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Stop coming home to a mess on your floor. Find out how to properly use a dog training pee pad and how to attract dogs to pee pads so your dog does their business where you want them to. Some of these solutions hold cups of liquid that can save you and your dog multiple trips outdoors.
Best Pee Pads For Dogs
| Best Basic | Best Non-Slip | Best Scented | Best Eco-Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |
| All-Absorb | Bulldogology | AKC Training | PETMAKER |
| View on Amazon | |||
- Best Pee Pads For Dogs
- Why Does Your Dog Need A Pee Pad?
- Best Dog Pee Pads For Dogs
- Best Eco-Friendly Pee Pads
- What About Amazon Basics, Arm & Hammer, And Gardner?
- How To Properly Use A Dog Pee Pad
- Pee Pad Infographic
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What Attracts Dogs To Pee On Pads?
- How Do I Stop My Pee Pad From Smelling?
- Potty Pad Training Tips & Video
- Learn More About Accessories For Your Dog's Potty Needs
- Why Trust Canine Journal?
Why Does Your Dog Need A Pee Pad?
These pee pads work great for many situations:
- Housetraining young pups
- Assisting sick or aging dogs
- Using while traveling (e.g., protecting car seats)
- Offering an option for dogs who don’t have timely access to the outdoors
- Lining crates and carriers
- Drying wet paws after a walk in the rain or going out to potty on damp ground
Best Dog Pee Pads For Dogs
While writing our puppy pee pads reviews, I compiled a list of what I consider to be good features for the best puppy pads.
- Leak-proof – you don’t want urine seeping onto your floors
- Tear-resistant – some dogs may be destructive, and you don’t want them destroying their pee pads
- Wetness indicator – to help you know when a pee pad has been used
- Quick-drying surface – to prevent wet, urine-soaked paw prints around your home
- Odor neutralizer – to keep your home from smelling like pet feces
- Large capacity (can hold 3 cups of urine) – to ensure it can handle frequent urinators
- Built-in attractant – to help attract the dog to the area and encourage them to go potty
These items are listed in our pros and cons below for each of the dog potty pads reviews.
Best Basic: All-Absorb Training Pads Review
View on Amazon | View on Chewy
If you’re looking for a no-frills, good-value pee pad, these All-Absorb pads from Honey Care get the job done. These dog training pads have many great features, including a quick-drying surface, which prevents your dog from tracking urine throughout the house. It also has a super-absorbent core, which turns urine into a gel and can hold up to three cups of urine. Each All-Absorb dog training pad has five layers of material.
- Non-woven cloth to allow urine to flow through quickly
- Paper tissue with dog attractant and baking soda
- Super-absorbent polymer and fluff pulp to absorb the urine and turn it into a gel
- Paper tissue
- Waterproof Polyethylene (PE) film prevents leaking
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Leak-proof | Some complaints that the pads leak |
| Quick-drying surface and 5 layers | |
| Odor neutralizer | |
| Can hold 3 cups of urine | |
| Built-in attractant | |
| Made in the U.S. |
Price & Tech Specs
- 100 Count: $23.99 ($0.24 / Count)
- Item dimensions: 23 x 22 x 0.1 inches
Best Non-Slip: Bulldogology Premium Pee Pads With Adhesive Sticky Tape Review
View on Amazon | View on Walmart
What we love about Bulldogology’s premium puppy pee pads is their adhesive tape on the back to keep it from moving around when your dog walks on it. It’s optional, depending on where you use it (it might not be needed on carpet versus slippery hardwood floors). The quilted material is also a more premium feature that makes these pads stand apart from the pack (and worth the extra price tag if you’ve got a leaky little guy). They also come in a charcoal option and extra-large (24×25″) size for bigger dogs (although they are slightly bigger than the other picks).
- Adhesive sticky tape
- Quilted layer
- “Bullsorbent” polymer tech
- More than 5g super absorbent polymer (SAP)
- 2 layers of quilted fluff pulp
- Waterproof film
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sticky tape to prevent sliding around (optional) | More expensive than others |
| Quick-drying surface and 6 layers | |
| Odor minimizing | |
| 110% money-back guarantee (money-back, plus 10%) |
Price & Tech Specs
- 100 Count: $45.99
- Item dimensions: 24 x 24 inches
Best Scented: AKC Training Pads Review
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Coming in at the top pick for best-scented dog pee pads are the AKC training pads. These pads are unique because they are available in different scents and print designs (fresh scent, lavender scent, lemon scent, and a newspaper print design). AKC dog training pads have a six-layer composition, but unlike our top two picks, AKC doesn’t tell us what those six layers are. We know that it has a quick-drying gel to help absorb urine and prevent tracking and leaking.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Leak-proof | Unsure how many cups of urine they can hold |
| Quick-drying surface and 6 layers | Complaints of them not being absorbent |
| Odor eliminating | Complaints that the scent of the pads combined with the urine is unpleasant |
| Built-in attractant | |
| Available in different scents and prints |
Price & Tech Specs
- 100 Count: $23.41 ($0.23 / Count)
- Item dimensions: 22 x 22 inches
Best Eco-Friendly Pee Pads
Are you looking for an alternative to disposable pads or dog litter boxes? These potties are stylish and better for the environment than wasteful paper pads. They may also save you money in the long run since they are reusable. These are our top picks for the eco-friendly category.
Top Pick: PETMAKER Puppy Potty Trainer Review
View on Amazon | View on Walmart
Another indoor restroom option is the PETMAKER AstroTurf pad. This three-layer system consists of a top layer that is odor-resistant, a middle antimicrobial mat that looks like natural grass, a detachable plastic insert for drainage, and a bottom base tray to collect urine.
Once the tray is full, discard it and rinse it with soap and water. If you don’t mind getting a little dirty for the sake of Mother Nature, this might be an ideal solution for you.
Since no dog has peed on this grass the first time they use it, you may need to spray a product like Potty Here to encourage them to use this spot (this product could work on top of any of the “pads” we reviewed here).
Our Personal Experience With PETMAKER Puppy Potty Trainer
I have used this astroturf potty pad for many years. I really like it, though it can be a bit gross to clean. However, it saves money and reduces trash, and my dog loves it. She used to pee on the carpet, but the astroturf has been a game changer. As a Chihuahua, she tries to sneak away to pee, and this has really helped reduce those unpleasant surprises. It works much better than any disposable pads I have tried.
– Danielle DeGroot, Rescue Pup Parent, Canine Journal Research & Writing
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Satisfaction guarantee | Cleaning can get messy |
| Most eco-friendly option (clean & reuse) | Grass can be replaced, but is expensive |
| Non-toxic synthetic material | |
| Can be used indoors or outdoors | |
| Size optimized to fit inside standard crates | |
| Comes in two sizes |
Price & Tech Specs
- $26.02
- Item dimensions: 25 x 20 inches
Fresh Patch Disposable Dog Potty Review
Bring the outdoors in with a Fresh Patch. As seen on the ABC TV Show Shark Tank, the Fresh Patch claims to be the first in the business to ship real-life patches of grass to your doorstep. The hydroponically-grown grass naturally absorbs pee and odors while training dogs to keep their business strictly to the green stuff.
To set it up, remove the top, and Fresh Patch is ready to go in its shipping box. It’s also dirt-free, so your pup won’t drag mud around your home.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent customer service | Only available in one size |
| Can combine multiple patches for larger dogs | Bulkier compared to other pads |
| For indoor or outdoor use | Not intended for indefinite use and more expensive to replace |
| Naturally attracts dogs to potty place | Some reports of dogs eating grass or cardboard |
| Easy to set up and breakdown when done | Ships from California and transit can take 2-5 days (depending on U.S. destination) |
Price & Tech Specs
- $34.95
- Item dimensions: 16 x 24 inches
JdPet Washable Dog Pee Pad Review
The JdPet washable pad looks and acts like a regular pee pad (versus grass). However, it is washable, so you can reuse it repeatedly. It has four layers of potty protection: a fabric-like quilted polyester top layer for comfort, an absorbent dense inner layer with odor control, a breathable waterproof inner layer, and a slip-free bottom grip to prevent the pad from sliding on the floor.
Hiyapup’s pads come in a two-pack, so you’ll always have a clean backup pad.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Blue color may blend in with floors | More significant in size than others and not ideal for smaller spaces (but you could fold it) |
| Comes in a variety of size options | Might require more training to get pups to use |
| Protects floors and is stain-resistant | |
| Economical and easy to clean |
Price & Tech Specs
- $27.95
- Item dimensions: Multiple options
What About Amazon Basics, Arm & Hammer, And Gardner?
Below is an alphabetical listing of other pee pads I’ve reviewed.
Runner-Up: AmazonBasics Pet Training Pads Review
Our number two pick for the best puppy training pads is this option from AmazonBasics. These wee-wee pads are quite similar to our number one pick above. They have a super-absorbent core that turns liquid into gel, a leak-proof plastic liner, and a quick-drying surface.
The AmazonBasics dog training pads are made of five layers.
- The anti-streaming layer quickly dries the quilted surface and locks in wetness, reduces odor, and prevents tracking
- Surge layer helps absorb the liquid
- The sponge-like core absorbs and turns liquid into gel to help minimize odor
- The locking layer holds liquid in
- Protective plastic lining keeps floors safe from damage
Our Personal Experience With AmazonBasics Pet Training Pads
I have used these pet training pads for a few different pets. They worked well for potty training my Poogle puppy, Falkor. They were used to line the bottom of his crate, as well as laid out to catch any accidents. He is a small dog, about 25 pounds, and these were perfect for absorbing the amount of urine he has. I found these to be easy to use, very affordable, and free of any fake chemical odors.
– Danielle DeGroot, Rescue Pup Parent, Canine Journal Research & Writing
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Leak-proof | Unsure how many cups of urine they can hold |
| Quick-drying surface and 5 layers | Some complaints of dog tracking urine throughout the house |
| Odor minimizing | |
| Built-in attractant |
Price & Tech Specs
- 100 Count: $23.93 ($0.24 / Count)
- Item dimensions: 22 x 22 inches
Arm & Hammer Pet Training And Puppy Pads Review
View on Amazon | View on Walmart
Each Arm & Hammer training pad has Arm & Hammer baking soda to help eliminate odor. The top sheet is tear-resistant and can withstand digging, scratching, and chewing. These training pads use Thinsorb technology, which soaks the liquid quickly and locks in odors. This prevents your dog from tracking urine off the pad. These Arm & Hammer dog pads are made with three layers.
- A tear-resistant top keeps your dog from destroying the pad
- Thinsorb core draws in urine and locks in wetness and odor
- The leak-resistant liner keeps moisture in and protects your floor
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Leak-resistant | Unsure how many cups of urine they can hold |
| Tear-resistant | We read reviews comparing them against our #1 pick, and they said these pads were worse |
| Eliminates odor | Complaints of them leaking |
| Built-in attractant | |
| Made in the U.S. |
Price & Tech Specs
- 100 Count: $29.45 ($0.29 / Count)
- Item dimensions: 22.5 x 22.5 inches
Gardner Pet Super-Absorbent Dog Pee Pads Review
The Gardner Pet Super-Absorbent dog pee pads have some really cool features that others do not. This includes a special tear-resistant material and a wetness indicator to let you know when your dog has “used the facilities.” These training pads convert liquid into gel so your dog doesn’t walk away with wet paws. They are fast-drying and are available in standard, odor-control, and super-absorbent versions. Overall, these have good reviews. However, other pee pads are more popular.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Leak-resistant | Customers complain that they cannot actually hold 3 cups of urine |
| Tear-resistant | Customers with larger dogs say these aren’t ideal |
| Wetness indicator | |
| Quick-drying surface | |
| Odor-eliminating | |
| Can hold 3 cups of urine | |
| Money-back satisfaction guarantee |
Price & Tech Specs
- 100 count: $35.99
- Item dimensions: 24 x 24 inches
How To Properly Use A Dog Pee Pad
Below are some tips on how to use a puppy pee pad for potty training purposes.
- Place your dog on the pee pad several times throughout the day.
- If your pet begins to go potty, say, “Go potty” (or some other cue) to help them relate the command with the action.
- If your pet goes potty somewhere other than the pad, bring them back to the pee pad immediately. (Find the exact spot with a UV flashlight.)
- When your dog uses the pee pad, reward them by giving lots of attention or offering a treat. This will help them know they’re doing something right.
- Once a pee pad is soiled, you should dispose of and replace it.
- After your dog consistently relieves itself on the pee pad, begin moving it closer to the door. This helps them associate going to the door when they need to go potty.
- Repeat step 6 until you can move the pee pad outside. Once the dog goes potty outside consistently, you have successfully potty trained them.
Pee Pad Infographic
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions from our readers.
What To Put Under Pee Pads
We recommend having them on a hard surface like hardwood that is easy to clean if the pee pads leak. You could also put the pee pad on a small, inexpensive rug that you can wash if need be (which might also help prevent the pads from sliding around).
How Often Do You Change Pee Pads?
It depends on the size of your dog and how frequently they pee. At a minimum, we recommend changing the pee pads once per day.
How To Keep Puppy Pads In Place
Wondering how do you secure a dog’s pee pad? An effective way to keep the pads in place is to put them on the carpet or a rug, although you might want to double up in case there is a leak. You can also try putting it on top of a pee pad holder to prevent it from sliding around.
How To Stop Puppy From Chewing Pee Pad
Puppies are prone to chewing almost everything (including their pee pad). To prevent chewing, ensure the pee pad is secured to the floor using duct tape, masking tape, or even a puppy pad holder. If they still try to chew it, try to divert their attention to chewing on something more desirable, like a toy or treat.
What Attracts Dogs To Pee On Pads?
Dogs are attracted to urinate in areas that smell like their own waste. Pee pads are often infused with scents that attract dogs to use them. You might try luring them to the pee pad by pointing at it while saying “potty” so they understand what it’s for.
How Do I Stop My Pee Pad From Smelling?
Replace the pad frequently to minimize odor buildup. Depending on your dog’s usage, you may need to change it multiple times a day. You can also sprinkle baking soda or use odor-neutralizers specifically designed for pets. Use pet-friendly cleaning products on the floor underneath the pad and around the area regularly to prevent the spread of odors around the house.
Potty Pad Training Tips & Video
Still need help on how to pee pad train a puppy? Here are a few tips and tricks in a short video from our friends at Rover (our best pick for dog-sitting website).
Learn More About Accessories For Your Dog’s Potty Needs
We also encourage you to read our dog toilet 101 article, which includes a dog grass pad for going potty, a puppy pad holder that automatically changes itself, and other potty tips for pups. Finally, here are a few more tips for housetraining your dog.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Kimberly has written about various dog-related topics, such as pet insurance, health conditions, treats, training, and more. She hunted down the best pee pads with the best performance and the lowest price. She consulted with other Canine Journal members to glean their personal experiences using pee pads for their dogs. Kimberly spent over 10 hours researching and writing this article.
Tagged With: Comparison, Housetraining, Poop
