If you've clicked on this article, chances are your dog has been using pee pads on the floor, and you've wiped up more messes than you'd like to admit. We get it. Been there, mopped that.

Dogs who are already trained to use pee pads tend to stick to their routine, but that doesn't mean they won't have the occasional miss, spill, or smelly accident. The good news? That consistency gives you a head start when transitioning them to the Doggy Bathroom. Some dogs take to it right away, while others need a bit of guidance.

If your pup hasn’t been potty trained at all, we recommend checking out our training guides to help you start from scratch.

How long it takes: Most dogs make the switch within a week of consistent use. If you're seeing no progress after two weeks, don't push harder, go back to the "Break It Down" step below and start over from there.

Set It Up in a Consistent Spot

Choose your designated bathroom area and install the Doggy Bathroom there. Let your dog explore and sniff around so they can get used to its presence before you ask anything of them.

Make It Familiar and Rewarding

Gently guide your dog inside and reward them with a treat. This helps them associate the Doggy Bathroom with a positive experience from the very first encounter.

Like all good things, this process takes time—and a little patience. But it’s also a great opportunity to bond with your pup and reinforce trust. Once your dog gets the hang of it, the cleaner floors and simpler routine will be well worth the effort.

Use Scent as a Guide

Dogs rely heavily on scent, so place one of our scented pee pads or a lightly used one inside the Doggy Bathroom. If they don't go in right away, place the pad just outside and gradually move it closer until it's fully inside.

Avoid Confusion With Crates

If your dog tries to lie down in the Doggy Bathroom, gently redirect them. This isn't nap time, it's potty time. Dogs can associate an enclosed space with resting, so a little redirection early on prevents that habit from forming.

Use Your Potty Cue

If you already have a potty command, now's the time to use it. Say the cue clearly while guiding your dog to the Doggy Bathroom to help reinforce the habit they already know.

Break It Down, If Needed

If your dog is still hesitant, try removing the enclosure. Start with just the base Tray and a pee pad. Once they're confident using the Tray, reintroduce the enclosure. If they resist again, go back to basics and try reintroducing in a few days. There's no rush, dogs who get to move at their own pace tend to stick with the habit better.

The Bottom Line

Like all good things, this process takes a little time and patience. If your dog stalls at any point, the fix is almost always the same: go back one step, whether that's removing the enclosure or reintroducing the scent, rather than pushing forward. Once they get the hang of it, cleaner floors and a simpler routine make the transition well worth it.

FAQ

How long does it take to transition from pee pads to a Doggy Bathroom?
Most dogs adjust within a week of consistent use. Dogs who are more hesitant, or who are startled by the enclosure, may take a bit longer, especially if you need to use the "Break It Down" step.

What if my dog won't use the Doggy Bathroom at all?
Start over with just the base Tray and a familiar pee pad, no enclosure. Once your dog is reliably using the Tray alone, reintroduce the enclosure gradually. Scenting the pad with your dog's own use can also help.

Can I use my old pee pads in the Doggy Bathroom?
Yes. In fact, using a pad your dog has already gone on is one of the fastest ways to help them recognize the Doggy Bathroom as the right spot, since dogs rely so heavily on scent.

My dog keeps trying to nap in the Doggy Bathroom instead of using it. What do I do?
Gently redirect them any time they settle in rather than go. This is a common early mix-up, especially for dogs used to crates, and it usually resolves quickly once they learn what the space is for.