A Tale of Two Kittens and One Puppy » Should you use puppy pads?

When we got Chester, his foster was using puppy pads in his crate at night, so we did the same. We were lucky, though, he was able to hold it all night (well, at least until 4 am), so he never actually used it.

For a while we set up an exercise pen near our kitchen table, so he could be in there while we ate. We put a puppy pad in the back.

As I began to read more, though, some people were very anti-puppy pads.

The problem with puppy pads:

It teaches your dog it’s okay to go in the house; especially on paper
They don’t teach your dog to hold it, since they can go whenever they want. If you ever have to take a long trip, you’ll have to deal with the puppy pads if your dog has never learned to hold it.
You have to deal with puppy pads throughout your house, and the bulk of used puppy pads in your garbage.

As Kathy Diamon Davis writes in “Am I Confusing Him?“:

Using papers can confuse a dog, if what you really want is for him to use the outside. When he uses papers, he is, after all, relieving himself in the house.

I decided somewhat quickly that we would get rid of the puppy pads. I don’t want to deal with puppy pads for the rest of my life. I was very attracted to the idea of a litterbox, I have to admit. After all, my cats used litterboxes so I’m used to scooping every day, and I’m already bagging poop outside anyway.

In the end, though, we’ve had success with taking Chester outside. I wouldn’t say he’s completely housetrained yet; there are still occasional accidents. But usually weeks go by with no accidents. We do, however, still have to take him outside 6-8 times a day. Technically, he should be able to hold it longer by this point, but every dog is an individual. Some dogs are housetrained in 1 week. We weren’t that lucky.

Some people seem to have the idea that chihuahuas can’t take the cold and shouldn’t be forced to do their business outside. I’ll admit, we live in an area with warm winters, although we do get some freezing temps, too. So yes, it makes it easier.

Chester clearly isn’t much thrilled when the temperature dips. But he’s learned that that simply means he needs to get his business done quickly. He gets a treat afterwards, but I learned that it’s very important to make sure you give the treat while he’s still in his toilet area — otherwise, he associates the treat with going inside, and that’s not what you’re trying to reward.

Puppy pads aren’t evil. If you live in an apartment, and it takes a long time to get outside, they might work for you. Just be aware that you may always have to use them. Some people are fine with that.

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