Discuss It > Cooper
Hi SNW:
Many show people use both outside and a pad to eliminate having their dogs get wet feet on rainy days when a show is on. All of our dogs are familiar with pads though some have a preference to outside but in a pinch will use one.
Can you offer both without confusion? YES! Put the pad at the door your dog uses to go outside on days you want them to use it. Praise when they do. Eventually move it where you want to in stages moving a short distance each time till it gets to the place you want them to use it. You will eventually be able to even have a pad in your bedroom and if you have stairs, they will learn to go down, use the pad and then go back to bed.
We always have a pad down as we have boarders and at times they are familiar with pads vs. outside. On particularly nasty weather, we find they do prefer not to go out unles they have no choice.
Our Shoshi sees heavy rain and sniffs and says - no way. We used to pick her up and put her in the middle of the grass. She would tolerate it and go and then run for the door but she appreciates the pads on days like that.
Darlah
THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE INFO. THIS WILL MAKE THINGS MUCH EASIER FOR BOTH OF US.
SNW
My 14 week old puppy is doing well with his potty training and has been going outside with a few mistakes. Since he has never used a indoor pad I would like to know if I can use it only on cold and wet days without confusing him?