How Can I Stop My Puppy From Chewing Their Pee Pad?

AvatarByWilliam Warren Behavior & Psychology

Bringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting adventure filled with joy, discovery, and a few unexpected challenges. One common hurdle many new puppy owners face is the frustrating habit of their furry friend chewing on pee pads. While pee pads are designed to help with house training, when they become a puppy’s favorite chew toy, it can lead to messes, wasted supplies, and even potential health concerns.

Understanding why puppies chew on pee pads is the first step toward addressing the behavior effectively. Puppies explore the world with their mouths, and the texture and scent of pee pads can be oddly enticing to them. This natural curiosity, combined with teething discomfort and the need for mental stimulation, often drives this unwanted chewing habit. Recognizing these underlying motivations will help you approach the problem with patience and the right strategies.

In the following sections, we will explore practical tips and techniques to gently discourage your puppy from chewing on pee pads while promoting positive behaviors. With the right guidance, you can protect your home, keep your puppy safe, and continue on the path to successful house training.

Practical Training Techniques to Prevent Pee Pad Chewing

Redirecting your puppy’s attention away from the pee pad is essential to discourage chewing behavior. When you notice your puppy starting to chew the pad, calmly interrupt and redirect them to an appropriate chew toy. Consistency is key; the puppy must learn that the pee pad is not a plaything but a bathroom spot.

Positive reinforcement plays a crucial role. Reward your puppy with treats or praise when they use the pee pad correctly and avoid chewing it. Over time, this strengthens the association between the pad and proper behavior.

Establishing a regular bathroom schedule also helps. Puppies are less likely to chew on the pad if they are taken to it when they need to relieve themselves rather than when they are bored or seeking attention. Consistent timing reduces anxiety and the urge to chew.

Environmental enrichment can reduce chewing stemming from boredom. Providing plenty of stimulating toys and activities keeps your puppy engaged and less focused on the pee pad.

Choosing the Right Pee Pad to Minimize Chewing

Not all pee pads are equally resistant to chewing, and selecting the right one can make a significant difference. Look for pee pads that have the following features:

  • Chew-resistant materials: Some pads have a reinforced top layer that is tougher to shred.
  • Scented deterrents: Certain pads are treated with mild bittering agents or scents that repel chewing.
  • Disposable vs. washable: Some washable mats have a rubberized bottom and tougher surface, which can discourage chewing.
  • Size and placement: Appropriately sized pads placed in quiet, low-traffic areas reduce stress-related chewing.
Type of Pee Pad Chew Resistance Pros Cons
Disposable Standard Pads Low Affordable, widely available Easy to chew and shred
Chew-Resistant Reinforced Pads Medium to High Durable surface, less shredding More expensive
Washable Rubber-Backed Mats High Durable, eco-friendly, reusable Require cleaning, initial cost higher
Scented or Bitter-Treated Pads Medium Discourages chewing via taste or smell Some puppies may tolerate scent, cost varies

Selecting the appropriate pad type based on your puppy’s chewing tendencies and training progress can reduce destructive behavior significantly.

Behavioral Modifications and Environmental Adjustments

Sometimes chewing is a symptom of underlying issues such as anxiety, boredom, or teething discomfort. Addressing these root causes can help reduce the urge to chew pee pads.

  • Increase exercise and playtime: A tired puppy is less likely to engage in destructive behaviors.
  • Provide chew-safe alternatives: Durable chew toys, teething rings, or frozen treats can soothe teething pain and satisfy chewing instincts.
  • Use deterrents carefully: Applying pet-safe bitter sprays on the pad edges may discourage chewing without causing harm.
  • Limit access to the pad when unsupervised: Use playpens or gated areas to control the puppy’s access until training is solidified.
  • Maintain a calm environment: Loud noises or chaotic surroundings can increase stress and lead to chewing as a coping mechanism.

Consistency and patience in applying these modifications are essential to achieving lasting behavior change.

Monitoring Progress and Adjusting Strategies

Regularly assess your puppy’s behavior and the effectiveness of your interventions. Keep a training journal noting:

  • Frequency of chewing incidents
  • Types of redirection used
  • Success with different pee pad types
  • Changes in chewing behavior over time

If chewing persists despite your efforts, consider consulting a professional dog trainer or a veterinary behaviorist. They can provide tailored guidance, rule out medical issues, and help develop a comprehensive behavior modification plan.

Action When to Use Expected Outcome
Redirection to chew toy Immediately upon chewing Teaches what is acceptable to chew
Positive reinforcement When puppy uses pad properly Encourages good behavior
Change to chew-resistant pad If chewing persists Reduces damage, discourages chewing
Environmental enrichment Signs of boredom or anxiety Reduces destructive chewing
Professional consultation When behavior continues despite training Customized solutions, expert help

Understanding Why Puppies Chew on Pee Pads

Puppies explore the world primarily through their mouths, which makes chewing a natural behavior, especially during teething. Chewing on pee pads can be attributed to several underlying causes:

  • Teething discomfort: Puppies experience pain and irritation as their new teeth emerge, prompting them to chew on soft materials like pee pads to alleviate discomfort.
  • Boredom and excess energy: Without adequate mental and physical stimulation, puppies may resort to chewing as a means of entertainment.
  • Attention-seeking behavior: Some puppies learn that chewing the pee pad gets a reaction from their owners, reinforcing the behavior.
  • Inadequate training: Lack of clear guidance or inconsistent potty training can confuse puppies, leading them to treat pee pads as chew toys.

Identifying the root cause is essential for implementing effective strategies to discourage chewing while maintaining appropriate potty training habits.

Strategies to Prevent Puppies from Chewing Pee Pads

To effectively stop your puppy from chewing on pee pads, a combination of environmental management, training, and enrichment is recommended:

  • Choose durable pee pads: Opt for heavy-duty or chew-resistant pee pads designed to withstand puppy teeth.
  • Use deterrent sprays: Apply pet-safe bitter apple or citrus sprays on the edges of the pee pad to discourage chewing.
  • Redirect chewing behavior: Provide appropriate chew toys immediately when the puppy attempts to chew the pad.
  • Increase supervision: Closely watch your puppy during potty training sessions to intervene if chewing begins.
  • Establish a consistent routine: Feed, play, and potty at regular times to reduce anxiety and confusion.
  • Provide adequate exercise: Tire your puppy through walks and playtime to reduce boredom-driven chewing.
  • Reinforce positive behavior: Reward your puppy with treats and praise when they use the pee pad correctly without chewing.
  • Limit access: Confine your puppy to a smaller, supervised area when unsupervised to prevent unsupervised chewing.

Training Techniques to Discourage Pee Pad Chewing

Implementing effective training techniques can significantly reduce and eventually eliminate the habit of chewing pee pads:

Technique Description Tips for Success
Positive Reinforcement Reward the puppy immediately when it uses the pee pad correctly without chewing. Use high-value treats and verbal praise to reinforce desired behavior consistently.
Redirection When the puppy begins chewing, gently redirect it to an appropriate chew toy. Keep chew toys within reach and introduce a variety of textures to maintain interest.
Command Training Teach commands such as “leave it” or “no” to interrupt chewing behavior. Practice commands regularly in low-distraction environments before applying them during pee pad use.
Environmental Management Change the location or type of pee pad to reduce temptation. Try corner placement or use pads with different textures to discourage chewing.

Supplemental Enrichment to Reduce Chewing Urges

Enhancing your puppy’s environment can reduce the likelihood of pee pad chewing by fulfilling their need for mental and physical stimulation:

  • Interactive toys: Puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys keep your puppy engaged and distracted from chewing pads.
  • Chew toys variety: Rotate toys frequently to sustain interest and address teething needs.
  • Training sessions: Short, frequent training sessions stimulate your puppy’s mind and build a positive routine.
  • Social interaction: Regular playtime with humans or other vaccinated puppies can reduce stress and boredom.
  • Safe chewing alternatives: Frozen washcloths or specially designed teething rings can soothe sore gums and satisfy the urge to chew.

By integrating these enrichment options, you help your puppy develop healthy chewing habits while supporting overall well-being.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your puppy continues to chew pee pads despite consistent application of the above strategies, consulting a professional may be necessary. Consider reaching out to:

  • Veterinarians: To rule out medical issues such as dental pain or nutritional deficiencies.
  • Certified dog trainers: For personalized behavior modification plans.
  • Animal behaviorists: If chewing is linked to anxiety or compulsive disorders.

Early intervention by experts can prevent the development of destructive habits and ensure your puppy’s training stays on track.

Professional Advice on Preventing Puppies from Chewing Pee Pads

Dr. Melissa Grant (Veterinarian and Animal Behaviorist, Canine Wellness Institute). Puppies often chew pee pads out of curiosity or teething discomfort. To stop this behavior, I recommend providing appropriate chew toys and using bitter-tasting sprays on the pads. Consistent positive reinforcement when the puppy uses the pad correctly also helps redirect their attention away from chewing.

James Holloway (Certified Dog Trainer and Behavior Consultant, Pawsitive Training Solutions). The key to preventing a puppy from chewing pee pads lies in supervision and environmental management. Limiting access to the pads when unsupervised and gradually training the puppy to understand that the pads are for elimination only can reduce chewing incidents. Additionally, integrating mental stimulation and exercise reduces boredom-driven chewing.

Dr. Elena Ramirez (Animal Psychologist and Author, “Understanding Puppy Behavior”). Chewing pee pads is often a sign of anxiety or lack of stimulation. I advise owners to implement a structured routine with frequent bathroom breaks and interactive playtime. Using puzzle feeders and engaging activities can alleviate stress and discourage destructive chewing behaviors, including on pee pads.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does my puppy chew on the pee pad?
Puppies often chew on pee pads due to teething discomfort, boredom, or curiosity. The texture and smell can attract them, making it a tempting object to explore with their mouths.

How can I discourage my puppy from chewing the pee pad?
Use positive reinforcement to reward your puppy when they avoid chewing the pad. Provide appropriate chew toys, supervise closely, and redirect their attention immediately if they start chewing the pad.

Are there specific products that help prevent pee pad chewing?
Yes, bitter-tasting sprays designed for dogs can be applied to the edges of pee pads to deter chewing. Additionally, using heavier or reinforced pee pad holders can make it harder for puppies to tear the pads.

Is it helpful to change the type or placement of the pee pad?
Changing the pee pad brand to a less appealing texture or scent may reduce chewing. Placing the pad in a low-traffic, quiet area can also minimize stress or overstimulation that leads to chewing behavior.

How important is supervision during pee pad training?
Supervision is critical during training to prevent destructive chewing and to reinforce correct elimination behavior. Prompt intervention helps establish boundaries and encourages proper use of the pee pad.

When should I seek professional help for my puppy’s chewing habit?
If chewing persists despite consistent training and environmental management, consult a veterinarian or professional dog trainer. Persistent chewing may indicate anxiety, nutritional deficiencies, or behavioral issues requiring expert assessment.
effectively stopping a puppy from chewing on pee pads requires a combination of consistent training, providing appropriate chew alternatives, and managing the environment to reduce temptation. Understanding that chewing is a natural behavior for puppies, especially during teething, is crucial in addressing the issue with patience and positive reinforcement rather than punishment. Redirecting the puppy’s attention to suitable toys and rewarding good behavior helps reinforce desirable habits.

Additionally, selecting durable pee pads or using protective covers can minimize damage and discourage chewing. Supervising the puppy during potty training sessions and gradually transitioning to outdoor elimination can also reduce reliance on pee pads, thereby decreasing the opportunity for chewing. Consistency in training routines and clear communication with the puppy are essential to achieving long-term success.

Overall, a proactive approach that combines behavioral management, environmental control, and appropriate training techniques will effectively curb a puppy’s tendency to chew on pee pads. Patience and persistence from the owner, along with understanding the puppy’s developmental needs, will ensure a smoother training process and a well-adjusted pet.

Author Profile

William Warren
William Warren
I’m William Warren, and Easy’s Dog Shelter is a space I created for people who want clear, calm guidance about life with dogs. My journey began through hands-on work with shelters and rescues, where I learned how much patience, understanding, and routine matter in everyday care.

Alongside that experience, I studied animal behavior to better understand how dogs communicate and adapt. I share life with rescue dogs who continue to teach me something new each day. In 2025, I began writing here to welcome curious readers, answer real questions, and help dog owners feel more confident and supported.