Praise and treat your pup once they’ve peed and pooped is always a good addition to your routine. Dogs can easily associate the praise and the reward with whatever happens after they go potty, particularly if you do it time and again. For all dog potties, you’ll need to train your dog to use it. That’s easier for some dogs than others. Patience and consistency make the process a little easier. Your dog is more likely to adapt to a dog potty that is most similar to what they are already using. If your dog is used to going outside, artificial turf may be an easier transition than pee pads or bark potties. Lots of people take their dogs out for a 30-minute walk in the morning and a one-hour (or more) one in the evening – and that’s a system that works for adult dogs, with complete control over their bladders. Each Bark Potty comes with a built-in plastic tray that prevents leaks, plus they come with a roll of poo bags. Each Bark Potty is designed to last for a full month—the equivalent of 60 pee pads. You can get a discount on each Bark Potty by subscribing to regular deliveries.

When you’re potty training, you can’t watch them every minute. But you can provide them with an easy-to-clean indoor surface that simulates the outdoors to help guide them in the right direction. The Pet Adobe Artificial Grass Potty Trainer Mat—also sold under the brand names Petmaker and Pet Pal—uses a three-layer system. A top grass mat sits on top of a layer that collects liquids, and both rest in a durable collection tray. Even fully trained dogs might still go potty on the lawn/on your grass 10 or 20% of the time. So, you might have to make peace with this. The yarn, or grass part of your turf, is made of either a single plastic or a combination of the plastics polyethylene, polypropylene, and nylon. Nylon is the most expensive and durable yarn material, but it’s not soft and is not commonly used for pet greens. Select products whose grass filaments are UV- and fade-resistant, that customers confirm are durable, and that come with a quality warranty. Those that use multiple colors of yarn tend to look more like a true lawn. The most realistic-looking grasses include a thatch yarn in a different color, weight, or texture meant to mimic the inconsistencies of natural grass. It often makes sense to spend a little more on a quality product rather than buying a less expensive product you’ll have to replace often.This piece was written by Lorraine Wilde, who has had at least two dog companions in her home for the past 35 years. When researching these brands, she evaluated the type and quality of the materials, the company’s research and development of the grass, and their business ethics. She has only the highest standards for pet products in your home. She holds a master's degree in environmental science with an emphasis on toxicology. Your puppy may be nervous or distracted. It’s not uncommon for your puppy to go into sensory overload when they’re outside. Make sure you give them positive reinforcement whilst not making it a game/play time if they’re outside specifically for a potty break.

First, not all mulch is safe for dogs. Before purchasing mulch, ensure that the wood it’s made from is safe for your dog to ingest. Sand is extremely similar to most commercial cat litter, so it makes sense as a filler for your dog’s potty area. While many dogs prefer sand over other materials, this material often isn’t the best option out there.Once you’ve chosen an area, make sure there aren’t any underground conduits or objects like pipes before digging. This piece was written by Lorraine Wilde who has had at least two dog and cat companions in her home for the past 35 years including some kitties with special needs. She’s raised several puppies throughout that time. Waste Bag Capability: Most models will come with the proper space for an odor-controlled waste bag. If you’re going for the flashier models, such as our Camco Travel Toilet that peaked our list, you’ll have an alternative system to empty and rinse out. If you’re squeamish and want to simply toss it all away at once, a bag-inclusive model is the right fit for you. Nevertheless, cleaning potty pads is often messy and unpleasant, and urine also needs to be drained often from the plastic tray. In the end, you’ll find yourself washing both the faux grass plus the tray and then drying them at least once weekly, if not more often, and that can be time-consuming. It’s worth noting that fake grass can sometimes fall apart, posing a health risk for puppies if they start chewing and swallowing it. Not to mention that these plastic products are not biodegradable, which can be a big problem these days. It could be behind the bushes in your front yard so it’s obscured from view, or around the side of the house where no one frequently sees and you don’t need or want to grow flowers and plants there.