Most dogs take to the Pet+ Puppy Pad right away thanks to the built-in pheromone layer. If yours needs a little encouragement, here's the approach that works best.
Week 1 — Introduction
- Place the pad in a quiet, consistent spot — near their existing potty area, or just inside the door they use to go out.
- Walk your dog onto it a few times and let them sniff. No commands yet — let the pheromones do the work.
- When they use it, praise them calmly and warmly. Treats help.
Week 2 — Reinforcement
- Bring them to the pad on their normal schedule: after meals, after naps, and after play.
- If they have an accident nearby, clean it and place the soiled paper on the pad so the scent reinforces the spot.
- Keep the pad in the same place during this phase — consistency matters more than anything.
Week 3 and beyond
Most dogs are fully using the pad by now. To shift its location, move it a few feet every few days rather than all at once.
If it's not clicking
- Try a bigger size — small dogs will use a Medium comfortably; larger dogs really do need the Large for success.
- Move the pad closer to where they've been having accidents.
- Check for competing scents — a new cleaner or strong fragrance nearby can confuse their instincts.
Still stuck? Write to hello@petplus.co — we've helped thousands of pet parents and we're happy to troubleshoot with you.