How Much Sleep Do Puppies Really Need?

Sleep is critical for puppies, but how much sleep do they need?

Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an adventure filled with joy, learning, and a few sleepless nights. For new puppy parents, understanding the sleep needs of your furry addition is one of the most important things to grasp to ensure their health and happiness. Much like young puppies and even human babies, getting enough sleep is crucial for their development. Puppies experience rapid growth, not just physically but mentally too. During sleep, particularly during phases of REM sleep, puppies’ central nervous systems, immune systems, and brains develop and strengthen.

The average sleep needs of puppies can seem astonishingly high. Young pups can snooze for about 18-20 hours a day! This isn’t continuous; it includes frequent naps and some longer periods of rest during the night. As they grow older, the amount of sleep gradually decreases, but even then, puppies and young dogs need a lot more rest compared to adult dogs. New experiences, learning potty training, adapting to a new home, and even playing expend a lot of energy and can lead to a lot of sleep to recharge. Understanding and accommodating your puppy’s sleep schedule is crucial for their well-being and your journey together towards creating good sleeping habits and a happy, healthy dog.

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Having a good, comfortable bed will really help you and puppy to get the sleep you need.

Why Do Puppies Need So Much Sleep?

Bringing a new puppy home can feel like a whirlwind of activity marked by bursts of playful energy followed by long hours of sleep. If you find yourself wondering why your young pup spends so much time in the land of nod, especially when compared to older dogs, there’s a good reason for this.

Comparison with Adult Dogs

Adult dogs often adapt to the daily routine of their human families, requiring less sleep overall. Their systems are fully developed, and their need for sleep, while still significant, is not as critical as that of growing puppies. Older dogs might settle for a cozy bed in a quiet place for naps throughout the day and then sleep through the night alongside their pet parents, but they’ll typically be awake for longer periods than their younger counterparts.

In contrast, how much sleep do puppies need is driven by their rapid development and steep learning curve in this world. They are like sponges, soaking up new information and experiences, from learning where to take a potty break to getting used to a new home. All this learning and growing requires a tremendous amount of energy which is why puppies need a lot of sleep.

Sleep and Puppy Development Stages

Puppies undergo significant physical and mental development during their first months of life. From the very newborn puppies needing perhaps as much as 18-20 hours of sleep, to active puppies around a few months of age who still require plenty of sleep to support their growth spurts and central nervous system development. This period is critical for developing a robust immune system, solidifying a good sleep schedule, and ensuring optimal mental stimulation that will shape their adult behavior.

During these stages, sleep is not just about rest. It’s when a puppy’s brain processes the day’s learning. REM sleep, in particular, plays a role in mental development, allowing puppies to consolidate and store all the new experiences they’ve been exposed to, from meeting new people to mastering the art of potty training. Rapid growth requires a great deal of energy, so it’s no surprise that after a toy-filled awake time or a toilet break, your puppy will likely seek the comfort of a soft bed for another round of sleep.

Puppies live by a cycle of play, eat, and sleep. Their sleeping patterns are interwoven with their daily adventures and are as essential as the food they eat and the love they receive. Pet parents quickly learn that ample sleep times, a consistent routine, and providing a comfortable sleeping environment are the keys to a happy and thriving pup. A puppy’s sleep schedule isn’t just about getting through the night, it’s a fundamental building block of their health and future well-being.

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these moments are awesome, take tonnes of pictures, don’t forget that! Enjoy the process of puppyhood as much as you can.

How Much Sleep Does Your Puppy Need By Age?

As pet parents gaze at their puppies curled up in a dog bed or a crate, it’s common to ponder how much sleep their little companions actually need. Puppy sleep requirements vary greatly from the time they’re born up until they reach adulthood. Let’s break down these sleep needs by age:

0 – 6 Months

From the moment young puppies open their eyes until they reach six months of age, they’re in a phase of rapid growth and development. Newborn puppies may spend about 18-20 hours per day asleep. This may seem like a lot of sleep but considering their active growth and the ample energy exerted during awake time, it’s quite necessary.

During these early weeks of age, sleep dominates a puppy’s schedule. Puppies typically sleep in spurts – waking up for a short period to eat and for necessary potty breaks before dozing off again. Puppy owners should expect frequent naps throughout the day and some activity during the middle of the night. Establishing a good sleep schedule and starting with crate training can help manage these sleep times and ensure your puppy gets enough rest.

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a sleeping dog is a good dog.

7 – 12 months

As puppies enter the second half of their first year, from seven to twelve months old, they still require a good deal of sleep. Though they may now be able to stay awake for longer periods, they still need the support of about 16-18 hours of sleep to handle their still significant daily routine of activity and learning.

In this stage, as young dogs explore and learn, their immune systems continue to develop and their central nervous system matures, sleep remains a critical factor in their overall health. As activities like potty training intensify, plenty of sleep is essential for puppies to process these new experiences and for retaining new information.

Over 12 Months

Once puppies reach over twelve months of age and graduate into the young adult stage, their sleep requirement will start to align closer to those of adult dogs. However, larger breeds like Great Danes may still need a bit more rest compared to smaller breeds due to their longer growth period. At this age, a puppy’s sleep patterns stabilize, usually requiring around 14-16 hours of sleep spread over a 24-hour period.

Puppies in this age range have often found their rhythm and, with successful habit formation, should have a consistent routine. A comfortable sleeping environment continues to be critical for a good night’s sleep, and while they may now sleep through the night, daytime naps after periods of activity remain a natural part of their sleep habits. Furthermore, ensuring they get enough rest is crucial for avoiding behavioral problems and maintaining a healthy and happy dog life.

In summary, as your puppy grows, monitoring their amount of sleep, helping them stick to a consistent routine, and ensuring they have a quiet and safe place to rest are all central aspects of their care. Providing comfort, such as a cozy bed or soft toys, and understanding that sleeping patterns change as they go from a ball of energy needing frequent naps to an older dog with more predictable sleep habits, shows compassionate and informed pet parenting.

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Mischief Managed! Pro tip … Your mischievous little monster is likely overtired…

Signs That Your Puppy Is Getting Enough Sleep

Ensuring your puppy gets enough sleep is foundational for their physical health, mental development, and overall well-being. Recognizing the signs that indicate whether they’re getting the necessary amount of z’s can help pet parents ensure their furry friends grow up happy and healthy. Here are some key behavioral indicators and physical signs to look out for:

Behavioral Indicators

  1. Consistent Energy Levels: A well-rested puppy will exhibit consistent energy levels appropriate to their developmental stages and breed. Active puppies should be eager to engage in play and activities and then wind down when it’s nap time or bedtime.
  2. Good Appetite: Sleep supports metabolism. Puppies that get enough sleep have a healthy appetite. A lack of interest in food might indicate a disruption in sleep patterns or not getting enough rest.
  3. Calm Behavior at Bedtime: Puppies that have received ample sleep throughout the day will be more inclined to settle down calmly at bedtime. Difficulty sleeping or excessive whining at night might point to a need for more sleep during the day.
  4. Positive Responses to Training: A well-rested puppy can focus better during training, retain new information, and respond positively to mental stimulation. This indicates that their central nervous system is getting the rest it needs to process and retain new skills and behaviors.

Physical Signs

  1. Healthy Growth Patterns: Sufficient sleep promotes healthy growth and development in puppies. As they grow, you should be able to notice continuous physical development in line with the expected growth curves for their breed.
  2. Bright Eyes and Healthy Coat: Physical signs that a puppy is getting enough sleep include having bright, clear eyes and a healthy, shiny coat. Lack of sleep can make their eyes appear dull and lead to a less vibrant coat.
  3. Regular, Uninterrupted Sleep Cycles: Observing your puppy enjoying regular and uninterrupted sleep cycles, including deep sleep phases such as REM sleep where they might twitch or dream, indicates they are getting quality rest.
  4. Quick Recovery After Activity: Puppies who get enough sleep will recover quickly after periods of play or training. They will bounce back with renewed energy after a brief rest or a good night’s sleep.
  5. Overall Health: Sufficient sleep contributes to a strong immune system. Puppies that consistently get enough sleep should experience fewer minor health issues and have a robust immune response, characterized by quick recoveries when they do encounter common puppyhood ailments.

Ensuring your puppy has a comfortable sleeping environment, a consistent routine, and plenty of opportunities for both play and quiet time can support their sleep needs. Recognizing these behavioral and physical signs will help you know that your puppy is on the right track, ensuring they develop into a healthy, joyful, and well-adjusted dog.

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a good set up where pup can have minimal interruptions will be great.

Factors That Influence Puppy Sleep Patterns

Several factors can significantly influence how much your puppy sleeps, and recognizing these factors can help you better understand and cater to your puppy’s sleep needs. Here are three primary factors that impact puppy sleep patterns:

Breed Differences

Different dog breeds have different sleep requirements, often tied to their general activity levels and physical makeup. For instance:

  • Large and Giant Breeds: Breeds like Mastiffs and Saint Bernards may need more sleep because of the energy required for growth and maintaining large bodies, sometimes up to 18 hours a day as puppies.
  • Working and Energetic Breeds: Border Collies, Belgian Malinois and Australian Shepherds have a lot of energy, but they also need ample sleep to recover from the mental and physical stimulation when active – so don’t fall into the high drive dog dilema!
  • Brachycephalic Breeds: Breeds with short noses, such as Pugs and Bulldogs, might sleep more due to their breathing difficulties, which can make them tire more easily.

Activity Levels

The level of activity a puppy engages in during their awake time can significantly impact their sleep patterns:

  • Highly Active Puppies: Puppies that play vigorously, go on walks, or engage in training will use up more energy and consequently require more rest to recover.
  • Less Active Puppies: Puppies that are less active or live in a more sedentary environment may sleep more out of boredom or may need less sleep because they expend less energy.

Health and Diet

A puppy’s health and diet play crucial roles in their sleep patterns:

  • Nutrition: Just as with humans, the quality of a puppy’s diet can affect their energy levels and sleep. High-quality, balanced puppy food provides the energy for play and the nutrients for growth, aiding better sleep for recovery.
  • Illness: A puppy that isn’t feeling well may sleep more than usual. This can be seen in puppies who are dealing with infections, parasites, or other health issues. An increase in sleep, paired with other symptoms like lethargy or loss of appetite, should prompt a visit to the vet.
  • Digestion: How easily a puppy digests their food can impact sleep. Feeding puppies too close to bedtime might disturb their sleep with digestive activity, or, conversely, a good diet can promote a full and peaceful night’s rest.

Knowing the breed characteristics, providing appropriate daily exercise, and ensuring a healthy diet can all help support optimal sleep patterns in puppies. Monitoring these factors will also assist in identifying any deviations from normal patterns that could signal health issues or the need for lifestyle adjustments.

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encouraging your pup to sleep in the same place will help you.

Setting Up a Sleep Schedule For Your Puppy

Implementing a structured sleep schedule is essential for your puppy’s development, health, and behavior. Here’s how you can efficiently introduce a bedtime routine and offer sleep training tips:

Creating a Bedtime Routine

  • Evening Routine: Engage in light play or a walk to tire your puppy out.
  • Meal and Potty Timing: Finish meals a few hours before bedtime and take a final potty break right before sleep.
  • Quiet Time: Establish a calm period before bed to help your puppy wind down.
  • Consistent Bedtime: Stick to the same bedtime each night for regularity.

Sleep Training Tips

  • Dedicate a Sleep Area: Identify a specific sleep spot like a crate or dog bed.
  • Make it Positive: Use calm, comforting practices to make bedtime enjoyable.
  • Crate Training: If using a crate, ensure it’s welcoming and only associated with positive experiences.
  • Manage Daytime Naps: Adequate daytime sleep prevents overtiredness and nighttime restlessness.
  • Evening Calm: Avoid energizing activities that might keep your puppy awake.
  • Be Patient: Adjustment takes time and consistency.

Adapt these methods to fit your puppy’s needs, and remember, patience and consistency are key to creating a healthy sleep routine.

Common Puppy Sleep Issues

Undersleeping: If your puppy frequently appears tired, uninterested in play, or seems overly impatient, they may not be getting enough sleep. Overstimulation, a lack of comfortable sleeping space, or too much nighttime feeding can contribute to undersleeping.

Trouble Sleeping Through the Night: Puppies may struggle sleeping through the night due to their separation between you and possibly the separation from their family. They may also need a bathroom break, or get hungry. Consider a white noise, a consistent bedtime routine, or a timely feeding schedule for possible solutions.

RelaxoPet PRO

This device works a treat – we use it all the time at home when we’re trying to capture calmness whether that’s when we’ve got big machinery going in the yard – or with fireworks – and it works awesomely with puppies too.

Big Barker Dog Bed

This is my favourite bed, and very much a long lasting phenomenal investment. They also do crate pads!

Snuggle Puppy Heartbeat Toy

If you are struggling getting puppy to settle, something like this heartbeat toy can really help them settle in their new environment and not feel so lonely. 

this may be an affiliated link and I may earn a small comission, however this does not change my opinion in any way!

Identifying a Problem: Spotting sleep issues involves noticing changes in behavior or energy levels. Frequent night waking, inexplicable anxiety, excessive energy at night, or lethargy during the day can indicate problems. Consult with your vet if symptoms persist or if any drastic behavioral changes occur.

FAQ: Puppy Sleep Schedule and Common Issues

Q: How many hours should my puppy sleep in a day?
A: Puppies typically need between 18-20 hours of sleep per day, depending on their breed and age.

Q: Is it normal for my puppy to wake up in the middle of the night?
A: Yes, it’s fairly common for young puppies to wake up during the night due to the need for bathroom breaks or because they haven’t yet settled into a routine.

Q: What can I do if my puppy is undersleeping?
A: Ensure they have a quiet, comfortable sleep environment and a consistent routine. If undersleeping continues, consult a vet to rule out any health issues.

Q: How can I help my puppy sleep through the night?
A: Implement a bedtime routine, limit water intake before bed, provide a comfortable bed, and set up a consistent schedule for bedtime and bathroom breaks.

Q: When should I be concerned about my puppy’s sleep?
A: Consult your vet if your puppy is sleeping significantly less than the average for their age and breed, if there’s a sudden change in sleep patterns, or if you notice signs of distress or illness.

Conclusion

Understanding your puppy’s sleep patterns and potential issues is an essential part of pet parenting. With patience, consistency, and the right tools, you can ensure that your furry friend has a healthy sleep routine.

To assist you on this journey, consider investing in the Rebarkable Puppy Bundle. This all-in-one toolkit is designed to support you and your puppy during this vital stage of their life. The bundle is centered around positive reinforcement, serving to make all aspects of puppy parenting—sleep included—as enjoyable and effective as possible.

Don’t hesitate, transform your puppy parenting journey and enhance your pet’s sleep routine today with the Rebarkable Puppy Bundle. Your little furry friend will thank you!

Author, Ali Smith

Ali Smith is a professional, qualified, and multi-award winning trainer is the founder of rebarkable. She has always believed animals deserve kindness and champions force free methods. Believing that dog guardians will all choose the kindest options if proper information is provided, she aims to help all dog guardians who need it and make dog training as accessible as possible

Ali lives win Maryland, US with her husband and her three dogs.

 
Training Your Puppy to Use Puppy Pads

Bringing home a new puppy is an exhilarating experience for pet parents, and the journey towards successful potty training holds the key to a harmonious coexistence – as a puppy who grows to be a dog who toilets freely in the house makes for a rough life. 

So we all know that house training is entirely required when we want to cohabit with a canine! 

Then the question becomes “Do I train them to use a potty pad, or train them straight to outside”. If you’ve decided inside, then this article is for you!

For older dogs or senior dogs, the good news is that the potty training process is not limited to just the young pups. House training can be effectively adapted for dogs of all ages, including small dogs with limited space. Utilizing small treats and incorporating puppy pee pads into your potty pad training routine can make the process a little less stressful for you and pup.

Consider this a good idea, especially for those who have limited time during long periods of the day. The most important thing is to designate a small room or area for the training process – the first thing to consider in this ideal solution.

Training Your Puppy to Use Puppy Pads
a bundle of joy and endless cuteness has just arrived!

Why I Avoid Recommending Pad Training

Dog trainers, like myself, don’t typically like the use of potty pads – why? Because toilet training is tough on puppy parents. And training your dog to a pad first means you’re (usually) training them to a weird, unique surface. You will need to be re-trained to outside if that is your eventual goal – which means that you’re going to make more work for yourself, and more confusion for your pup. 

The only benefit of this approach? Is that you will extend the amount of bladder control your puppy has, and potentially get them on a beneficial routine as your puppy’s age increases, wee-wee pads can facilitate that, but the surface can be a problem.

If you really want to overcome this, and use pads? I’m a huge huge believer in real grass pads – they make a world of difference!

Why Use Puppy Pads for Toilet Training

There are a lot of reasons to use puppy pads,  

  1. Extreme weather – Some people bring home puppies at less than ideal times of year – and personally whilst I would avoid bringing them home if I know my area is prone to severe winters or summers etc. If your puppy physically cannot go outside, then puppy parents are only able to use indoor toilet training options.
  2. Small dogs – A small dog breed may struggle with the outside weather and may lose body heat, or overheat quickly if they’re exposed for too long, so a lot of people will elect to use puppy training pads to help them potty train in this instance. 
  3. Apartment living – in big apartment buildings, sometimes you don’t have access to a balcony, or outdoor space in a quick, expedient manner, which can make traditional toilet training challenging. 
  4. Highly Contagious Areas – if your puppy might be exposed to dangerous viruses like Parvo, Giardia or rabies or other deadly contagions may restrict puppy parents – however – I do want to remind you that disinfectant yard sprays do exist, and you absolutely can create small, protected potty areas outside to train puppy in to protect your puppy’s exposure and minimise risk and avoid potential health issues.
  5. Frequent peeing – much like a new human baby, dog parents will find that their puppy will be peeing quite often, so puppy pads can help you facilitate new parents in guiding puppy to appropriate places to pee! 
  6. Extended departures – Sometimes there’s no other option than leaving puppy alone, and a puppy pad trained dog will give your dog and you more flexibility.

Dogs don’t typically like to go on a hard surface, so puppy pads are typically, so absorbent pads will be a more desirable place for your puppy potty training – but remember! There are more options than just a traditional puppy pad.

puppy bundle ad cover

Getting Started with Puppy Pad Training

Initiating the potty training process right from the moment your young dog arrives home is crucial for establishing a clean and comfortable living environment. Begin by creating a small and safe space, using baby gates, play pens or a crate strategically placed in a low-traffic area, such as a laundry room. 

This approach not only minimizes accidents but also provides a sense of security for your young puppy. Introduce the concept of the potty area gently, ensuring easy and regular access to a designated spot. 

When introducing your puppy to the training pad, the use of positive reinforcement techniques, i.e. reward them well for going to the toilet in the correct space! You may also find a leash useful for this. Some people also use a cue, or designated phrase to indicate it’s time to go to the toilet (this is particularly important if you’re training your puppy to be a service dog). 

Setting a routine for potty time is essential, especially for young puppies who may need frequent breaks. This may be helpful too! How to Set Up A Perfect Daily Routine For Your Puppy

Equip yourself with the necessary supplies, including enough pads, an enzymatic cleaner for accidents, paper towel, and small treats for positive feedback. 

Make sure it’s not too near their food bowl. As most dogs tend to want to keep their poop and their dinner separate (which I totally get).

Training Your Puppy to Use Puppy Pads (1)
Teaching our little furballs where to handle their business – the adorable puppy potty zone!

Patience is key during the initial stages, and gradually extending your pup’s hold time on the pad ensures a positive and stress-free experience for both the new puppy and the pet parent.

Incorporating the understanding of a young puppy’s natural instincts is crucial for successful potty training. For extended periods of time or situations where outdoor access is challenging, utilizing great options like training pads becomes essential. Even for older dogs, this approach proves to be a good option, providing a convenient and hygienic solution for dealing with hard surfaces in limited spaces. The systematic extension of your pup’s hold time on the pad ensures that the training process accommodates their development. This approach not only aligns with their natural instincts but also establishes a positive and effective routine that benefits both the pet parent and their furry companion.

Step-by-Step Guide on Training Puppies with Puppy Pads

Now, let’s get into this nitty gritty! Lets look at the best way to train our puppy to use a potty pad! 

The Principle Of All Potty Training

All potty training, whether this is in litter boxes, or outside, the founding principle of potty training is that we minimise puppy’s ability to get it wrong, and reward well for when they get it right. This way? We’re putting ticks in the “good dog” column as much as possible.

Step 1 – Familiarization with the Puppy Pad

Once you have your spot and puppy pads ready, and remember that easy access. Introduce your puppy to the pads by letting them sniff and stand on them. The goal is to make your puppy comfortable with the pads by associating them with positive experiences, so encourage them gently and use a cheerful tone during the introduction process. Place your puppy on the pad several times a day to reinforce that the pad is their designated potty area.

Step 2 – Set a Consistent Feeding Schedule

When your puppy eats, determines when your puppy poops.

Implement a consistent feeding schedule to predict when your puppy may need to go potty. Puppies usually need to relieve themselves shortly after eating or drinking. By having fixed times for meals, you can more effectively predict and manage their potty times, which is essential for successful potty training.

Puppy schedule builder by rebarkable

Step 3 – Introduce Regular Potty Breaks

Take your puppy to the training pad regularly – preferably on a leash – typically based on their age. For instance, very young puppies might need to go every hour (unless they’re asleep!), whereas older puppies might manage longer intervals. Setting and keeping a potty schedule is really beneficial. Key times to take them to the pad include: 

  • after waking up, 
  • playtime, 
  • After eating/drinking
  • and before bedtime.

When we successfully see a potty we give lots of praise and reward puppy really well for going to the bathroom where we want them to. 

Step 4 – Use Consistent Cues & Rewards

Select a specific word or short phrase as a cue every time you place your puppy on their pad. This verbal cue will help signal to your puppy what’s expected of them. When they do use the pad successfully, immediately praise and reward them. The immediate positive reinforcement is vital for them to make the correct connection between the cue, the action, and the reward.

Step 5 – Clean Up and Discourage Accidents

When accidents happen away from the pad, deal with them calmly and without displaying anger or frustration. Use an appropriate cleaner to eliminate any traces of odor and avoid your puppy being tempted to use the same spot again. Reinforce the correct behavior by taking your puppy to the pad more frequently.

Tip! You can also try using a sponge to soak up an accidental pee, and squeeze it out onto a puppy pad to give puppy a great idea of where to go!

Step 6 – Gradual Movement of the Pad

This step, basically, we start to test if puppy knows I go on the pad, or I go in this area. Because that’s not always obvious to puppy.

Slowly start moving the pad towards the door leading outside by shifting the pad a few inches every day. This incremental shift trains your puppy to get closer to the idea of going outdoors when they need to use the bathroom without drastically altering their routine.

Step 7 – Transition to Outdoor Potty Training

As the puppy pad reaches the door and your puppy becomes accustomed to the new location, begin taking them outside for their potty breaks. This is a process of gently nudging your puppy’s habit from the pad to a spot outside. Stop using the pad completely once your puppy reliably goes outside instead.

Note: Sometimes this means just starting toilet training over without the pad.

Step 8 – Maintain a Routine and Be Patient

Maintaining a consistent daily routine is key to effectively potty training your puppy, as is patience. Puppies learn at their own speed, so it’s important to stay patient and supportive. Reward and praise your puppy for their successes, and remember that this is an opportunity to strengthen the bond between you and your puppy.

Training Your Puppy to Use Puppy Pads (2)
Navigating the path to puppy pad success! From curious beginnings to confident graduates, every step counts in our puppy pad training journey.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

To ensure successful potty training, it’s crucial to recognize and avoid common mistakes that can impede the overall process – a lot of us make them! So let me just run through them.

Steer clear of negative punishment, such as shouting, rubbing their nose in their accident, or punishing them as it can create anxiety and hinder your pup’s learning experience. So avoid punishment, just clean it up, and get yourself ready for the next battle.

Consistency is key to successful training – adhere to your schedule and designated phrases, reinforcing the expected behavior really well.

Watch your pup, 

Another thing is to learn their pattern, every dog or puppy has a unique pattern, and learning that pattern is important – Do note that this is where so many pet parents with years of experience with another dog go wrong, it’s often “Well it worked for Simba! Why doesn’t it work for Nala?” (Forgive my lion king references, I’m a nerd!) that’s because they’re different dogs. And the same way you are a unique person and learn things different ways? So does your dog. Remember that!

If they don’t go when they might be meant to go, take them out again around 15-20 minutes after that.

When to Start Transitioning Away from Puppy Pads

Understanding when to transition away from puppy pads is crucial for the long-term success of your potty training efforts. Once your puppy consistently uses the pads, the next step is to gradually decrease their usage. This involves extending outdoor training sessions and reducing the number of indoor pads accordingly. By monitoring your pup’s hold time and adapting the transition based on their progress, you ensure a smooth shift from relying on indoor puppy pads to embracing outdoor potty breaks.

In the transition process, it’s essential to recognize that small areas can pose challenges, potentially leading to potty accidents. Be prepared with paper towels and a small treat for positive reinforcement when accidents occur, fostering a positive association with the training routine. Learning from common training mistakes, such as a sudden shift or inconsistent approach, helps you navigate this phase effectively. Providing outdoor opportunities next time your puppy needs to go serves as an essential component of this transitional period. This strategic approach not only prevents setbacks but also encourages good behavior in the long run, promoting a seamless and successful potty training journey for your furry friend.

Conclusion

Successful puppy pad training requires patience, positive reinforcement, and consistency – whether you’re working with an older dog or a brand new puppy. The use of puppy pads is a helpful tool, especially for new dog owners or those with limited space. Remember, the goal of potty training is not only cleanliness but also building a strong bond with your furry companion. With the right approach and ample encouragement, your new puppy will master the art of potty training, bringing joy and harmony to your home. Good luck on your journey with your new furry family member!

Remember to check out the etsy store for full guides on how to train that awesome new puppy!

Author, Ali Smith

Ali Smith is a professional, qualified, and multi-award winning trainer is the founder of rebarkable. She has always believed animals deserve kindness and champions force free methods. Believing that dog guardians will all choose the kindest options if proper information is provided, she aims to help all dog guardians who need it and make dog training as accessible as possible

Ali lives win Maryland, US with her husband and her three dogs.