Training pads - reusables?

[im_nomad]

I know this is not ideal, however, due to my change in work situation and the fact that I haven't sold my house yet to move closer, I now have to leave my dog alone for about 10 hours a day with no one to let her out. She is baby-gated into my large kitchen, and has been retrained to go on those disposable puppy training pads. When i'm home with her , she still goes outside.

So i'm left throwing out at least five of these things during a work week, perhaps more if i leave her for a few hours on a weekend and she doesn't last.

Are there any alternatives out there that I could maybe reuse, like disposable diapers? Is there a dog-only product out there like that? I know it's a bit gross, but i'd feel better if I wasn't using such an environmentally unfriendly product.

[Bina]

I know someone who uses old towels....maybe start by placing a small towel on top of the training pad?

[im_nomad]

Yeah, i've tried that a couple of times in her pre-confinement days when she had a tendancy to be leaky, but for some reason they got kicked around, or she rolled on them or something. Could always try it again I guess. She also has an uncanny knack of occasionally pee-ing UNDER stuff, another reason i'd like to get rid of the plastic under pads.

[Bina]

Maybe a thick layer of newspaper with a towel on top....either one she aims for will absorb pee.

[Bina]

What about the quilted cotton pads.....like the ones you put under a baby to change them.
They are also used to wrap horses legs for shipping, etc.
Thick, absorbent and washable!

[sugarcatmom]

Not sure if this is what you're thinking of, but if you go to one of those home-care medical supply stores, they have re-usable incontinence pads in various sizes. They're soft on one side and plasticized on the other and less likely to get crumple up like a towel. You can just through them in the wash to clean them.

[danam314]

I have a suggestion for you. Just recently, about 3 days ago, I went to Petsmart and bought a product called "Poochpads". The name is a bit misleading, since it's actually only 1 pad, but you can wash it up to 300 times. I got something so large because my dog, who is diabetic, can pee for 5-6 mins straight when he really needs to go! I figured the throw-out, smaller pads would be pretty useless for our needs.

http://www.petsmart.com/product/inde...ductId=2752864

It is priced in USD, but we paid $89.99 in Edmonton. It's made for the back of a mini-van or SUV but I got it just for the size (48" x 60") and the fact that I can wash it over and over. Yes it's a bit pricey, but think of how much you will save buying those 1 time use pee-pads.

Hope that helps!

[AmericanBullMom]

http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/28/p...nt-bound-fido/

I dont recommend this (might get kind of stinky, if not washed well enough), but if you MUST leave you dog at home this is a pretty interesting alternative. I've seen them cheaper in a magazine, but I cant find it online. Maybe try looking it up?

http://www.petapotty.com/

http://www.porchpotty.com/?gclid=CIL...FQoHswod2QlvLw
(this one ^ is actualy REAL grass...is just a square of sod on a base... rather ingenius actually)