Navigating the Messy Reality of Potty Training in an HDB

If you’ve been following my journey with Ace, you know that adopting a street dog (our beloved Singapore Specials) is incredibly rewarding, but let’s be honest—it’s also full of "I have no idea what I'm doing" moments.

When Ace first arrived, the biggest source of anxiety for me wasn't the walks or the food; it was the toilet situation. Unlike landed properties with backyards, living in an HDB means you can't just open a door when your dog looks like they need to go.

I am definitely not a dog trainer or an expert. I’m just a first-time owner who did a lot of frantic Googling, cleaned up a fair share of messes, and eventually found a rhythm that works for us. I wanted to share what I learned through trial and error, in case it helps other new paw-parents navigating this same journey.

The Learning Curve: Understanding the "Why"

In the beginning, I took every accident personally. I thought Ace was being stubborn. But after reading up on dog behavior, I realized I was expecting too much too soon.

I learned that puppies physically can't hold it very long (the general rule is roughly one hour for every month of age). Even for adult dogs like Ace, the transition from a shelter or street environment to a clean tiled apartment is confusing. They aren't trying to be naughty; they are just trying to figure out the rules of this new, strange cave we live in.

Finding the "Right Spot" (And why the bathroom failed us)

One of the biggest debates I had with myself was where to put the pee pad.

A lot of online guides suggest the bathroom. I tried that, but honestly? I use the common bathroom a lot. There is nothing worse than waking up early, groggy and needing to shower to head out, and accidentally stepping into a puddle of pee (or poop!) before I’ve even had my coffee. It just wasn't a workable way to start the day.

Why the Service Yard became our solution: For our unit, the service yard became the designated "toilet zone," but not for the reasons you might think.

• Privacy for a Shy Dog: Ace is a shy guy. The service yard gives him a quiet corner away from the TV and the main living area where he feels safe enough to do his business.
• The "Dehumidifier Hack": I don't open my windows often; I prefer keeping the apartment fully air-conditioned. I run a dehumidifier 24/7 in the service yard. This has been a game-changer. By keeping the humidity low, it drastically reduces the "doggy smell" (which thrives in moisture) and keeps the air crisp. As a bonus, it helps indoor-dry my laundry efficiently.
• Easy Cleaning: Since it’s right next to the washing machine tap, washing down the tiled floor is easy if spills happen.

The "Ace Setup": Geometry Matters

This was the biggest learning curve for me. I initially bought "Ultra Absorbent" pads thinking one would be enough. But Ace is 20kg. When he goes, the volume is... significant. Even the best pad struggles to absorb a full bladder release instantly without some risk of overflow.

I also made the rookie mistake of pushing the pad flush against the wall or deep into a corner to "save space."

• The Problem: Ace is a long dog. Pushing the pad against the wall made it awkward for him to position himself. He didn’t want to squeeze into a tight corner, and I definitely didn't want him lifting his leg and peeing onto the wall itself.
• The Solution: I stopped trying to save space and started prioritizing his comfort.

The "T-Shape" Strategy I realized that for a dog his size, surface area is key. I now use two pads arranged in a diagonal "T" shape in the middle of the service yard floor, away from the walls.

1. Why it works: It gives him a "runway." He has enough width to stand comfortably and enough length to account for his aim, without feeling cramped against a wall.
2. Volume Control: Two pads handle the volume of a 20kg dog much better than one "ultra" pad ever could. It’s a "safety net" that keeps my floor dry.

The Schedule: Balancing Work & Walks

One common question is: "Do you leave pads out 24/7?" For us, the answer is no. I structure the pee pad availability around my work schedule. Here is what a typical day looks like for Ace:

• 8:30 AM (Work Mode): Before I leave for the office, I lay out the "T-Shape" pads in the service yard. This ensures that if he needs to go during the long stretch while I'm away, he has a spot.
• 6:00 PM (Home Time): When I get back, the pads usually get cleared away. We go for his evening walk, which is where he prefers to do his business anyway.
• 11:00 PM (Night Mode): Before bed, I set up fresh pads again. This is for the overnight stretch or early morning urgency before I wake up.

The Training Method: The "Hawk Eye"

I’ve read about people leashing their dogs indoors to train them, but that didn't feel natural for us. My method was more about observation—and a lot of patience.

When Ace was settling in, I would watch him like a hawk. The moment I saw "The Signs" (sniffing intensely, circling a spot, looking restless), I would quickly but calmly get up and guide him to the service yard.

Then, the waiting game began. Sometimes we would stand there for 10 minutes and... nothing. I’d give up, we’d walk back to the living room, and two minutes later—BAM—he’d pee on the floor. It was frustrating. There were days where I felt like we were making zero progress. But eventually, after many guided trips and treats when he did get it right, it clicked.

The Gear: What I Learned About Pee Pads

During this process, I realized that not all pee pads are created equal. I’ve wasted money on thin ones that leaked right through onto my tiles (heart pain cleaning that up!) and others that did nothing for the smell.

I’m currently deep-diving into researching what actually makes a "good" pad because I’m quite picky, but here is what I’ve found so far regarding the different types available in the market:

• Charcoal Pads (The "Odor-Eater"): These seem best for indoor living. They contain carbon that neutralizes odors rather than just masking them. Plus, they are dark grey, so you don't have to stare at yellow stains when you walk past the yard.
• Scented Pads (The "Attractor"): These are often recommended for puppies or stubborn dogs who just don't "get" where to go. The scent acts like a subtle signpost.
• Extra Thick Pads (The "Heavy Duty"): Since I leave Ace alone from 8:30 AM to 6 PM, thickness is crucial to turn liquid into gel and prevent "wet paw tracking" if he uses it mid-day.

Lifestyle Scenarios: It’s Not Just for Home

Even if your dog is fully outdoor-trained, I’ve realized pads are essential for:

• GrabPet Rides: Laying one on the seat to prevent accidents or muddy paws.
• HDB Corridor Accidents: If your dog can't hold it and goes in the lift lobby (paiseh!), a pad soaks it up faster than tissues.

It's a Marathon, Not a Sprint

If you are currently scrubbing the floor for the third time today, hang in there. It took time for Ace to understand the concept. There were good days and regression days.

I’m still on the lookout for the "perfect" pee pad that fits my criteria for Ace. If you have any recommendations or tips on what worked for your Singapore Special, let me know in the comments or drop me a DM on Instagram!