Crate Training, Kennel Training, Indoor Training whatever you would like to call it; This is the number one item that I promise will make you and your puppies quality of life better.
Have you ever seen or maybe you have used these old school training pads?
Let me tell you if you have not had the pleasure ....These are the worst! There is a plastic blue bottom, some kind of "gel layer" and then a nice cotton/paper topper. So your puppy poops or pees, gets bored, then tears up the pad resulting in a serious mess.
Out come the rubber gloves, a trash bag, and the effort to pick up any remaining pieces of plastic that may still be hiding near the kennel. Not to mention the poop or pee that was on the mat is now on the pup, the crate liner tray and possibly a near by wall. YUCK
So what is the alternative?? Im so glad you asked. These liners have really come a long way. Not only are they washable, reusable and save you a ton of money, but they come in cute print patterns as well. There are all different sizes to fit a small puppy kennel, a large kennel or even a larger pad if you just want to protect your floor on a rainy/muddy/snowy day. We also use these large blankets for whelping when our Mamas are delivering.
Ok so I know what you are thinking.."gross I am not putting poop or pee in my washer". You are correct and neither would I. For the small whelping blankets/kennel pads I put them in a hot soapy bucket of water and can usually hang to dry. If there happened to be a serious poop pile just take it outside and spray it off with the hose vigorously. I also have a natural shampoo that I sprayed on there and rinse again throughly. Then you can either take to a laundry mat, throw it in your own washer or if you think you washed it well...just hang to dry. They are seriously the best!!
They usually come in a pack of 2 or more which is obviously super convenient. That way if your fur baby makes a mess you always have a dry clean one to lay down immediately. Also please remember when you are cleaning a kennel/crate..eventhough you may want to reach for the bleach or lysol, try vinegar and a natural lavender oil instead. The harsh chemicals could really hurt your puppy both respiratory and physically on their paws and mussel.
I would recommend measuring your kennel or area to make sure that the mat can lay flat. If your puppy/dog happens to be a chewer(which most are)having it lay flat and not curling up on the edges of the kennel will help them not be able to get ahold of an edge while they are in the kennel.
I will say while learning my lessons I did have one that was too big and the puppy got ahold of the edge and it is so well sewn that they could only pull off part of the stitch and I was able to mend it.
So this is my suggestion..ditch the plastic coated pads that hopefully they haven't already swallowed and purchase these pads. I made it easy for you and placed the links below. Be sure to look at the measurement and order the one that will fit best.
What size will fit your crate or living room floor? Wilson Wonders
35x31
72x72
24x36 and a lot of other sizes on this link to the left.
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