6 Best Puppy Training Pads: Tried and Tested

Housetraining is one of the most significant challenges in every pet parent’s journey. Given the messes you have to deal with, the question of how to potty train a puppy fast looms large. The thing is, there is no quick fix to potty training a puppy. It is going to take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a couple of months, depending on your approach, consistency, and the tools you use to aid the training process. There is just no way around it. However, you can make this phase less frustrating and less messy by choosing the right puppy training pads. 

They’re a god sent for pet parents with very young puppies, apartment dwellers, or in situations where you are not able to take your puppy outside at a moment’s notice. Besides, they aid in the potty training process. AKC trainer Stephanie Gibeault explains, “Having your dog go outside is the ideal solution, but training pads can sometimes play a role in successful potty training.”

If you’re a pet parent who’d give anything in the world to not have to clean another mess off your floor, or worse still, your carpet, you need to give this selection of dog training pads your undivided attention. In the process, also learn a thing or two about how to potty train a puppy on pads fast, or even how to use puppy training pads effectively. Let’s go! 

6 Best Puppy Training Pads To Deal With Your Little Furball’s Big Messes 

Speaking of the relevance of puppy training pads, veteran trainer Paige Gordon says, “Wee wee pads provide your puppy with a designated place to relieve themselves and allow for an easy clean up later.” But that’s not all. These dog pee pads also set the foundation for potty training.

How to use puppy training pads for potty training or how to potty train a puppy on pads fast, you ask? It’s quite simple really. By keeping these pee pads in one place repeatedly, you can also teach a young puppy that the entire house is not their toilet, and they can only relieve themselves in a designated spot. This way, you’re effectively starting potty training from the moment your pet comes home, even if you can’t take them out, on account of pending vaccinations, just yet. 

As you can see, there are a myriad of benefits of including puppy training pads in your puppy starter kit. Not all pads are created equal, though. To truly help, these wee pads must absorb liquid fast, lock away odors, and stay leak-proof. The best ones are ultra-absorbent, with multiple layers to keep liquid contained. Odor control is another non-negotiable when choosing pee pads for your puppy. In contrast, thin, cheap pads saturate quickly or tear, causing puddles. 

Of course, no pet parent wants to deal with that. That’s why I’ve put together a list of tried and tested puppy training pads that have stood the test of time for me, puppy after puppy. Let’s check them out:  

Suggested Reading: Essentials for Puppy-proofing Your Home: Must Have for First-Time Owners

1. Frisco X-Large Premium Potty Pads—The Most Absorbent 

Frisco’s X-Large pads tops my selection of the best puppy training pads for its sheer absorbency. They use five layers of material, including a super-absorbent core, and can hold up to 10 cups of liquid without leaking. That’s enough to survive even a big accident on a hardwood or tile floor. 

The pads also have an adhesive strip on the back so they stay put in a kennel or on tile. Despite being extra-large, they’re quite thin and foldable for storage. They come in floral-scented or unscented versions. This pad’s strength is in its ability to handle accidents. To test it, I poured nearly a liter of water on one, all of it disappeared into the pad with no drips. You can definitely count on them to deal with any big messes. 

In fact, I’d say their usability is not just limited to puppies. These can come in just as handy for dealing with any accidents an adult/senior dog may have when they’re unwell or not in control of their bladder or bowels. The tradeoff is the adhesive backing can stick strongly. Be gentle if you need to lift one up.

2. Bulldogology Premium Puppy Training Pads—The Best Overall

Bulldogology pads are a favorite among puppy trainers. They come in various sizes—small, medium, large—and also use a classic 5-layer construction. These puppy training pads stand out for their super-fast absorption and high capacity. They can absorb multiple cups of water in seconds with the top layer drying almost instantly. What I love the most about them is their excellent odor control. The blue top layer helps lock smells inside quite effectively. 

They are packaged in rolls or pre-folded pads, which makes them easy to grab. These wee wee pads also have a pleasant, not chemical-like, scent and sturdy edges. Note: Some very large dogs might saturate a pad quickly, so choose the size accordingly. Overall, these pads give you confidence that sudden accidents won’t flood your floor.

3. Glad for Pets Activated Charcoal Puppy Pads—The Best Odor Control

For me, effective odor control is one of the non-negotiable elements of a good quality puppy training pad. Given that one of the key uses of these pads is to offer a buffer for dealing with your pet’s messes if you don’t have immediate access to the outdoors, they need to be able to rein in the odor so that the house doesn’t stink up if you can’t dispose of them instantly. 

On the count, Glad’s dog training pads far exceed expectations. These pads use an activated charcoal layer to neutralize odors, making them excellent for confined spaces. The baking soda and charcoal in the core really cut ammonia odors. If you live in a small apartment or use a large crate long-term, these pads shine. And a clear winner for pet parents who are sensitive to smells. However, be mindful, in my experience, these pads can tear more easily when very wet, so you may need to replace them a bit more frequently. But for everyday training, there is no match to the odor-fighting power of Glad’s wee wee pads. 

Suggested Reading: Looking for a Crate for Puppy? Top Picks For Your New Furry Baby

4. Pet Parents Pawtect Washable Puppy Pads—The Best Washable Pee Pads

For eco-conscious families, reusable, washable pee pads like Pawtect’s are a great choice. Pawtect pads have an inner microfiber core that can be machine washed up to 500 times. These pads drip dry in a matter of minutes, even when heavily saturated.

These are fantastic for a sustainable home. Unlike disposable pads, they don’t rip or smell over time, as long as you wash them regularly and maintain them well. Note: A teething puppy may take great pleasure in destroying these, so it helps to place them on a non-slip mat so it is not easy for a little pup to pick them up and rip them to shreds.

5. Bark Potty Indoor Grass Pad—The Best Eco-Friendly Option 

Bark Potty offers indoor grass puppy training pads, which is, essentially, a tray of synthetic turf designed to mimic an outside lawn. The top layer is antibacterial turf; underneath are two trays to catch urine. This is a great alternative to the typical wee wee pads and serves as a great stepping stone for potty training outdoors.

If you’re wondering ​​how to use puppy training pads for potty training, this can be a quick and effective way to get started because puppies instinctively prefer grass for relieving themselves. 

The best part about it is that cleanup is quick. Just hose off the turf and flush the liquid down the toilet. It’s a lifesaver for city dwellers or winter training. Be warned, some puppies may hesitate to go fake turf, at first, but with consistent reinforcement, you can cross that hurdle. 

6. AmazonBasics Puppy Training Pads—Budget Everyday Pads

Amazon’s house brand offers a solid budget pad with decent leak protection. The basic design with 4 or 5 layers is simpler but effective. It comes in unscented or lavender-scented versions, and in both Regular and X-Large sizes. These budget-friendly dog training pads are leak-resistant backing and offer reasonably quick absorption. 

However, they lack odor neutralizers, so they may smell if left too long. However, they do the job for budget buyers. All in all, a great pick for someone who just needs basic protection on a tight budget. 

Suggested Reading: Best Food for 2-Month-Old Puppy: 9 Vet-Recommended Options

Things to Consider When Choosing Pads

If you want to explore your options beyond these handpicked recommendation, here are a few things to keep in mind for choosing the best puppy training pads:

• Absorbency: Look for multi-layer construction 
• Size: Bigger breeds or multiple puppies may need X-Large pads, so select size carefully
• Odor Control: If your puppy will spend many hours on a pad, choose something with odor barriers like activated carbon or sprays
• Eco-friendliness: Washable pee pads or grass pee pads reduce plastic waste. If you’re committed to a sustainable lifestyle, these may be a better alternative than disposable wee wee pads 

Another common question pet parents have is how to use puppy training pads, or more specifically, how to get a puppy to use pee pads. Here are a few simple tips that can help straighten this out for you: 

• Place a treat on the pad initially to encourage your puppy to sniff and use it, then praise when they do
• Repeat the praise and treat routine every time your puppy goes on the pad 
• Place the pad in one location to avoid confusion and train your puppy to use the pad when they need to go 

Takeaway

Housetraining your puppy doesn’t have to be a nightmare filled with endless cleanups and lingering odors. With the right puppy training pads, you can take a significant load off your shoulders while laying a strong foundation for future outdoor potty habits. Whether you’re looking for ultra-absorbent pads, eco-friendly options, or ones with unbeatable odor control, there’s a solution out there to meet your needs—and your puppy’s. Remember, consistency, patience, and the right tools are your best allies during this phase. So go ahead, pick the pad that suits your lifestyle and your pup’s needs best, and take that first, mess-free step toward a fully house trained companion.