I have never used the pads..since we are crate training Gracie and she is doing great with that. She may have one accident a week and its always OUR fault...she is never in the crate when we are at home except to sleep. But she sleeps there all night and is there while I am at work. I come home one full hour to let her out at lunch and I get up 2 hours before I have to just to play with her to make sure she gets worn out and has plenty of exercise. (course I am worn out too..lol) But to me its the best way to go..I have pads "just in case" its raining and she won't be able to go out..but so far that hasn't happened. She has gone out in the rain with me carrying an umbrella..lol