Crate

The best house training tool is a crate. Dogs are usually unwilling to go to the bathroom in the confines of the crate. Every puppy or unhouse-trained dog should be trained to be in a crate when he cannot be supervised. See the section on Puppies.

Puppy Pads

Puppy or potty pads are cotton absorbent pads that puppies and dogs learn to urinate and defecate on in the house. Older dogs, sick dogs, or dogs who have never been house trained can also be trained to use them.

Pros

• They make cleanup easy
• They’re convenient for apartments or homes without a yard
• They’re good options for dogs who can’t go outside for health reasons

Cons

• Dogs can learn that it is OK to go in the house
• Dog may never be fully house trained
• Puppies can chew them up or drag them around

Grass pads

Grass pads may be artificial or real squares of sod. They are used for puppies, older dogs dogs who have never been house trained and ill dogs.

Pros

• Puppies are more easily transitioned from the grass pad to outside.
• There is a clear distinction between the floor and the potty area for the dog.

Cons

• Cleaning/replacing grass pads is more involved.
• The mess made by puppies or dogs chewing or digging in them especially after they have pottyed can be substantial.

Cleaning Products

Puppies, newly adopted, elderly or sick dogs can all have accidents. All accidents must be cleaned thoroughly so the dog does not sense the odor and continue to relieve himself in that spot.

Several products and techniques can be used to achieve this aim.

As professional dog trainers we may have the need of many of these techniques to recommend to our clients and to use in our homes and facilities.

Enzymatic Cleaners

Enzymatic cleaners such as nature’s Miracle and Urine Gone have live enzymes that supposedly eat the organic compounds in the pet stain.

Carpet Cleaning Sprays

The popular carpet cleaner machine manufacturers like Bissell and Hoover offer spot removing sprays.

Vinegar and Water

A simple solution of 50% vinegar and 50% water followed by a sprinkle of baking soda is recommended by many experts.

1. Blot up the stain.
2. Clean with the solution.
3. Blot up the excess moisture.
4. Sprinkle baking soda to absorb the odor.

Pros

• Works well.
• Does not leave residual stain.
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Dogs may be drawn back to the spot if a strong vinegar odor remains.

Carpet cleaning machines

Either professional or home use machines.

Pros

• Can be used for larger areas.
• Many floor cleaning companies offer guarantees for pet odor removal treatments.

Cons

• Can be expensive.
• Time consuming to do it yourself.

Here is a guide to removing pet stains from The Humane Society of the United States.

How to Remove Pet Stains and Odors