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Potty training can be a tricky business. It requires a great deal of patience and a few near misses before your pup fully grasps this house pet business!
That's why pee pads are a firm favorite of puppy parents to keep their floors pee-free, whilst offering a safe space and routine for dogs to learn when and where they can go to the toilet.
So, you've got the pads all set up, but when your pup goes to tinkle they tend to pee NEXT to the pad as opposed to on it.
But why does my dog pee off the pad? Is it anything to worry about? And how can I stop it before it becomes a habit?
In this blog we will look at the reasons why a puppy might pee next to his pad and what you as a dog owner can do to support them in peeing with precision.
Why Does My Dog Pee Next to the Pad?
How to spot the signs your dog needs to pee
How do I train my dog to pee on the pee pads instead of next to the pad?
Setting up the perfect indoor potty area
How to clean up a near-miss the right way
Dogs can only communicate through behavior; they don't speak people and we don't speak dog, so we have to rely on their actions to tell us how they are feeling.
If your dog is peeing next to the pad, it could be they are trying to tell you one of the following:
If a dog pees next to their pad it could be because they don't actually know what it's for. Suddenly being faced with a large pee pad if they've never seen one before can be a little confronting for your pup, and they may not realize its purpose.
It is only through training, repetition, patience and encouragement from their person that a dog will learn how to use their pad.
Younger dogs especially may think that their pee pad is a toy. It is not uncommon for puppies to chew, scratch and drag their pee pad around at first, and so will avoid using the pad for its proper purpose, resulting in pee puddles where they shouldn't be.
If you notice your puppy treating their pee pad as a toy, try to correct this association by redirecting their playful energy to their actual toys — whilst encouraging them to only interact with their pee pad during toilet time.
As humans, we wouldn't want to go to the toilet next to where we eat and sleep, and dogs are no different.
If a pee pad is placed too close to their bed, food or water source, it may deter them from using the pad properly, and so they will do everything they can to pee as far away from it as they can.
If the pad isn't in an easy access area, your dog may then decide to pee — or get caught short! — near the pad instead.
For example, some areas that may be difficult to reach include: areas with lots of other furniture or distractions, areas that are gated off, areas where other animals may be present, areas that are too far away from where they usually hang out, and areas that they have to climb to reach.
If you're finding that your dog pees off the pee pad, it could be because they are either confused or overwhelmed. If their pads are not kept in the same place, especially if they are new to the house or environment, this can lead to confusion and accidents.
Like most of us, dogs also appreciate a little calm and privacy when using the toilet. And so if you place their pads in high-traffic areas with lots of people and noise, it could make them anxious, resulting in an avoidance of using the pads.
Sometimes, a pee puddle is just down to a lack of aim — a common underlying issue, especially in a male dog. If your dog lifts their leg to pee, the stream can easily go over the edge of the pad. Many dogs also don't fully understand where their back feet are, so they may plant their front paws on the pad and still leave urine beside it.
Some medical issues, especially urinary tract infections, can also affect aim and should be ruled out if this is new or persistent.
Encouraging your dog to pee closer to the center of the pad will help reduce the risk of spills. Some male dogs also do better with a small vertical target in the pad area to help them stop peeing next to it.
It's important not to punish or admonish your puppy if they miss-aim and pee beside their pad, rather than on it. Instead, focus on using positive reinforcement (lots of praise and treats right after a pee in the right spot) and use gentle recorrections so that they learn where "to" and "not to" go.
If a dog pees next to their pad, it could be down to the simple issue that the pad needs cleaning. A dog will be deterred from using their pad if it has been used too many times and needs changing. Pop your Potty Buddy Reusable pee pad in the wash to keep your pup peeing in peace!
(Seriously, all it takes is a short wash and you can get your reusable pee pad into tip top shape once again.)
Puppies are not able to hold their pee for as long as adult dogs, and so sometimes they simply don't make it to the pad in time. It is advised to create a regular toilet schedule for puppies, placing them on the pad every hour or so to encourage them to relieve themselves, while also planning regular potty breaks and a short walk when appropriate. Building reliable bathroom habits can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the dog.
If you would like guidance on a proper toilet schedule for puppies and how often you should be encouraging your dog to go toilet, check out our blog on How Long Can Dogs Hold Their Pee?
Sometimes the issue isn't the pad — it's the timing! If your pup hasn't quite figured out how to ask for the toilet yet, it's down to you to learn their language. Here are some classic "I need to go!" signs to watch for:
Circling and sniffing. If your pup is suddenly busy investigating the floor, it's often the prelude to a pee.
Whining, pacing or pawing at the door. Gentle attention-seeking that usually means business.
A sudden stop in play. If your zooming pup pauses mid-romp and looks a bit confused, it's bathroom o'clock.
Heading back to a previous accident spot. Dogs are creatures of habit, and that includes their bathroom habits.
Squatting or leg-lifting. By this point you have about three seconds, so move fast!
A few key moments to head off the rush: right after waking up, within 15 minutes of eating or drinking, after a play session, and any time your pup has been crated or alone for a while. Pop them on the pad at these times, even if they don't seem desperate yet, and you'll start building those positive associations.
As soon as you notice that your dog is peeing off their pad, it's important to step in straight away to stop it becoming a bad habit. The quicker you nip this unwanted behavior in the bud, the sooner you create a better routine for both owner and dog.
Why not check out our previous blog on how to train your puppy to use a puppy pad, where we go through all the tips and tricks for toilet training your pooch.
In the meantime, here are some of the potty training basics for using dog pee pads:
It's important that you follow the 3 Ps of potty training your dog using a pee pad: Positive, Proactive and Patience. In this frustrating situation, potty accidents should never be punished or scolded, because that can create anxiety and slow training.
Firstly, approaching this training with a positive mindset will be much more constructive than allowing yourself to get frustrated quickly.
Secondly, it's about being proactive in your puppy's training — ensuring you consistently send them the same signals and providing them with the structure to thrive.
And thirdly, it's about being patient and understanding that training takes time and won't happen overnight.
To avoid confusion and near-misses for your pup, make sure you choose an easily accessible place for your pee pads and keep them in the same spot, creating a clear indoor potty area with a defined pad area that can work especially well for small dogs using indoor pads; a pad holder or even a litter box-style tray helps keep the pad from sliding on the floor and makes that space easier for your dog to recognize.
Encouraging your dog to pee in the middle of the pee pad will minimize aim issues and avoid leaks.
Why not try giving your pup high value treats each time they manage to use the middle of the pee pad? This will give them an incentive to repeat the desired behavior. For a male dog who tends to aim high, placing a vertical surface (like a silicon on the pad can make it easier to hit the target and earn the reward.
Putting down too many separate potty pads can just end up being overwhelming for your dog. Place no more than 2-3 puppy pads at a time around the house, giving your dog options and ease without confusing them. A pad that's too small can also cause misses, because your dog may not feel comfortable turning and positioning on it. For bigger dogs, larger pads give more surface area and help prevent near-edge misses. If needed, overlap pads by a few inches to create extra coverage without scattering more around the house.
Keeping your dog's pee pads clean reduces odor and bacteria build up, helps you clean urine thoroughly with an enzyme cleaner so lingering smell does not draw your dog back to the floor next to the pad, and makes it more comfortable for your dog to use while you work on the root cause, creating a clean and sanitary environment for both dog and owner.
The placement and setup of your pup's potty area can make or break their success with pee pads. A bit of thought up front saves a lot of mopping later!
Pick a low-traffic, easy-access spot. Somewhere your pup can get to quickly, away from foot traffic and noise but not stuck behind closed doors.
Keep it well away from food, water and the bed. No one likes a bathroom by the dining table.
Use a pad holder or tray. This stops the pad sliding around, keeps the edges flat, and creates a clear "this is the toilet" boundary your dog can recognize.
Give bigger dogs bigger pads — or overlap two pads by a few inches if needed. A pad that's too small forces your pup to position awkwardly and almost guarantees misses.
Lighting matters too. Pups can be a bit hesitant about peeing in dark corners, so make sure the spot is easy to see at any time of day.
Once you've found the right setup, resist the urge to move it. Consistency is the name of the game.
So your pup has missed the pad. It happens! How you clean up matters more than you might think — because the wrong cleaning product can actually invite repeat performances on the same spot.
The trick is to use an enzyme-based cleaner, which breaks down the proteins in urine that create lingering odor. To a human nose, regular cleaning might smell fresh, but to your dog's much sharper sniffer, the leftover scent says "this is the potty spot." Cue another puddle.
Steer well clear of anything ammonia-based — urine itself contains ammonia, so an ammonia cleaner essentially smells like a fresh "go here!" sign to your pup.
A simple cleanup routine:
Blot up as much liquid as possible with paper towels.
Apply an enzyme cleaner generously, following the bottle instructions.
Let it sit and air dry rather than scrubbing it off — the enzymes need time to work.
Pop a clean pad down in the right spot and praise your pup the next time they use it.
Most pee pad misses come down to training, setup or simple aim. But sometimes, repeated accidents are your dog's way of telling you something more is going on. Trust your instincts — if anything feels off, a chat with your vet is always worthwhile.
Keep an eye out for these signs that warrant a visit:
Sudden change in habits. A previously well-trained dog that starts missing the pad out of nowhere is a classic flag for a urinary tract infection.
Going more often, but in smaller amounts. Frequent little dribbles are another UTI hint.
Straining, whimpering, or signs of pain when peeing.
Blood or unusual color in the urine.
Excessive thirst or appetite changes alongside the toileting issues — these can point to diabetes, kidney problems or other conditions worth checking.
Senior dogs may also develop incontinence or cognitive changes that affect their potty habits.
A quick vet visit and a urine sample can rule things out fast. Better safe than sorry — and your pup will thank you for it.
A few extra questions we hear all the time from new puppy parents:
There's no fixed timeline — every dog is different! Some pups get the hang of pee pads in just a few days, while others take several weeks to build reliable habits. Puppies under 16 weeks tend to need the most patience, since their bladder control is still developing. Stay consistent, celebrate the wins, and try not to panic over the setbacks — you'll get there.
At the end of the day, potty training will come with its ups and downs. However keeping pee pads clean and easy to access, whilst implementing a regular toilet routine for your dog will all contribute to a successful outcome.
Follow our top tips for ensuring your puppy actually pees on their reusable potty pad, and you'll be well on your way to potty training success.
As we mentioned before, it's about being positive, proactive, consistent and patient. Never resort to physical punishment or admonishment of your dog — as remember they're still young and learning, and definitely not doing it on purpose to annoy you!
We have heaps of additional information on our blog, so make sure to dive into our other articles for further help in supporting your pup's potty hygiene.
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