Transitioning From Pee Pads to the Doggy Bathroom

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.

For dogs who are already familiar with pee pads, here are some helpful tips to ease the transition to the Doggy Bathroom:

• 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.

• 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.

• 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!

• 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.

• 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, you can reintroduce the enclosure. If they resist again, go back to basics and try reintroducing in a few days.

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.

Recommended Reading

4 Ways to Successfully Potty Train a Puppy
Learn essential potty training techniques that work at every stage.

Chihuahua Training Guide: Essential Potty Training Tips
Tips tailored to small dogs who benefit most from indoor routines.

Dog Litter Box Training: Benefits and Best Practices
Explore why a litter box system works and how to maximize success.