# How to Get Your Dog to Use Pee Pads (and Stop Shredding Them) To get your dog to use a pee pad, make the pad the easiest, most rewarding place to go, then reward every success within seconds. Most dogs also need a schedule, a calm confined space, and a surface that feels different from carpet or bedding. This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. ## Quick Answer - Put the pad in a quiet spot your dog can reach without crossing a large open room, and keep it in the same place every day. - Take your dog to the pad on a schedule (after waking, after meals, after play, before bed) and wait quietly for a few minutes. - Reward the moment your dog finishes on the pad, not when they walk back to you. - If your dog shreds pads, fix the setup first: tape the pad down, use a tray or holder, and give more exercise and chew outlets. - See a veterinarian if soiling is new, frequent, or comes with straining, blood, accidents in a normally reliable adult dog, or signs of confusion. ## Why Your Dog May Not Use the Pad Yet Most pad problems are normal dog behavior problems, not stubbornness. Dogs learn where to eliminate through surface, location, and timing. If a pad moves, flaps, smells like plastic, or sits next to a busy hallway, many dogs avoid it. Puppies have small bladders and little bladder control. They need frequent trips outside or to the pad, often every 1 to 2 hours while awake. Adult dogs who were never fully house trained can also struggle. In one review of house-soiling cases at a university behavior clinic, incomplete housebreaking was the most common diagnosis, found in 59 of 70 cases (84%) [1]. That is good news, because incomplete housebreaking responds well to training. In that same review, 48 of 59 dogs (81%) improved with behavior modification [1]. Some dogs soil indoors because of anxiety, not because they missed a lesson. Separation-related behaviors often include urination when a dog is left alone or confined [2][3]. If your dog only has accidents when you are gone, the pad is not the real problem. The alone-time distress is. Pad shredding usually has its own causes. Puppies explore with their mouths. Bored dogs invent games. Anxious dogs destroy things in their crate or pen. Some dogs shred pads because the pad is the only toy in a small space. ## Medical Causes to Rule Out First Before you build a training plan, make sure your dog is physically comfortable. Urination problems can look exactly like training problems. Aging dogs are a special group. In a study of 84 dogs with a mean age of about 12.8 years, soiling behavior was linked to urinalysis abnormalities and cognitive performance [4]. In other words, an older dog who starts having accidents may have a urinary issue, cognitive decline, or both. That is not a training failure. Common medical causes of indoor urination include urinary tract infections, bladder stones, kidney disease, diabetes, hormone-related incontinence, and arthritis that makes it hard to get to the door or pad in time. Cognitive dysfunction in senior dogs can also cause accidents, especially at night or in unfamiliar spots. Watch for these signs: - Straining to urinate, crying out, or licking the genital area - Urinating small amounts very often - Blood in the urine or a strong odor - Accidents in a dog who was previously reliable - Drinking much more water than usual - Accidents plus confusion, pacing, or staring at walls If you see any of these, call your veterinarian before starting a strict training plan. For more on increased urination, see [Why Is My Dog Peeing So Much?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/symptom-guides/why-is-my-dog-peeing-so-much). ## When Pee Pad Trouble Becomes a Real Problem A few missed pads during training is normal. It becomes a problem when: - Your dog never uses the pad after several weeks of consistent training - Your dog avoids the pad area, hides to eliminate, or seems distressed - Your dog shreds and eats pads, which can cause choking or a blockage - Accidents happen daily in an adult dog who was previously trained - Your dog urinates when left alone, even for short trips - You feel frustrated, angry, or stuck House soiling is one of the more common reasons dogs are surrendered or rehomed. It is also one of the most treatable. In the Cornell review, behavior modification was the most common treatment and helped 83% of the dogs who received it [1]. The core of that plan was simple: go with the dog to the elimination area, reward elimination there, and interrupt (never punish after the fact) when you catch the dog in the act [1]. ## How to Get My Dog to Use a Pee Pad: Step by Step ### Step 1: Set Up the Right Space Choose a small, quiet area. A bathroom, laundry room, or exercise pen works well. The space should be big enough for a bed, a water bowl, and the pad, but not so big that your dog can eliminate far from the pad and still feel comfortable. Place the pad away from the bed and food. Dogs naturally avoid soiling where they sleep and eat, so this separation helps. If your dog shreds pads, use a pad holder or tray, or tape the pad to the floor at the corners. Some dogs do better with a washable pad that cannot be torn into pieces. Remove the pad as soon as it is soiled. ### Step 2: Build a Schedule Take your dog to the pad at these times: - First thing in the morning - After every meal (within 5 to 30 minutes) - After naps - After play or training sessions - Before bed - Every 1 to 2 hours for young puppies Use a leash if needed. Walk your dog to the pad calmly. Say a cue like "go potty" once, then wait. Do not chat, play, or stare. Give your dog 3 to 5 minutes. If nothing happens, put your dog back in the pen or crate for 10 to 15 minutes, then try again. ### Step 3: Reward the Right Moment The reward must land within about 2 seconds of your dog finishing. Praise, then give a small food treat. If you wait until your dog walks away, the reward is too late. Keep treats small so you can repeat this many times a day. If your dog is food motivated, this step alone can speed up training a lot. ### Step 4: Supervise and Manage Until your dog is reliable, do not give free run of the house. Use a crate, pen, or tether. If you cannot watch your dog, put them in the confined area with the pad. Clean accidents with an enzymatic cleaner. Regular household cleaners may leave urine odor that tells your dog "this is the bathroom." ### Step 5: Add Exercise and Enrichment A tired, mentally satisfied dog shreds fewer pads. Add sniff walks, food puzzles, chew toys, and short training sessions. For puppies, aim for several short play and training breaks each day. If your dog shreds pads mostly when alone, treat the alone-time distress. A case report of an 8-month-old dog with vocalization, destruction, and urination when left alone improved with behavior modification and medication managed by veterinarians [2]. That is a medical and behavioral treatment plan, not a training trick. ### Step 6: Transition to Outside If That Is Your Goal If you eventually want your dog to eliminate outside, keep the pad in the same spot but move it gradually toward the door, then outside. Take your dog out on the same schedule. Reward outside elimination the same way. For more on this process, see [Potty Training Your Dog](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/behavior/potty-training-your-dog) and [Puppy Potty Training Pee Pads](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/behavior/puppy-potty-training-pee-pads). ## How to Stop Your Dog From Tearing Up Pee Pads Shredding is usually a setup problem, a boredom problem, or an anxiety problem. Try these fixes in order. **Make the pad boring.** Tape it down or use a tray. A pad that cannot flap or slide is less fun to attack. **Give a better toy.** Offer a chew toy or stuffed food toy in the pen. If your dog has something to do, the pad loses its appeal. **Increase exercise and mental work.** A brisk walk, sniff time, and a food puzzle can reduce destructive behavior. **Check the confinement setup.** Some dogs shred when they are bored in a crate. Others shred when they are anxious in a crate. Those look similar but need different plans. A dog with separation or confinement anxiety may need a safe pen, gradual alone-time training, and help from a veterinarian or behavior professional [2]. **Do not leave pads down all day in a small pen.** Soiled pads get shredded more often. Change them promptly. **Rule out hunger or diet issues.** If your dog eats pads, that is a safety concern. Pads and plastic can cause choking or a blockage. Call your veterinarian. ## What Not to Do **Do not punish accidents after the fact.** Dogs do not connect a scolding to something they did minutes ago. Punishment-based techniques can increase anxiety and are linked to more separation-related behaviors in puppies [3]. In the Cornell review, punishment was only used when the dog was caught in the act, and behavior modification was the main treatment [1]. **Do not rub your dog's nose in urine.** This is outdated, unkind, and does not teach the right behavior. **Do not use the pad as a permanent solution unless you choose to.** Some owners want indoor potty options for apartments, senior dogs, or bad weather. That is fine. Just train it like any other potty spot. **Do not assume your dog is being spiteful.** Dogs do not plan revenge. They repeat what works and what feels safe. **Do not skip the vet visit for a sudden change.** New soiling in an adult dog is a medical question first. ## When to Involve a Veterinarian or Behavior Professional Call your veterinarian if: - Your dog has never been reliably trained and you want a full plan - Soiling started suddenly in an adult dog - Your dog strains, dribbles, or has blood in the urine - Your senior dog is having accidents with confusion or night pacing - Your dog eats pads or other non-food items - Your dog shows anxiety when alone, such as barking, pacing, drooling, or destruction [2][3] Ask for a referral to a veterinary behaviorist or certified behavior consultant if training has not worked after several weeks, if your dog is anxious or aggressive, or if you feel overwhelmed. Medication is sometimes part of a behavior plan, and only a veterinarian can prescribe it and calculate the dose from your dog's weight and health [2]. ## Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian This article gives general guidance. Individual cases need a veterinarian who can examine your dog, ask about the full history, and run tests if needed. Contact a veterinarian the same day if your dog is straining to urinate, crying while urinating, urinating frequently with little output, or has blood in the urine. These can signal a urinary blockage or infection that needs prompt care. Go to an emergency clinic now if your dog cannot urinate at all, is vomiting, seems painful in the belly, or is collapsed or very weak. A male dog who keeps trying to urinate with no urine coming out is an emergency. Schedule a routine visit if your dog has new accidents, increased thirst, accidents at night, or any change in a senior dog's behavior. Bring a fresh urine sample if you can collect one. For more help with accidents, see [Dog Peeing On Floor](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/symptom-guides/dog-peeing-on-floor) and [Dog Pee Training Pads](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/behavior/dog-pee-training-pads). ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How long does it take to pee pad train a dog? Most dogs show progress within 2 to 4 weeks with a consistent schedule and immediate rewards. Puppies and dogs with anxiety may take longer. If you see no improvement after several weeks of daily training, talk to your veterinarian. ### Why does my dog pee next to the pad instead of on it? Dogs often miss the pad because it is too small, moves, or sits in a spot your dog avoids. Use a larger pad or a tray, keep the location fixed, and reward your dog the instant they step onto it. ### Should I scold my dog for tearing up pee pads? No. Scolding after the fact does not teach your dog what to do instead and can add anxiety. Fix the setup, add chew toys and exercise, and treat anxiety if it is present. ### Can a dog use pee pads forever? Yes, if that fits your household. Many owners use pads for apartments, senior dogs, or bad weather. Keep the spot clean, change pads often, and watch for skin irritation or urine odor. ### What if my adult dog suddenly stops using the pad? A sudden change in a trained dog is a medical red flag. Call your veterinarian to check for infection, pain, or other illness before you change the training plan. ## Related Articles - [Dog Pee Training Pads](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/behavior/dog-pee-training-pads) - [Why Is My Dog Peeing So Much?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/symptom-guides/why-is-my-dog-peeing-so-much) - [Dog Peeing On Floor](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/symptom-guides/dog-peeing-on-floor) - [Potty Training Your Dog](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/behavior/potty-training-your-dog) - [Puppy Potty Training Pee Pads](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/behavior/puppy-potty-training-pee-pads) - [Dog Licking Paws How To Stop](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/dog-licking-paws-how-to-stop) - [How Often Should Dogs Poop and Pee?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/digestive-and-urinary-care/how-often-dogs-poop-pee) - [How to Clean Dog Pee From Rugs and Carpets](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/pet-care/clean-dog-pee-rug) - [My Dog Keeps Peeing in the House: Causes and Fixes](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/digestive-and-urinary-care/dog-keeps-peeing-in-house) ## References 1. [A retrospective study of canine house soiling: diagnosis and treatment](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10102176/). Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, 1999. 2. [Separation and confinement anxiety in a golden retriever × standard poodle dog](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38304480/). The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne, 2024. 3. [Canine separation-related behaviour at six months of age: Dog, owner and early-life risk factors identified using the 'Generation Pup' longitudinal study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39703219/). Animal welfare (South Mimms, England), 2024. 4. [The relationship between urinalysis abnormalities, soiling behavior, and cognitive decline in aging dogs](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42806282/). Journal of veterinary internal medicine, 2026. ## Further Reading - [Merck Veterinary Manual: Dog Owners](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners) - [Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center: Canine Health Information](https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information) - [American Veterinary Medical Association: Pet Care](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare)