Dogs are loyal and funny animals that are rightly considered man’s best friend. And when they’re puppies, dogs can be your children’s ideal companion and energy-full bundles of joy, bringing a smile to your face even in times of stress. However, although over time they will become essential family members, when pups, dogs can be a tremendous responsibility and test your patience and handling skills. From chewing on your slippers to potty accidents, when they are puppies, dogs are not adequately trained, and their ownership can be challenging. Therefore, investing in quality accessories will be necessary to make your life easier.
Why should you go for puppy pads? Well, you probably don’t have a choice. In the first weeks of life, puppies do not have control of their bodily functions, and accidents are bound to happen. Doggies between four to eight weeks old, due to their high metabolism and lack of bladder control, will go potty about every three hours. Between eight to twelve weeks, however, the interval between potty breaks will increase, potentially reaching four or five hours, enough to implement the beginnings of a routine.
Nevertheless, until the point where your dog is in control of his bodily functions, your favourite carpets will be at risk, so investing in puppy pads is necessary. High-quality training pads provide a convenient method of allowing your puppy to relieve himself without risking damage to your floor or having to clean up after himself. Plus, with the help of positive reinforcement, doggy pads are a way to train your fluffball and create a schedule that he will follow for the rest of his life.
Sometimes, They Are Not Just for Pups
Puppy pads are generally used for the house training process of doggies just a few months old. However, they can also be a saving grace for senior dogs, who, because of their age, start to have problems with their bladder. Has your thirteen-year-old fluffball started having accidents? Then, going for a puppy pad will be a way to make the situation more bearable. Plus, training pads can also be a solution if you’re not home to take your dog for a walk or if, due to the weather outside, you must stay inside.
Puppies are born blind, deaf, slightly hypothermic, and absolutely helpless. So, it’s no wonder that in the first weeks of life, they have no control over their bodily functions. Later, through training, the number of daily accidents will gradually decrease until reaching a point where your dog can be considered fully house-trained. How long will this take? It depends on the personality of your puppy and how quickly he adapts to your commands. However, in general, most dogs stop needing disposable puppy pads after five months.
What Should I Seek in Training Pads?
Firstly, you need to ensure the pad material has a high absorbency. The whole point of puppy training pads is for the moisture to remain locked into a single place and for your floors or carpets to be spared from trouble. The liquid slides off? Then, that’s a problem, and you should look for a different product. It’s also a good idea to look for pads that can neutralise odours, dry quickly and be appropriately sized for the size of your puppy.
Although the differences in size between breeds are not necessarily noticeable at birth, after approximately four to six weeks, they will become apparent. Have you bought training pads designed for Chihuahua pups, but you are the owner of a Great Dane? Then, the size and thickness of the pad will probably not be sufficient. The puppy training pads you buy should be around 60x60cm and also portable enough to be packaged and used even in new locations.
What Types of Doggie Pads Are There?
Australians love their dogs, and this can be seen in our country’s impressive amount of pet shops per capita. Want to buy a doggy pad? Then, you have all the resources you need to make an inspired decision. However, the number of options available can be overwhelming for the average dog owner. What are the main types of doggy pads you can buy? For one thing, you can opt for disposable pads, which are an inexpensive, widely available, and convenient option that can be used for both training and travelling purposes.
Do you want to invest in a product with a longer shelf life? Then, you could go for reusable training pads. Although not as popular, reusable training pads are washable, which makes them more environmentally friendly. Moreover, in the long run, reusable training pads are more cost-effective and are the best option if you want to buy a product that your pup will get accustomed to quickly. Are you on the lookout for something that will make outdoor potty training easier? Then, you should opt for grass pads, which, although more expensive, can be a lifesaver if your puppy suffers from outdoor anxiety.
What Other Accessories Should I Invest In?
Puppy pads can be a great help for any pet owner who wants to protect their floor. However, although they are helpful, doggy training pads are just one of the accessories your dog needs in the early stages of life. Is your pup teething and starting to look more and more intensely at your favourite sneakers? If so, you’ll need to invest in high-quality chewing toys that both provide a distraction to his destructive tendencies and support his dental health. Moreover, if you work long hours, then you’ll definitely need to invest in a dog crate.
Of course, you’ll also need a high-quality harness, a leash of the correct length for your puppy, and a comfortable dog bed to give your pet the orthopedic support it needs. From waste bags to dental products, grooming supplies and even GPS trackers, the accessories your dog needs are varied, and their prices will add up. Is it worth it? Absolutely. Being a dog owner is a huge responsibility, but simultaneously, it will also be one of the most enjoyable processes of your life.
Dogs have been with us since the beginning of humanity, and the bond between us is unbreakable. Is it hard to be a dog owner? Sometimes. Is it something that you should be afraid of? Absolutely not. Your dog will become your best friend, will be there for your problems and bring a smile to your face even in the most challenging situations. Plus, with proper training, doggies can become a symbol of stability in your life and be faithful companions who will obey your commands and give you a sense of pride and accomplishment.