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How to Train Your Dog To Use Fresh Patch

Bernese Mountain Dog Puppy sitting on Fresh Patch real Grass puppy potty training pad

Watch the video above and read our Potty Training guide below.

The truth is your pup’s natural instinct is to “go” on grass versus fake grass and other synthetic materials. Fresh Patch is made with all-natural, hydroponically grown grass that turns puppy potty training into an easy, stress-free experience. The Fresh Patch Dog Grass potty is disposable, so clean-up is effortless. 

Follow our tried and true puppy potty training tips:

  • Use a leash. To associate using Fresh Patch with outdoor walks and potty time, use a leash to lead your pup over to the Fresh Patch. When they go, reward them with verbal praise and/or treats. Then you can take them outside for a walk. Continue to lead your pup to the grass using a leash several times until the behavior is reinforced. If this doesn’t work, walk your dog over to their Fresh Patch whenever you bring them inside from a walk. Then continue walking them at least once a day so they know that Fresh Patch is a place where they can go potty.
  • Apply attractant scents. If your pup is having trouble, transfer their urine onto Fresh Patch using a paper towel, or try placing a piece of soiled pee pad under the grass pad.  You can also apply the GO HERE Dog Potty Spray, a proprietary scent for ensuring your companion will use their Fresh Patch correctly.
  • Reward with treats. Potty training can be reinforced with treats as a reward for going in the right spot. Consider incentivizing the use of Fresh Patch with Fresh Patch Training Treats. Using treats combined with verbal cues will get your pup potty trained in no time!
  • Establish a potty spot. Take the best steps to make this grass work for you and your furry companion. If you have a balcony or patio, place the Fresh Patch on a dedicated spot ideally where there is indirect sunlight. If you live in a climate that has rain or snow but no overhead cover, you can keep the Fresh Patch outside. But we recommend bringing it inside or cover when it rains or snows. If you don’t have any outdoor space, you can place the Fresh Patch indoors. Our MiniStandard, and Large size Fresh Patches include a wax box so liquids don’t seep through. We also offer plastic trays in all our Fresh Patch sizes.
  • Replace every two to four weeks. Most Fresh Patches can last two to four weeks, depending on how much your pup uses it. With a Fresh Patch subscription, you can sign up to automatically receive fresh grass based on your desired frequency.

Puppy Potty Training 101

Puppy potty training can be confusing, especially for first-timers. To help navigate your new role and “relieve” some of that puppy-mess stress, check out these quick facts:

  • Puppies pee every 4-6 hours. Yep, you read that right! After 12 to 16 weeks old, your puppy’s bladder and bowel control will be developed enough to start potty training, but they still can’t hold it in very long. Aim to take them out or on a walk at least once or twice a day. 

Pro Tip: Stuck at work or can’t break plans? Real Grass Potty Training Puppy Pack are a lifesaver for busy pawrents (and those middle-of-the-night or emergency potty breaks). You can also use our Starter Set to help with the potty training process.


  • Vaccines can hinder outdoor potty time. First things first: Schedule that vet visit! After your puppy check-up, the vet may advise keeping your new friend away from other dogs or shared potty areas until a few days after they get all their shots. There might be a few rounds of shots that your puppy will need before they are able to interact with other dogs at the dog park and go for walks outside.

Pro Tip: For city-living pawrents or multiple pet homes, the vaccination waiting period presents a unique challenge. To avoid potty accidents and help with training while your pup is indoors, opt for an indoor grass potty pad

  • Consistency is key. Puppies respond best to consistency, and this is one of the most important factors to ensure your puppy’s potty success. They’re looking to their pawrent, their caretaker, to set the pace and learn when to “go”. Find a spot that your pup will know where to “go” and stay consistent.

Pro Tip: If you’re using a real grass potty training patch, find a designated place and do not  move it around more than once. Moving this around can lead your puppy to get confused and more likely to have potty accidents. This can also prolong the potty training process.

Expert Training Advice for New Puppy Pawrents

Along with a safe home, reliable care and heaps of love, your puppy requires a dedicated space to do their business. 

  • Observe those gotta-go cues. In between scheduled potty breaks, watch for signs that your pup may need to go. Dog potty cues include coming to a sudden halt, circling, sniffing in a dedicated manner or dropping their bottom. If you notice them about to go, distract and redirect them to their potty spot as quickly as possible.
  • Reward, reward, reward! When your pup successfully uses their potty spot, it’s time for a reward with verbal praise and/or a treat to reinforce the behavior. The Fresh Patch Training Treats is a doggo favorite treat that will help reinforce and reward good behavior.
  • Know potty training don'ts. You’re taking in some essential potty training do's, but there are also several don'ts to keep in mind. When welcoming a new puppy to your home, here are some things you should avoid.
  • No yard? No problem. Even if you don’t have a yard, you can use real grass training pads for your pup’s potty time. Unlike traditional pee pads or artificial grass that smell and soak through, our real grass patches absorb liquids and odors. 

Ready for Puppy Potty Training Success? Try easy, disposable fresh grass puppy pads conveniently delivered to your door!

Ready to start your puppy off on the right paw?

Transform your potty training experience with easy, easy, disposable fresh grass puppy pads conveniently delivered to your door!

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