[synicalone]

My two poodles (brother and sister) are primarily indoor dogs, and we've trained them to use wee wee pads. They definitely get the idea, and run over to use the pads when necessary; however, the male dog puts his front paws on the pad, and pees all over the floor. He does'nt realize that only his front paws are over the pad.

I can't really scold him, because he is "trying" to do the right thing, but I also can not stand over the pads all day and night, to insure that he is coaxed into the center of the pad. Any suggestions? I'm tired of mopping, and mopping, and mopping.

[battlemonkey]

I know many people disagree with using pee pads on these boards, I"m not one of them, as I know how horrible it is to have accidents in the house, and pee pads are a "just in case I come home late" thing, and I agree with that.

I personally have never used pee pads but maybe somebody will have other suggestions? I do, however, want to train my dog (when we get a pug) how to use one in case we don't come home in time. Obviously it won't be the only thing the pooch will be able to use, we will be going outside, but...just in case...

[synicalone]

People disagree with using wee-wee pads? I had no idea there was debate about them. Why?

We are not "dog walkers", and although we take them out for exercise, and they also have our yard to run around in, we thought they would use pads (so they never had to "hold it"), during the night, and during the day when we are at work. I always had cats, and likened the wee wee pads to the litter box concept. Is this bad?

[RonE]

The people that often get in trouble are those that try to train a dog a dog to go outside AND use the pads or a litterbox inside, and then wonder why the dog pees all over the house. I know there are those who insist their dogs are successful at both and I can only assume their dogs are smarter than I am.

I think pad-training a dog is more complicated, but I don't know that from personal experience. I've had mostly large dogs and the pads they would need would be the size of a queen mattress.

[battlemonkey]

Hehehe RonE...I agree with the mattress thing...lol

But yeah, there is debate over the pee pads, some people tend to think that owners will train their dogs to only use those and not take their dogs out or something like that. But I'm in the same boat as you are, the pads are only to be used in case of emergency, specifically if the pooch cannot hold it in any longer, then there is always a "safe spot" where mommy said it's Ok to go. It's not like you're not letting your dogs go outside, total opposite, but yes, sadly, there are anti-pee pad people out there...

[RonE]

That IS an issue.

When the weather is mild (which, for my dogs, means over 40 degrees) they are outside in a large, secure kennel run while we're gone.

This is Wisconsin and the weather is becoming not-so-mild. That's why I fixed up an under-used basement recreation room for the two dogs. The floor is tiled and if somebody has to go, cleanup is no big deal. Most days, there are no "accidents."

I understand that having such a space is a luxury and I'm grateful for it. Otherwise, we just do whatever we have to do to accommodate both our dogs and our lives.

We're all lucky to have a place to share options and ideas.

[prolibertate]

I use pee pads and the ugodog potty system (ugodog.net). When Riley came home at 10 weeks, he had already been going potty outside with the other dogs at the breeders, and he's used the ugodog/pads from day one at home without a problem. He's also still great at going outdoors, but I have the ugodog as backup if I can't get home at lunchtime or if I get held up at work. Since he's in a 4x4 foot exercise pen (he graduates to the entire 25 x 12 kitchen next week) he has plenty of room between his bed, water and ugodog and still has lots of room to play.

Here's the pen I use:
http://www.petsmart.com/product/inde...earch&keepsr=1