Training Pad

Question
Hi, I have a 4 mos old Shih Tzu. About a month ago, she developed a very bad habit of eating the training pee pad. She scratches off the top layer and eats the cotton inside. Not using the pad is not an option for us because we keep her on the second floor and my husband and I both work during the day. I tried spraying Bitter Apple on it but she still eats it. I also tried spraying water in her face, which was recommend by a dog trainer, making noises, telling her no sternly, but nothing is working. Can you recommend something that I can spray on the pad that will not be harmful to her body? I am desperate! Do you have any suggestion? Thanks.

Answer
Despite going to work daily, the dog needs to be potty trained outside. The use of pads is not recommended except for incontinent dogs. Its like keeping a child in diapers all their liie. I no of no product that would eradicate the smell that attracts the dog back and be harmless to the dog. Many owners of small dogs teach them to use a cat litter box. Use the covered kind or the self cleaning type. Others teach the dog to use the toilet and even flush.

Scolding the dog even when caught is a problem because he is doing what he was supposed to do whre he was supposed to do it.

You can try chew toys, kong balls with treats and other items to keep its bored mind busy and not thinking of chewing the pad. At 4 months it is well into potty training time and obedience training so the dog obays and sees you as the authority figure.

Regards,

Henry Ruhwiedel
Westwind Kennels LLC