Penny will go on the 2 - 3 times depending on where the previous spots are.
If she can't find a way to circle without stepping in a wet spot, she will move to the very edge and then it is half on the floor.
We also go through a ton of pads.
I think they smell after just one time. If you don't leave the house and come back in you might not notice it. If someone is coming over, I make sure we have a fresh pad out and change it right after she goes if they are still here.
We are going to get the Pet Loo eventually and stop using the pads. I sure hope she will learn to use it. If she doesn't then we will use the washable ones in the future.