Written by Alain Courchesne, founder of Doggy Bathroom — designer of the original indoor potty system for small dogs.

Summary

Train your pup to use pee pads by rewarding the behavior instead of scolding them. Consistent placement of the pad, timely rewards (treats, praise, play), and a steady routine turn the pad into the go-to bathroom spot — and save your floors.

Quick Takeaways

• Use a single fixed spot for the pee pad so your dog knows exactly where to go. 
• Reward immediately after they pee on the pad — timing is everything.
• Once they’re reliably using the pad, gradually reduce treats and switch to praise/play, but keep the habit strong.

Potty Training a Puppy with Pee Pads: Positive Reinforcement

If you’ve seen your pup peeing on the rug while looking right at you, you know training is not just about a clean house. Training your puppy is also about keeping your sanity. Potty training with puppy pee pads can be tough. But here’s the secret: puppies learn faster when training feels like a reward, not a punishment.

That’s where positive reinforcement comes in. No rolled-up newspapers, no angry pointing—just rewards that make your dog want to keep hitting the target (ahem, the pad).

Why Positive Reinforcement for Dogs Works with Pee Pads

Positive reinforcement is simply rewarding good behavior. When your pup uses the pad correctly, give them something they love. This could be treats, praise, or a quick play session.

Because canines live in the moment, timing is critical for success. That reward tells them, yes, peeing here was the right move.

Before long, the pad becomes the VIP section of your home, and your dog is the guest list regular. This isn’t just a quick trick—it’s a reward-based potty training approach that works in the long term. Puppies especially respond well because their brains wire them to repeat behaviors that earn something good.

Pads also make the process clearer for your pup. Unlike “go outside when the weather’s nice” training, a pad is a consistent, always-available bathroom.

Mix that with a treat at the right time, and you have a way to train your puppy faster. This will also keeps your living room cleaner. (Bonus: no soggy late-night walks in your pyjamas.)

The Best Rewards for Potty Training Dogs with Pee Pads

Not all rewards are created equal, and let’s be real—dogs have their own tastes. Some are foodies, some are cuddly, and some just want you to cheer like they’ve won the lottery. Here’s what works best for dog training with rewards:

Puppy Training with Treats

Small, soft, easy-to-chew bits work wonders. Think of them as training currency—hand them over the second your pup finishes on the pad. Food rewards are the simplest way to start, especially for beginner training sessions.

Verbal Praise for Potty Time: Rewarding Your Dog

A cheerful “good job!” in your best upbeat voice is surprisingly powerful. Dogs read tone like pros, and yours will light up knowing they’ve pleased you.

Affection or Playtime

Not every dog is food-motivated for potty training with pee pads, but all dogs love attention. A quick belly rub, tug game, or extra cuddle tells them they nailed it. This is positive reinforcement training at its simplest.

Mix it up and see what makes your pup’s tail wag the hardest. Just remember: the reward has to come immediately. If you wait too long, your dog will already move on to sniffing the sofa.

Step-by-Step: Potty Training with Dog Pee Pads Using Rewards

Consistency is your new best friend. Dogs thrive on routine, so the more predictable you make the process, the faster they’ll catch on. This is how to train a small dog to use pee pads.

Step 1: Set Up the Puppy Pad Area

Choose one spot in your home for the pad and stick with it. Moving the pad around confuses your dog faster than a game of musical chairs. Pro tip: If you use the best pee pads for dogs or the full Doggy Bathroom system, you can clip pads vertically. This is especially helpful for male dogs that lift their leg.

Step 2: Guide Your Dog to the Pad

Bring your pup to the potty training pads after meals, naps, and play sessions. These are the prime times they’ll need to go. Stand by quietly and let them sniff around.

Step 3: Reward Immediately After Success

The second your pup finishes on the pad, celebrate with their favorite reward. Treats, praise, belly rub—whatever motivates them most. The key is not waiting even a few minutes; dogs connect the dots instantly or not at all.

Step 4: Repeat, Repeat, Repeat

Dogs are creatures of habit. Every successful trip to the pad followed by a reward makes the routine stronger. Soon the pad will feel like second nature.

Puppy Potty Training Tips for Long-Term Success

Positive reinforcement isn’t just for the beginning. It helps you maintain good habits long after the first win; successful pottying.

Create a Puppy Potty Reward Schedule: House Training a Puppy

At first, reward every single time. Once your dog uses the pad regularly, you can switch to an every-other-time schedule. Eventually, you can just use praise or playtime. This prevents dependency while keeping motivation strong.

Dog Owners: Use Cue Words Effectively

Adding a phrase like “go potty” while your pup is on the pad creates an association. Over time, your dog learns that the phrase means it’s time to head for the pad. Just make sure everyone in the household uses the same words—otherwise your dog ends up bilingual in confusion.

Keep It Positive - You Don't Need to be a Dog Trainer

When teaching your dog; If your pup misses the pad, don’t scold. Clean the spot thoroughly (enzymatic cleaners work best to remove scent markers) and guide them back to the pad next time. Training setbacks happen—patience wins the long game.

When it comes to positive reinforcement dog training, consistency is everything. The best results come when you use positive reinforcement for potty training. A clear routine helps, especially for puppies.

If you’ve been wondering how to potty train a puppy, the trick is simple: guide them to the pad for the desired behavior, reward success immediately, and repeat until it becomes a habit. Using dog training with rewards—like treats, praise, or playtime—makes house training and potty pad training not only easier but more enjoyable for both of you.

This approach works just as well for older pets as it does for pee pad training for puppies. Proving that reward-based potty training is effective at any age.

If you are a first-time dog owner, these dog training tips for beginners to help you. They will build your dog's confidence and create a routine. Each successful trip to the pad will feel like a win.

Troubleshooting Common Challenges: Indoor Potty Training for Dogs

Even with the best system, hiccups happen. Here’s how to stay on track:

Challenge 1: Dog Sniffs Pad but Doesn’t Go

Solution: Increase guidance. Bring them to the pad more often, especially after meals and naps.

Challenge 2: Dog Misses the Pad

Solution: Clean the area thoroughly to remove the scent. Dogs love repeat performances, and lingering smells are an open invitation.

Challenge 3: Dog Expects Treats Forever

Solution: Gradually reduce food rewards, replacing them with praise and affection. This balance keeps your pup motivated without relying on treats long term.

Why Pee Pads and Positive Reinforcement Work Together

Pee pads give your pup a clear target zone. Positive reinforcement gives them the motivation to use it. Together, they make potty training faster, easier, and way less stressful for both of you.

When you use pee pads with a system made for small dogs, like the Doggy Bathroom, you get a clean and reliable solution. It has vertical pad support and splash guards, making it practical for everyday life.

Conclusion: Training with Trust and Patience

Potty training doesn’t have to feel like a battle of wills. With positive reinforcement, you’re building trust, confidence, and a routine that sticks. Every successful trip to the pad is a win for both you and your dog—and yes, your floors too.

Patience and persistence are your secret weapons. Stick with the rewards, keep the tone positive, and soon enough your dog will see the pee pad as their personal red carpet.

For more detailed techniques on building consistent habits, explore our guide to effective dog potty training methods.

Need help choosing a full indoor potty system? Discover our guide to the Best Indoor Dog Potty Solutions for Small Dogs to see how the right setup completes your routine.

About the Author

Alain Courchesne is the founder of Doggy Bathroom. As a designer and pet parent, he created the original indoor potty system for small dogs, trusted by thousands of owners across North America. His mission is to make pet ownership easier and more hygienic, with thoughtful solutions that adapt to modern living.