How To Keep Puppy Pads In Place In Crate [3 Best Methods]

Puppy pads can be invaluable training aid when house training your young dog.

Can be.

If you are here, chances are you encountering the very common and particularly frustrating situation; pads that are being moved around the crate.

What should be saving you time and effort, is since turning into a costly and persistent problem.

So, what can you do to still benefit from their use?

How can you continue to use them without them being cast aside.

Today, I am going to be sharing with you my top tips to ensure you get the absorbency and benefits that you have paying for!

But first; how do they keep ending up where they do?

How Do Puppy Pads Move Around in the Crate?

Puppy pads can move around in the crate due to your dog’s movement or play. This often happens when your dog tries to rearrange their sleeping space, plays around, or scratches at the pad out of boredom or frustration. Occasionally, a pad might move if it isn’t secured properly or if it doesn’t fit the crate properly.

Puppy Movement

Puppy movement, whether it’s walking, lying down, adjusting their resting spot, or turning in circles before settling down can cause the pad to slide, fold up, or move from its original place, especially if the pad isn’t properly secured, or if the crate offers a substantial space for your pup to move around freely.

Playtime

Puppies are energetic and their play often extends to their crate space.

During play, your pup might inadvertently nudge, dig at, or even toss the puppy pad, causing it to move or bunch up.

Scratching Out of Boredom or Frustration

If your puppy is left alone for long periods, they may find entertainment in scratching or digging at the pad.

Similarly, if they are frustrated – perhaps due to confinement or lack of exercise – they may take out their frustration on the nearest item, which often happens to be the puppy pad.

Improper Pad Size or Lack of Secure Fixing

The size of the pad and how well it’s fixed in place are crucial factors in whether it stays put.

If a pad is too small for the crate, it can easily be nudged out of place.

Conversely, if it’s too large, it may not lay flat and can be prone to bunching up or folding, which can create areas unprotected by the pad.

Similarly, a pad that isn’t fixed securely may shift with even minor movements from your pup.

How Can You Keep Puppy Pads in Place?

The key to keeping puppy pads in place inside a crate is to use the right size of pad and secure it properly. First, you need to ensure that the pad fits snugly within the crate. Second, use puppy pad holders or clips to fasten the pad to the crate.

Use the Right Size Pads

A pad that’s too small may not cover the entire crate floor, leaving areas unprotected and easy to soil.

On the other hand, a pad that’s too large may bunch up or fold over, making it less effective and potentially uncomfortable for your puppy.

A well-fitted pad will lay flat and cover the entire base of the crate, helping it stay in place even when your puppy moves around.

Use A Pad Holder

A pad holder is an excellent tool for keeping a puppy pad securely in place.

It’s essentially a tray with a raised edge that holds the pad flat and prevents it from sliding around in the crate.

Not only does it keep the pad in position, but it also provides a barrier against leakage, keeping the crate cleaner and more hygienic for your puppy.

Pad holders come in a variety of sizes, so you can select one that fits your crate perfectly.

Many also have a securing mechanism, such as clips or a locking top layer, that holds the pad firmly and discourages your puppy from pulling or digging at it.

This ensures the pad remains flat and in the correct position, making it more effective at absorbing accidents and easier for your puppy to use.

The one I recommend from Amazon is this:

With Duct Tape

By securely taping down the edges of the pad to the crate, you can prevent the pad from moving or bunching up.

This method can be particularly helpful if your pup is a digger or tends to move around a lot in their crate.

Remember, the tape should only be on the edges of the pad where your puppy can’t reach it, to prevent them from chewing on or ingesting the tape.

Can Toys or Crate Covers Help Secure Puppy Pads?

Toys and crate covers can actually help keep puppy pads in place. Place a few chew toys in the crate to distract your puppy from playing with the pad. Additionally, a fitted crate cover can help discourage your puppy from tampering with the pad from outside the crate.

Toys serve a dual purpose: they keep your puppy entertained and distracted from the pad while also helping to develop positive associations with the crate.

Crate covers, on the other hand, can provide a den-like atmosphere that many dogs find comforting and secure.

Just remember, any items you add to the crate should be safe and suitable for your puppy’s size and chew strength.

How Can Proper Training Help?

Effective training plays a crucial role in teaching your puppy how to use the pad without moving or damaging it. This process starts with rewarding your puppy whenever they use the pad correctly. Over time, they’ll start associating the pad with positive experiences, which will decrease their tendency to play with or move the pad.

Implementing a Reward System

Implement a reward system by giving your pup a small treat, verbal praise, or a quick petting session whenever they correctly use the pad.

This positive reinforcement helps them understand that going to the bathroom on the pad is a good thing.

Be sure to reward them immediately after they’ve used the pad so they can make a clear connection between the action and the reward.

Consistent Training

Consistency is key in any training regime.

Make sure to lead your puppy to the pad at regular intervals, such as after meals, playtime, and waking from a nap.

This not only increases the chances of them using the pad but also establishes a routine, making it easier for them to understand what’s expected.

Teaching Commands

You can also teach your puppy specific commands associated with using the pad.

For instance, every time your puppy uses the pad, use a consistent phrase like “Go potty.”

Eventually, your pup will associate this command with using the pad, which can be very helpful in the training process.

Providing Adequate Exercise and Mental Stimulation

Ensuring your puppy gets enough exercise and mental stimulation can reduce the likelihood of them displacing the pad out of boredom or frustration.

Regular walks, play sessions, and appropriate chew toys can help your pup expend energy in a more productive manner, rather than digging at or moving the pad.

Handling Mistakes

If your pup makes a mistake and moves the pad, don’t punish them.

Instead, calmly return the pad to its proper place and redirect your puppy back to it.

Over time, with consistency and patience, your pup will learn to leave the pad in place.

Finally

Keeping puppy pads in place in a crate can be a challenge, but with a few strategic methods, it’s certainly achievable.

Ensuring you use the right size pad, securing it with a pad holder or duct tape, and maintaining an engaging environment for your pup can greatly minimize pad displacement.

Remember, the goal is to create a clean, comfortable, and safe space for your puppy while they’re in their crate.

Just like any other aspect of puppy training, a bit of patience and consistency can go a long way.

So, even if it takes a bit of trial and error to find the solution that works best for you and your pup, rest assured that it will be worth the effort, and perhaps even cost, involved.

Related guides you may want to read:

• Puppy Won’t Sleep Unless Next To Me [5 Main Reasons & Solutions]
• Puppy Sleeps In Crate At Night But Not During Day
• How Long To Let Puppy Cry In Crate [The Ideal Amount Of Time]