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While some clever puppies will use their pee pad with little persuasion, others can struggle to understand that we want them to use it. If your puppy chooses to pee on the carpet or your shoe instead, you may need to consider another tactic.
This is a vet's honest answer as to whether or not you should consider investing in pads with pheromones. We explore what they are, how they work, and which puppies are the best candidates for them.
A pheromone is a chemical that dogs release as a way of expressing information including emotions. Usually, they are used as a means for dogs to communicate with one another.
Pheromones used on the pads are typically a mix of pheromone-mimicking compounds and not true pheromones. They may smell like grass or other outdoor scents, or might even have ammonia to imitate the smell of urine. Remember, dogs generally like to go to the toilet if they think they or another dog have already urinated there.
A Potty training spray is the perfect pairing when it comes to puppy pads. The use of these chemicals acts as an attractant, so you get to decide where the puppy pees. A spray is hugely versatile, as it can be used on items other than just puppy pee pads, including patches of dog grass or even outdoors.
Pheromone (or attractant) infused pads are typically disposables ones, as any pheromones infused in a reusable pee pad would get washed away in the washing machine.
Good quality puppy pads should have several absorbent layers that offer leak protection, as well as anti-slip strips. This allows for a pleasant toileting experience, to ensure potty training goes smoothly.
In my experience, these disposable puppy pads can work well for many dogs. They are something I tend to recommend when a pup seems uninterested in conventional puppy pads. The effectiveness of pheromone attractants can vary; while some dogs may respond positively, others might not show any interest in pads with these scents.
It's important to emphasize that there is no product in existence that guarantees immediate toilet training. Pheromone pads are a tool to help things on their way, but are by no means a substitute for consistent and patient training.
As with regular pads, by providing a clear target, the pads decrease the likelihood of messes on the floor.
I've had many owners who swear by this product, when all else has failed and they were getting utterly fed up with a dog who was leaving puddles all around the home!
Attract and repel training is when we give the pet a helping hand, offering clues as to where they should urinate and where they shouldn't.
A pheromone infused disposable pad offers a simple way to communicate with your dog, guiding them to where you would like them to toilet. Pads with attractants are ideal for those pups who wee near the pad but not 'inside the lines'. The pheromones are a way of teaching them exactly where they need to pee, to prevent accidents.
Conversely, deterrent scents are used on spots we want to keep clean, like doors, furniture, and rugs. Pups soon learn that sniffing these areas is unpleasant. Bitter apple and citrus are two smells that are universally hated.
Pads with built-in pheromones are almost always the disposable kind, and over time purchasing them can be costly. When you take into account how many pads you're likely to go through in the first year of the pup's life, you may wish to consider the sustainability more closely.
To keep costs down, it may be worth investing in reusable pads and a separate pheromone spray, as this tends to be the most cost effective option long term. This also offers the flexibility of being able to use the spray outdoors, when you transition your puppy to outside toilet training.
As a vet, my preference would be for using a potty training spray alongside a multi-use pad such as the Potty Buddy Washable Pee Pad.
You'll want to buy pads that have good absorbency and that are leak proof, ensuring you keep the cleanup to a minimum. Odor control is also key, to have your home smelling fresh.
Given the amount of mess your little pet is going to create, we recommend you buy washable rather than disposable pads. Using washable pee pads can significantly reduce the amount of waste generated compared to disposable pads, making them a more sustainable choice for pet owners. Not only will this save you a large amount of money, your conscience will be clear too.
Pee pads offer convenience for dog owners, especially during the early stages of a puppy's life when they need to go frequently.
The pros of adding pheromones are that the pet can more easily understand where their bathroom spot, is which can speed up the housebreaking process. There is less risk of accidents, less puppy anxiety and far less stress for you, the owner.
These pads can also be used for senior or sick pooches, and those who with mobility issues who struggle to make it out for toileting purposes regularly. As well as this, owner who live in apartments tend to rely on these pads when they cannot offer more regular toileting opportunities outside.
Vet's bottom line:Pheromone pads help some dogs, but training consistency wins. In my view, awashable pad+potty spray = the most flexible, sustainable setup for most. Over the years, I have found this to be the quickest and easiest way to achieving a potty-trained pooch.
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