Yes, you absolutely can stop your dog from tearing up pee pads. This common issue usually stems from boredom, anxiety, house-training confusion, or simply a dog playing with a fun, crinkly object. We will explore many ways to fix this problem.
Image Source: www.alphapaws.com
Why Does My Dog Tear Up Pee Pads?
Many things cause a dog to shred potty pads. It is important to figure out the main reason your dog is dog shredding pee pads. Knowing the cause helps you choose the right fix. Here are the main reasons:
Boredom and Play Drive
Pee pads are thin and crinkly. To a dog, this feels like a fun toy. When your dog is alone or has nothing else to do, the pad becomes the best toy around. This is very common if you have a puppy ripping pee pads. Puppies explore the world with their mouths.
- Chewing relieves stress.
- The sound is exciting.
- They want to play.
Anxiety or Stress
Some dogs show stress by destroying things. If your dog only tears up the pads when you leave, it could be separation anxiety. The act of tearing can be a self-soothing behavior. This is often seen when a dog is dog aggressively tearing up pads.
House-Training Confusion
If you are trying to switch your dog from pads to outside potty time, or vice-versa, confusion can happen. Your dog might think the pad is something to move or play with, not something to use for bathroom needs. They are not sure what the pad’s job is.
Pad Quality or Scent
Sometimes, the pads themselves are the problem. Cheap pads might tear too easily. Some dogs dislike the scent or material of certain brands. If your dog seems to target only one type of pad, try a different one.
Medical Issues (Less Common)
In rare cases, a dog might chew things due to nutritional deficiencies or pica (eating non-food items). If chewing is extreme and includes eating the plastic, talk to your vet.
Simple Steps to Stop Dog Shredding Pee Pads
To stop dog destroying potty pads, you need a mix of management, training, and environment changes. We must make the pad less appealing to chew and more appealing to use correctly.
Management: Making Pads Unavailable for Destruction
Management means controlling the situation so the behavior cannot happen. This is the fastest way to stop dog aggressively tearing up pads.
Use Better Quality Pads
Invest in higher-quality pads. Look for pads that are thicker and have a stronger backing. Some brands offer pads with specific textures dogs dislike chewing.
| Pad Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Thick Absorbent Core | Less likely to feel like a toy. |
| Strong Border Seal | Harder for claws or teeth to grab onto. |
| Repellent Backing | Keeps the pad flat and harder to bunch up. |
Secure the Pad
Dogs often start tearing because they can push or bunch up the pad. Keep it flat!
- Use Tapes or Holders: Buy a special pad holder system. These often snap the pad down or use strong tape underneath. This makes it very hard for your dog to lift the edges.
- Place Under Heavy Objects: If safe, place the edges of the pad under heavy furniture legs or weights when you are supervising.
- Limit Pad Size: If you are using a very large area of pads, try using a smaller one in a designated spot. Less material means less to destroy.
Supervise Closely
When your dog is near the pad, watch them. The moment you see them sniff too long or start to lift a corner, redirect them. This close watching helps you catch the bad habit early.
Training: Teaching the Right Behavior
This is where you teach your dog what to do instead of tearing. This is key to training dog not to destroy pads.
Positive Reinforcement for Correct Use
Reward your dog heavily for doing the right thing. If they step on the pad without messing with it, or better yet, use it to potty, give high-value treats right away.
- Wait until they are done pottying.
- Calmly walk over.
- Give a treat and quiet praise (“Good pad!”).
Do not make a huge fuss when they use the pad correctly, as too much excitement can cause them to fear the area or try to play with the pad later.
Redirection for Chewing Attempts
If you catch your dog trying to chew the pad, do not yell or pull them away roughly. This can cause fear or make them think it is a game.
- Make a sudden, sharp noise (like a clap) to interrupt them.
- Immediately offer an appropriate chew toy. A sturdy rubber toy or a puzzle toy works well.
- When they choose the toy, praise them a lot.
This teaches them: “No to the pad, yes to the toy.” This is one of the best methods stop pad destruction.
Crate or Playpen Time
If you cannot watch your dog, remove access to the pads temporarily. If you are using a crate or playpen for short periods when you are busy, do not put a pee pad in there if they chew it. Instead, focus on quick potty breaks outside or in a small, clean area where they cannot destroy materials.
Addressing Boredom and Energy Levels
Many cases of puppy ripping pee pads stem from too much pent-up energy. A tired dog is less likely to look for trouble.
Increase Physical Exercise
Ensure your dog gets enough walks and active play every day. A brisk 30-minute walk might not be enough for some breeds. Running, fetching, or playing tug-of-war helps drain that energy.
Boost Mental Stimulation
Mental work tires a dog out faster than physical work. Use toys that make them think.
- Puzzle Feeders: Make them work for their meals instead of eating from a bowl.
- Snuffle Mats: Hide kibble in fabric mats for them to sniff out.
- Training Sessions: Ten minutes of new trick practice is very tiring.
If you are worried about your dog chewing everything, include durable chew toys near their safe zone. This gives them an outlet for solutions for dogs chewing pee pads that is appropriate.
Specialized Solutions for Puppy and Adult Dogs
The approach for a puppy ripping pee pads is slightly different than for an older dog that suddenly develops the habit.
Dealing with Puppies (Puppy Ripping Pee Pads)
Puppies chew because they are teething and exploring. They do not yet grasp the concept of a bathroom item.
- Focus on Consistency: Puppies thrive on routine. Place the pad down only when you know they need to go (after waking up, after eating).
- Use Taste Deterrents (With Caution): Some owners lightly spray the edges of the pad with a bitter apple spray. Test a tiny spot first. If your puppy hates the taste, they might stop mouthing it. Never spray the center of the pad where they potty.
Addressing Adult Dogs Who Chew
If an adult dog suddenly starts destroying pads, look for recent changes. Did you move? Is there a new pet? Did your schedule change?
If no change occurred, this often points toward anxiety or displacement behavior.
- For Separation Anxiety: Focus heavily on counter-conditioning when you leave. Leave them with a high-value, long-lasting chew before you walk out the door. The chew item should be more appealing than the pad. This is vital to prevent dog from eating pee pads when anxious.
- For Displacement: If they chew after exciting events (like greeting guests), they need a better outlet for that high arousal. Give them a frozen KONG toy immediately after the excitement passes.
Advanced Techniques to Stop Pad Destruction
When the basic management and training do not work, it is time to use more targeted methods to stop puppy from shredding wee wee pads or older dogs.
The “Pad Exclusion” Method
This method addresses why does my dog tear up pee pads by removing the pad entirely for a short time.
- Transition to a Designated Potty Spot: If you are trying to train them to go outside, remove the pads completely for 3–5 days. Supervise them 100% of the time.
- Containment: When you cannot supervise, use a crate or small pen where there are no loose items, including pads.
- Reintroduction (If Needed): If you must use pads temporarily (e.g., in an apartment), reintroduce them only after the dog has reliably stopped chewing for two weeks. Use the highest quality, most secure holders available.
Making the Potty Area Boring
If the area where the pad sits becomes a “fun zone,” the dog will interact with the pad.
- Keep the potty area separate from high-traffic areas.
- Do not play near the pad.
- Do not give treats immediately after leaving the area unless they successfully went potty.
We want the dog to see the pad area as purely functional—a place to eliminate waste and nothing else.
Using Smell Aversion (Carefully)
While bitter sprays on the pad are tricky, you can sometimes use scent near the pad to discourage chewing. Dogs dislike citrus smells.
- Place citrus peels or a very diluted lemon scent near the pad holder, not on it. This works for dogs who are chewing out of simple curiosity, not anxiety. This is one of the solutions for dogs chewing pee pads that relies on canine senses.
Troubleshooting Common Scenarios
Sometimes standard fixes do not stick. Here is how to handle specific tough situations related to solutions for dogs chewing pee pads.
Scenario 1: The Dog Eats the Pad After Tearing
If your dog moves beyond shredding and starts eating pieces, this is serious. It poses a choking or blockage risk.
Action: Immediately stop using the pads. If the dog cannot be trusted with any soft material, you must switch to supervised outdoor potty breaks only, or use artificial turf pads that are harder to ingest. Consult your vet about the eating behavior (pica).
Scenario 2: The Dog Shreds Only When I Leave
This points strongly to separation distress or high arousal when alone.
Action: Focus entirely on anti-anxiety training. Make departure cues boring. Give a puzzle toy 15 minutes before you leave so they associate your departure with a high-value activity, not panic. Ensure the pad is secured so tightly it cannot be accessed easily until they calm down.
Scenario 3: The Puppy Shreds Immediately After Pottying
The puppy uses the pad, then gets excited or relieved and starts playing with the soggy material.
Action: Immediate cleanup and reward. The second the puppy finishes, calmly say “All done!” and pick up the pad immediately (if possible) or distract them with a toy while you swap the used pad for a clean one. Reward heavily for moving away from the used pad without destroying it.
Summary of Best Methods Stop Pad Destruction
| Method Category | Key Action | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Management | Secure the pad with holders or tape. | Remove access to edges and movement. |
| Training | Redirect chewing attempts to appropriate toys. | Teach the dog what is okay to chew. |
| Enrichment | Increase physical and mental exercise daily. | Reduce boredom and excess energy. |
| Supervision | Watch closely and interrupt bad behavior quickly. | Prevent rehearsal of the destructive habit. |
Comprehending the Dog’s Motivation for Destruction
To effectively stop puppy from shredding wee wee pads, we must briefly delve deeper into the motivation. Think of it like this: a dog tearing a pad is satisfying several core canine needs, even if the action is wrong.
The Need to Dig and Bury
Dogs instinctually want to “bury” waste to hide their scent from predators or rivals. A pee pad often ends up bunched, flipped, or dug at because the dog is trying to cover its scent in a way that feels natural to them.
Scent Marking and Scent Removal
If a dog dislikes the smell of the pad after they go, they may try to shred it to eliminate the strong scent. Conversely, if the pad smells neutral or new, they might shred it just to introduce their own scent (marking).
Sensory Input
The crinkle sound and the texture provide amazing sensory input. For solutions for dogs chewing pee pads, you must replace this input with something equally satisfying but appropriate. Sturdy rubber or nylon bones offer texture and durability that paper/plastic cannot match.
Creating a Low-Destruction Environment
If you find yourself constantly struggling to stop dog destroying potty pads, look at the overall environment where the pads are placed.
Pad Placement Matters
Never place pee pads near escape routes, favorite chew spots, or high-traffic areas where the dog feels overly stimulated.
- Quiet Corner: Place the pad in a corner of a low-traffic room, away from doors and windows.
- Avoid Near Bedding: If the pad is next to their bed or crate, they might associate the area with play or nesting behavior rather than just elimination.
Consistency is Crucial
Every time your dog successfully tears up a pad and you weren’t there to stop it, the habit gets stronger. This is why close supervision and immediate management are critical when first trying to stop dog from eating pee pads. If you cannot supervise for even five minutes, the dog should be in a safe space (crate or pen) without access to the pads.
Maintaining Success and Avoiding Relapse
Once you see improvement in stopping dog aggressively tearing up pads, you must maintain the new routine.
Gradual Removal of Management Tools
If you started using heavy-duty pad holders, slowly phase them out once the dog shows consistent respect for the pad for several weeks. If they relapse, immediately bring the holders back.
Keep Toys Fresh
If boredom was the initial cause of dog shredding pee pads, keep rotating your dog’s chew toys. A toy that has been hidden for a week seems brand new and much more interesting than a toy left out all the time.
Positive Reinforcement Never Ends
Even after the behavior is fixed, occasionally reward your dog for simply walking past the pee pad area without touching it, or for using it correctly. This keeps the positive association strong.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use puppy pads if my dog keeps tearing them up?
If your puppy ripping pee pads is uncontrollable, you might need to stop using them temporarily. Switch to immediate outdoor potty breaks or use artificial grass pads that are much more durable and harder to destroy, only using them while you are actively supervising.
How long does it take to train a dog not to destroy pads?
Results vary greatly based on the dog’s age, underlying reason (anxiety vs. boredom), and owner consistency. For simple chewing due to curiosity, you might see improvement in one to two weeks with strict management. For deep-seated anxiety issues that cause the dog to stop dog destroying potty pads, it can take several months of dedicated training.
Is it safe for my dog to eat small bits of the pee pad?
No, it is not safe. Even small pieces of the absorbent gel or plastic backing can cause gastrointestinal upset or blockages. If you notice your dog trying to prevent dog from eating pee pads, you must use physical deterrents like heavy holders or remove the pads entirely immediately.
What if my dog only chews the edges of the pad?
Chewing the edges usually means the dog is trying to lift or move the pad, or they are testing the material. Secure the edges firmly with tape or a holder. Redirect any sniffing near the edge toward an approved chew toy. This is a common precursor to full destruction, so address it early to stop dog destroying potty pads.
Should I punish my dog for tearing up the pad?
No. Punishment does not teach the dog what they should do. It often increases anxiety, which can make the destruction worse, especially if the dog is shredding due to stress. Focus on positive redirection and management instead.