Potty Training Mats for Dogs

Potty training mats for dogs are a great way to give your dog or puppy a convenient place to potty inside the house. Training your dog to use potty training mats is similar to training your dog to potty outside.

The two basic types of potty training mats for dogs are disposable and reusable, which is a mat intended to be washed and used over and over. Disposable potty training mats can be as simple as an unfolded newspaper. A more popular disposable potty training mat is one made with an absorbent top and a waterproof bottom, reducing the chances of your floor or carpet getting damp. Reusable potty training mats can also have an absorbent top, usually cotton cloth, and a plastic waterproof bottom. You can use a towel or old blanket as a reusable potty training mat if nothing else is available.

Potty training mats can be used for dogs of all ages, although they are most useful for puppies or elderly dogs who have difficulty getting around or holding their urine. A dog owner can choose to totally train his dog to use potty training mats, making it more convenient for his dog to potty if the owner has difficulty getting outside. If you choose indoor potty training, potty training mats are a great way to teach your dog the proper place to potty.

You may be tempted to place the potty training mats near the door you normally use to take your dog outside, but this should be avoided, because you or your dog will be more likely to step on a soiled pad and track it around the house. Instead, choose a quiet but accessible area where your dog can potty outside of the general living area or walking routes in the house. A corner of the bathroom or under a table (if your dog can comfortably fit under the table) is ideal.

Choose a word or short phrase to associate with the act--for example, "potty" or "puppy business." Show your puppy the mat after she has eaten a meal or has awakened in the morning, and use the potty word in an encouraging tone. If she doesn't potty right away, keep a close eye on her to watch for indications that she needs to go (such as sniffing around in a circle), and reintroduce her to the mat when she exhibits this behavior. If she starts to potty someplace other than the mat, gently pick her up and place her on the mat, repeating your potty word. When she successfully uses the potty training mat, praise your dog excessively or give her a small reward. It may take a few weeks to fully train your dog; remember to be patient and encouraging.

There are sprays or drops you can use on a potty training mat that have a smell that is supposed to encourage your dog to potty in that spot. You can also put some urine from a potty accident on a fresh mat for that same purpose. Just as humans balk at using a dirty toilet, your dog might turn away from an excessively soiled mat. Remember to change the mats regularly, at least once a day, or your dog may choose to eliminate in a spot that is more appealing.