Dog ownership is a rewarding experience, but when your dog is still a puppy, it can seem like the accidents will never end. Putting your dog in diapers may even seem like a good idea, and while pee pads and wet wipes are user-friendly, they are not the most eco-friendly option when it comes to puppy potty training

When training your dog, it’s important to be consistent and incorporate positive reinforcement such as treats and praise. So if you’re constantly using those pee pads, you may find it more difficult to teach your dog to go to the bathroom outside. Crate training seems like an inhumane way to train your dog, because the dog will only have enough room to turn around in the cage. However, it teaches your puppy bladder and bowel control, and it encourages them to treat the cage as a safe place.

If you need to use training pads due to your schedule, purchase biodegradable or washable ones. You might have a better chance of finding these alternatives online or at your pet store. Some brands of biodegradable pee pads are Hartz and Bramton Company’s Simple Solution. EcoHound sells organic cotton training pads that can be washed.

Your puppy will sometimes surprise you with accidents, and often those messes get tracked all over the house. Wet wipes seem like any easy solution, but they are wasteful. Try using rags or old washcloths instead, which can be washed and reused. A soapy towel can clean just as well as a wet wipe. Plus, these washable options can save you money in the long run.

When it comes to sanitizing your home and puppy’s toys and cage, choose natural products that don’t contain toxins, chemicals, fillers, dyes, pollutants or caustic ingredients. There are a variety of pet safe cleaners available, or you can create your own cleaner with basic household ingredients such as baking soda and vinegar.

Training your puppy is challenging, but eventually he/she will get the hang of it. By giving these alternatives a try, you can save money, protect your pet’s health, and reduce landfill waste.