Why puppies destroy pads — and how you can finally stop it.

If your dog keeps tearing up puppy pads, dragging them around the house, or chewing on them like a toy, you’re definitely not the only one. This is one of the most common frustrations among new puppy parents — especially during the first 3–4 months of training.

The good news?
You can stop this behavior quickly once you understand why dogs chew pads, and how to redirect the behavior the right way.

Let’s break down the real reasons behind pad destruction and the steps that actually work.

🐶 Why Puppies Chew or Tear Up Puppy Pads

For most dogs, chewing doesn’t mean they’re being “bad.” It’s usually one of these:

1. Teething

Puppies between 8–16 weeks chew everything to relieve gum pain.
Soft, fluffy pads feel like perfect teething toys.

2. Boredom or Lack of Stimulation

According to AKC , destructive chewing often comes from excess energy.

3. Curiosity

Pads make a crunchy or soft sound. To a puppy:
“That’s interesting — must chew it.”

4. Confusion

If your pad is in the play area, your dog may think it’s just another toy.

5. Anxiety or Self-Soothing

Some puppies shred pads when left alone. It’s soothing behavior.

Understanding the “why” makes the “fix” easier.

🐾 How to Stop Your Dog from Chewing Puppy Pads (Real Solutions That Work)

Below are the proven, trainer-approved strategies that help most puppies break this habit.

🟦 1. Use a Pad Holder or Tray (The #1 Solution)

A puppy pad holder locks the pad inside a secure plastic frame, making it almost impossible for your dog to grab the edges.

This instantly eliminates:
✔ Edge chewing
✔ Shredding
✔ Dragging pads
✔ Playing tug-of-war

Pad holders are recommended by trainers because they create a clear boundary — “this is for potty, not play.”

🟦 2. Choose Thicker, Stronger Pads

Thin pads tear easily.
Some puppies even enjoy ripping the cotton filling out.

A thicker pad — like honeycare training pads — helps because:

No loose fluff
No cotton to pull
PE leak-proof backing prevents crumpling
Fast absorption = no puddles to play with

Stronger structure = less temptation to chew.

👉 Shop durable pads:
https://honeycarepets.com/collections/training-pads

🟦 3. Add Chew Toys to Redirect the Behavior

Most puppies don’t chew pads because they love pads —
they chew because they need something to chew.

Offer alternatives:

Rubber teething toys
Frozen chew rings
Puppy-safe bones
Rope toys

When your puppy starts chewing the pad, gently redirect:

“Ah-ah, here you go.”
Then hand them a chew toy.

Do this every time, and they learn:
Pads = potty.
Toys = chewing.

🟦 4. Keep Pads Away from Play Zones

A common mistake:
placing pads right where the puppy runs, plays, or wrestles.

If toys and play happen near the pad, your puppy thinks the pad is part of playtime.

Instead:
Put pads in a quiet, low-traffic corner.
(As advised by PetMD for reducing unwanted chewing.)

🟦 5. Secure the Pad to the Floor

If puppies can’t grab the edges, they lose interest.

Ways to secure pads:

Pad holder
Double-sided tape
Non-slip silicone base
Placing the pad under a tray grid

The less movement, the fewer “play invitations.”

🟦 6. Increase Exercise + Brain Games

A tired puppy is a well-behaved puppy.
If your dog is chewing pads often, they might need more:

Walks
Fetch time
Sniffing games
Puzzle feeders
Basic training sessions

Burn the energy → reduce destructive behaviors.

🟦 7. Don’t React Too Strongly

If you yell or snatch the pad away:
your puppy may think it’s a fun game.

Stay calm.
Redirect.
Reward when they stop chewing.

Positive reinforcement works far better than punishment
(ASPCA recommends reward-based redirection for chew-related issues).

🟦 8. Use a Puppy Playpen for the First Few Weeks

Structure helps puppies understand what is “potty” and what is “play.”

Inside the pen:

Bed on the left
Water on the right
Pad in the back corner (away from everything)

This layout naturally reduces chewing and improves pad usage.

🟦 9. For Anxiety Chewers: Build a “Calm Routine”

If your puppy destroys pads only when you leave the house, it may be anxiety—not misbehavior.

Try:

Treat-stuffed Kongs
Calming music
Short departures + build-up time
Scent-based comfort toys
Shorter confinement sessions

Gradual independence training helps dramatically.

🐾 What NOT to Do

Avoid these common mistakes:

❌ Don’t punish your dog
❌ Don’t remove pads completely
❌ Don’t mix toys and pads in the same area
❌ Don’t leave thin/fluffy pads out unsupervised
❌ Don’t chase your puppy when they steal a pad (they think it’s a game)

Your puppy isn’t being “bad.”
They’re learning — and you can guide them.

🐾 When to Switch to More Durable Pads

If your dog constantly tears pads even with training, try:

✔ Carbon-activated pads (reduce odor + stay firm)
✔ Multi-layer pads (less fluff = fewer chew triggers)
✔ Pads with PE waterproof backing (more stable on floor)
✔ Larger pads (less movement when stepped on)

Honeycare training pads have a 5-layer structure designed to hold shape better and reduce play-chewing — not a sales pitch, just a structural advantage.

🐾 Final Thoughts: Your Puppy Will Grow Out of This

Chewing pads is a phase — and with the right strategy, it usually improves within:
👉 7–21 days

Follow the core principles:

Keep pads secure
Provide chew alternatives
Avoid play near the pad
Create a calm potty area
Use durable pads
Redirect consistently

Your puppy will quickly learn what’s for potty and what’s for play.

If you need strong, stable pads to support the training process, you can explore:
👉 Honeycare Training Pads: https://honeycarepets.com/collections/disposable-training-pads