Need an Indoor Potty for Dogs? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

If your dog struggles to adjust to their potty training, an indoor dog potty is an excellent way to get going. They’re comfortable and accessible for dogs, make clear up easy, and are also good if your dog has health issues preventing them from going outside.

A puppy is a prime example – the first fortnight is spent indoors because the outside world isn’t ready for them. In this article, we go through all dog potty options to help you build a convenient and hygienic potty solution for your furry friend.

Why Use an Indoor Potty for Dogs?

There are many benefits to using an indoor dog potty. A potty pad (also known as a pee pad) will dispense with urine odors, prevent your dog from having to go outside in snowy or rainy weather, and if you are training a puppy, it will help them train in a safe environment. There are a few reasons why an indoor dog potty might be necessary, including:

If you have a young or old dog

Older and younger dogs both generally have issues with going to the bathroom. A puppy has these issues because they are still training and don’t understand the rules yet. Dog training and development are required to teach them this. Older dogs because they suffer from stiff legs or bladder/intestinal issues.

If your dog has health issues

Some dogs suffer from health issues that affect their mobility, and a dog potty is a substitute for comfortable and convenient grass.

Different Types of Indoor Potties & Their Features

For dog owners, there are numerous different indoor dog potty options. Here are a few options that you can order today.

Conventional Litter Boxes

The simplest and most basic potty area you can buy is a conventional litter box. It’s similar to those made for cats, but they have elevated sidewalls to contain the litter and don’t have roofs, which makes your dog feel comfortable.

Real Grass

Older dogs are particularly more comfortable going to the bathroom on the grass, and so many real grass potty solutions have been developed. You have to replace them every few weeks as the grass dies.

Synthetic Grass

If you want your dog to have the comfort of natural grass but not the hassle of replacing it constantly, synthetic grass is also available. It’s excellent as an indoor potty pad and cheaper than natural grass, but it doesn’t appeal to all dogs.

Training Your Dog to Use an Indoor Potty

Once you have your pad, whether it’s fake grass, a conventional puppy pad, or a large dog or a small dog, potty training is crucial. Like all dog training, this will take some repetition. And the trick there is one word: routine. Puppies and adult dogs need a reliable routine. Offer your dog the option to go to the potty every two hours (especially if it is a puppy).

For older dogs, it’s harder to undo old habits. The trick is to work with the routine they know. When they ask to go out in their own way, lead them to the potty area and encourage them to go there. If they ask to go out again, lead them back. Then, of course, reward your dog with enthusiasm and immediately clear the mess from the pad.

Another option is to bring the pee pad outside first, encourage your dog to use it, and then gradually move it indoors. This will teach the new habit to your doggo. Rewards and treats are a great way to reinforce good habits and prevent accidents.

Choosing the Right Indoor Potty for Your Dog

We’ve covered a few indoor potties available, but the question remains: which is the right indoor potty for your dog?

The size of your dog, as well as its character traits, are good factors to consider. You know your dog best, so you will always be the best informed to make the decision. But generally, one should consider cleaning ease, budget (some are costlier than others, natural grass being an example where one needs consistent replacements), and which potty will be most comfortable and intuitive for your dog.

Conduct some research and find the best options. Smart dog potties have in-built reward systems and are even self-cleaning. It’s a little costly, though, as are the high-tech doggy bathrooms. Whichever product you choose, there are no shortcuts to training. Your dog must learn that this is the new place to do their business.

When it comes to cleaning your indoor potty, do so regularly. Once a day is recommended, but every time it’s used is best for hygiene and your dog’s comfort.

Conclusion

By picking the right indoor potty for your pup and giving them the right amount of patience, consistency, and routine, you can retrain an older dog to use the new facility just as well as a newborn puppy. After they know what to do, their quality of life will be drastically improved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can all dogs be trained to use an indoor potty?

With the right amount of patience, consistency, and routine, you can train most dogs to use an indoor potty, especially if you give your dog compelling incentives like their favorite treats, enthusiastic praises, or other rewards.

How often should I clean my indoor potty?

Indoor dog potties need regular cleaning; once a day is minimal.

Can indoor potties be used for dogs of all sizes?

A larger dog might need a bigger potty, but many sizes and shapes are available when it comes to dog potty training.