choose the Right Grass Mat:

- Select a high-quality, synthetic grass mat designed specifically for puppies. Ensure that it is easy to clean and has a realistic texture to simulate the outdoor experience.

2. Designate a Potty Area:

- Choose a consistent location for the grass mat. This helps your puppy associate the area with bathroom breaks, making the training process more efficient.

3. Positive Reinforcement:

- Praise and reward your puppy when they successfully use the grass mat. Positive reinforcement encourages good behavior and reinforces the connection between the designated area and pottying.

4. Consistency is Key:

- Stick to a consistent schedule for bathroom breaks. Regularity is crucial in reinforcing the habit and preventing accidents in other parts of the house. First thing in the morning when your puppy wakes, and before bed at night.

To stop accidents at night time, we recommend crate training your puppy. This gives them a safe space they will love, and the puppy won't go to the toilet in their crate/sleeping space, unless they have been forced to hold on for too long. Dogs don't like to go to the toilet where they sleep, so always be mindful of taking them out for toilet breaks. Once you puppy soils their bedding, it is very difficult to get the scent out and they will likely continue to soil this item. You can put puppy pads at the bottom of the crate and cover with a blanket, just in case. Don't ever use the crate for punishment or time out, as they will get anxiety from being in their crate. Instead use the crate as their safe space, and use another room for timeout.

In conclusion, toilet training takes time and dedication. It may take 1-2 weeks of dedication from you and positive reinforcement, but it will set your puppy up for success long term. Grass mats offer a natural and effective solution for toilet training your puppy. Remember, patience and consistency are the cornerstones of successful puppy toilet training. If you need a professional trainer to help with these issues, please reach out to us for assistance. We can help in person or online... Here's to a clean and happy home for both you and your adorable companion!