Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My puppy pees on the pad but won't poop. How do I train them?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed

My puppy will pee on a puppy pad but won't poop. Any suggestions?

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on February 29th, 2016

[Housetraining](https://www.petcoach.co/article/7-rules-for-effective-housetraining/) a puppy can be frustrating, but with a little patience and consistency, it can be accomplished. Puppies will typically need to use the bathroom about 10-15 minutes after eating/drinking, waking up or playing. You can use these times to reinforce [training](https://www.petcoach.co/article/housetraining) by bringing the puppy to your designated potty area (such as outside or a puppy pad) and giving them a chance to go. It may take up to 10-20 minutes before your puppy settles enough to actually go. Expect accidents and [mistakes](https://www.petcoach.co/article/5-common-housetraining-mistakes). Be sure to praise and treat if the puppy goes in the right spot. If you catch puppy going in a spot other than the recommended area, do not punish him or her, simply pick the puppy up and move them to the right spot, then praise and reward profusely once they finish there.

Vote icon

60Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 11th, 2018

    Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. This is likely behavioral and will correct over time. One product that I recommend for people is something called Fresh Patch, which is a patch of grass delivered to your house every month. I've had great success getting puppies to use the patch of grass and find that they become potty trained rather quickly. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 8th, 2017

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Eli is still very young so it will just take a bit more time. Since he is already urinating on the pad you are half way there! Try putting some of his poop onto the pad to show Eli that it's an ok place to relieve himself. Fence Eli into the area using furniture or baby gates while you're gone. Frequently take Eli to the pad. For puppies, you should take them there every 30 minutes. I hope this is what you need to get Eli pad trained! Good luck!

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My ferret has bloody urine and bladder stones. Is it an emergency?
Ferret has bloody urine, possibly bladder stones? A certified vet advises if waiting until tomorrow for an appointment is safe, especially if he's still urinating.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my chicken pale, tired, not laying, and pooping neon yellow?
Is your pet chicken pale, tired, or pooping neon yellow? A Licensed Vet Tech shares vital steps for your hen's concerning symptoms. Get expert guidance now!
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Dog licking paws, fur loss, and jaw wound: Could it be allergies?
Is your Shih-Tzu crossbreed biting his feet, losing fur, or has a wound? A trusted vet explains these classic allergy signs and advises on treatments like Apoquel or medicated shampoo.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Is there a chart for dog food protein biological value and digestibility?
Dog food protein's biological value & digestibility: A vet explains why data is complex. Learn to judge quality by company reputation and your dog's health.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Bloody brown liquid from my cat. Is it pee or poop? Vet help?
Is brown liquid with blood from your semi-feral cats a concern? A certified vet explains how to determine if it's pee or poo and what steps to take.
Updated on September 23, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored