Puppy Pads: When to Use Them and How to Phase Them Out

Puppy pads help when a young puppy can't get outside quickly, such as in a high-rise apartment or before it's safe to go out. Use one pad area, away from bed and food, and take your puppy outside as often as you can alongside it. How many pads you need depends on your setup, not a set number. Phase them out gradually by moving the pad toward the door.

A puppy playpen with a bed at one end and a puppy pad in a tray at the other — Bed at one end, toilet at the other.

When Pads Help

Upper-floor apartments, where getting outside takes too long for a tiny bladder.
Before your vet says it's safe for your puppy to go outside in public areas.
Long working days, inside a puppy pen, until a dog walker can help.
Very small breeds or older dogs who need an indoor option.

If you can get outside easily, training outdoors from the start is usually quicker. See toilet training a puppy.

Setting Up the Pad Area

Put the pad at the opposite end of a pen from the bed, water and food. A tray holds it flat and stops shredding. Keep it in one place, take your puppy to it at the key toilet times (after sleeping, eating and play), and reward the moment it goes. Change pads as soon as they're used; most puppies won't step on a soggy one.

Washable, Disposable or Grass?

Disposable pads: easy and hygienic, but they add up and create waste.
Washable pads: cost more at first, then just need regular hot washes.
Grass boxes: real or artificial grass trays feel more like outdoors, which can make the move outside easier.

Phasing Pads Out

Keep taking your puppy outside often, rewarding every outdoor success.
Move the pad a little closer to the door every few days.
Put a used pad outside on the toilet spot for a few days, so it smells familiar.
Remove the indoor pad once your puppy reliably goes outside.

A setback after a change is normal; go back a step rather than starting over.

Stocking Up for the Pad Stage

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Disposable or washable pads, a holder tray to keep them flat, a playpen to set up the area, and a grass box if you'd like something closer to outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pads, pens and puddles.

How many puppy pads will I need?

It depends on your puppy's age, how often you get outside and whether you change pads straight away. Young puppies go often, so buy a large pack or washable pads.

Do puppy pads slow down house training?

They can, if they become the only toilet. Take your puppy outside as often as you can alongside them, and phase them out gradually.

My puppy shreds the pads. What can I do?

Use a holder tray, supervise, and give plenty of chew toys. Washable pads or a grass box are harder to shred.