Best Dog Training Pads & Potty Supplies of 2025: Complete Guide

I live in a fourth-floor apartment with no elevator. When my puppy needed to go at 3 AM, the training pads saved my sanity — and my carpet. Get the wrong setup and you’re scrubbing at 2 in the afternoon. Get it right and you barely think about it.

Dog training pads have come a long way from the thin, leak-prone sheets of a decade ago. Now you’ve got grass pads for dogs that refuse to pee on fake turf, washable pads that don’t create landfill waste, and pads with attractant scents that actually speed up potty training. We tested and compared 8 of the best options available in 2025.

What to Look For in Dog Training Pads

Absorption Speed and Leak Protection

A good pad locks in liquid within seconds so your dog doesn’t track wet paws across the floor. The best pads have five to eight layers, including a waterproof backing and a polymer core that turns liquid into gel. Leakproof edges are important too — some pads leak at the seams when a heavy dog pees near the border.

Size and Coverage

Standard pads measure 22 x 22 inches, which works for most small and medium dogs. Large dogs need jumbo pads (30 x 30 inches) or you end up with misses. For crate training, get pads sized to fit the tray. Some brands offer multi-size packs so you can test what works.

Attractant vs. Unscented

Many pads use herbal attractant scents to encourage dogs to use them. They work well for puppies but some dogs develop a preference for that specific scent and refuse un-scented pads later. Unscented pads are better for transitioning to outdoor potty training. For senior dogs or long-term indoor use, unscented heavy-duty pads are the safer bet.

Reusable vs. Disposable

Washable pads cost more upfront but save money over time if you’re potty training for months. Disposable pads are convenient and you just toss them, but the costs add up. For puppies, disposables are less hassle during the intense phase. For senior dogs with incontinence, washable pads on furniture work better.

Top 8 Dog Training Pads & Potty Supplies Reviewed

1. Wee-Wee Ultra Plus Pads — Best Overall

The Wee-Wee Ultra Plus are the standard for a reason. They’re 22 x 22 inches with a 5-layer construction that locks liquid in seconds. The polymer layer turns urine into gel, and the polyethylene backing prevents leaks even on hardwood floors. The built-in attractant scent helps puppies figure out where to go.

In testing, a full bladder from my 40-pound dog soaked in within 3 seconds with zero run-off. The pad stayed intact through two uses from a medium dog, though I wouldn’t push it past that. The adhesive corners keep them in place on tile and wood floors, but they slide a bit on carpet.

Pros:

• Fast absorption locks liquid within seconds
• Reliable leakproof backing for hardwood floors
• Built-in attractant works well for puppies
• Affordable bulk pricing (100-packs available)
• Adhesive corners prevent sliding on hard floors

Cons:

• Adhesive doesn’t grip carpet well
• Not biodegradable — pure synthetic construction
• Attractant scent may confuse outdoor-trained dogs
• Can get pricey per pad for long-term use

Verdict: The best all-around training pad for puppies and apartment dogs. Reliable, available everywhere, and the bulk packs keep costs manageable.

2. Paws & Pals Grass Pad — Best Real Grass Feel

The real-grass concept sounds gimmicky until you meet a dog that refuses to pee on fake turf. Paws & Pals delivers real ryegrass sod in a 24 x 24 inch tray with a drainage layer that separates the grass from the catchment tray. The grass lasts 2 to 3 weeks with proper watering and cleaning.

My neighbor’s picky Shih Tzu used this on the first try, which is better than he did with three different artificial grass pads. The real grass smell and feel are convincing enough that the transition to outdoor potty training was seamless — the dog just kept peeing on grass when we moved the pad outside.

Pros:

• Real grass feels natural to fussy dogs
• Excellent for transitioning to outdoor potty training
• Drainage layer keeps urine away from paws
• Mess-free disposal of used sod
• Can also be used on balconies and patios

Cons:

• Requires weekly maintenance (watering, cleaning)
• Grass needs replacement every 2-3 weeks
• Higher upfront and ongoing cost than pads
• Heavier and bulkier than standard pad trays
• Can attract gnats if not cleaned regularly

Verdict: Ideal for picky dogs that refuse fake grass. It’s more work than a pad, but if your dog won’t use anything else, it’s worth it.

3. Simple Solution Washable Training Pads — Best Reusable

Simple Solution’s washable pads use a six-layer construction with a waterproof PUL backing and microfiber inner layers. Each pad measures 24 x 36 inches — larger than standard disposables — and handles multiple accidents before needing a wash. They’re machine washable and we tested them through 50+ wash cycles with no delamination.

We tested these by pouring 4 cups of water across the surface. The pad absorbed everything within 8 seconds with no leakage through the backing. After 50 washes in hot water with bleach, the pad shrank about 5 percent but still functioned. The binding held up without fraying.

Pros:

• Saves money over disposables after ~20 washes
• Large surface area (24 x 36 inches)
• Withstands 50+ washes without delamination
• Quick-drying microfiber core
• Carries a manufacturer warranty

Cons:

• Higher upfront cost ($25-35 per pad)
• Needs 2+ pads to rotate during laundry
• Takes longer to dry than disposables absorb
• Not as portable as disposable pads
• May not fully eliminate odor after many washes

Verdict: Buy 3-4 of these and you’re set for years. Best for incontinence management and long-term indoor use.

4. Amazon Basics Dog Training Pads — Best Budget

Amazon Basics training pads use a five-layer design that punches above their price point. At roughly $0.20 per pad in the 100-count box, they cost half as much as premium brands. The absorbency is decent — a medium dog’s full bladder absorbed in about 5 seconds with minor pooling on the surface before the polymer layer kicked in.

The backing is slightly thinner than Wee-Wee. On carpet, this means you need the pad tray underneath for heavy dogs. On tile or hardwood, the included tabs hold fine. The attractant scent is milder than most, which some owners prefer.

Pros:

• Lowest per-pad cost of any brand tested
• Decent absorption for the price
• Mild attractant scent doesn’t overwhelm
• Available as subscribe-and-save for auto-delivery
• Consistent quality across batches

Cons:

• Thinner backing can seep on carpet with heavy dogs
• Slower absorption than premium options
• Smaller effective coverage area per pad
• Seams can leak if a dog pees near the edge
• Less durable — tears more easily when wet

Verdict: The budget king. If you’re going through 5-10 pads a day with a puppy, these keep the cost manageable.

5. PetSafe Go-Anywhere Grass Potty Pad — Best Portable

PetSafe’s portable solution uses artificial grass on a fabric backing with a charcoal filter layer that traps odors. At 24 x 24 inches, it folds flat for travel and comes with a carry bag. The fake grass rinses clean with water and dries in a few hours.

This pad traveled with us on a 10-day road trip. It fit in the trunk next to the luggage and saved us from pulling over at every rest stop. The odor filter really works — after three days without washing, the pad didn’t smell. Rinsing it in a hotel bathroom took about 3 minutes.

Pros:

• Folds flat for portable use
• Built-in charcoal odor filter works well
• Rinses clean in seconds
• No ongoing consumable cost
• Good for apartments with balconies

Cons:

• Artificial grass texture doesn’t fool all dogs
• Can smell if not rinsed for 3+ days
• Slower drying time in humid climates
• Higher upfront cost ($40-60)
• The tray base can warp in direct sunlight

Verdict: Great for travelers and apartment dwellers. The odor control is legitimately impressive.

6. Four Paws Wee-Wee Pad Tray — Best Accessory

The Wee-Wee Pad Tray holds standard 22 x 22 inch pads in place with corner snaps and a raised rim that catches overflow. The plastic tray is non-porous, wipes clean easily, and gives dogs a defined potty zone. It works with any standard pad brand, not just Wee-Wee.

This seems like a simple product but it fixes the two biggest problems with training pads: sliding and overflow. The snaps keep the pad in place even when an excited puppy runs over it. The raised rim catches overflow from large dogs and contains the occasional miss.

Pros:

• Snaps hold pads in place securely
• Raised rim catches overflow
• Compatible with all standard pad brands
• Easy to clean — just rinse or wipe
• Inexpensive (under $15)
• Also works for pee post training

Cons:

• Only fits standard 22 x 22 inch pads, not jumbo
• Plastic can get scratched over time
• Doesn’t solve the disposal problem
• Not wide enough for all large breed dogs
• No non-slip bottom — slides on hard floors

Verdict: Get this with any disposable pad. It prevents more messes than the pad alone.

7. IRIS USA Reusable Pee Pads — Best for Crates

IRIS USA makes a washable cot-style pad that fits their crate trays perfectly. The pad is 38 x 24 inches with a quilted cotton top, absorbent polyester core, and waterproof TPU backing. The pad extends slightly over the tray edges to catch stray drips but stays put under the dog’s weight.

For crate training, this pad is a lifesaver. Most crate mats are thin and don’t absorb. This one handles accidents without soaking through to the crate tray below. It’s also comfortable enough that our test dogs chose to sleep on it.

Pros:

• Perfect fit for standard crate trays
• Absorbs accidents without leaking through
• Comfortable enough for sleeping
• Machine washable with no shrinkage
• TPU backing is actually waterproof

Cons:

• Specific to crate tray sizes (not universal)
• Takes a full dryer cycle to dry
• Cotton top holds odors if not washed regularly
• Only one color option (gray)

Verdict: The best crate pad for potty training. Puppies can sleep comfortably and accidents don’t ruin the crate.

8. Eco-Friendly PoochPad Biodegradable Pads — Best Eco Option

Eco-Friendly PoochPad uses a bamboo-fiber top sheet with a plant-based polymer core and compostable backing. Each pad breaks down in commercial composting facilities in 60-90 days. They offer comparable absorbency to standard synthetic pads, with a medium dog’s full bladder absorbed in about 4 seconds.

The eco trade-off is durability. The bamboo top layer tears more easily than synthetic pads, especially when wet. You can’t pick up a used pad by one corner without it ripping. For the environment, these are the clear winner. For heavy daily use, they’re less practical.

Pros:

• Fully compostable in commercial facilities
• Renewable bamboo fiber top sheet
• No plastic waste in landfills
• Comparable absorption to standard pads
• No chemical attractants

Cons:

• Tears easily when wet
• More expensive than basic synthetic pads
• Only available in standard 22 x 22 inch
• Requires commercial composting — won’t break down in home piles
• Thinner structure means less leak protection

Verdict: Worth it if reducing plastic waste matters to you. Less practical for heavy daily use.

Comparison Table

FAQ

At what age can I start using potty training pads?

Puppies can start using training pads as early as 8 weeks old. By that age they can stand and sniff, but don’t have full bladder control — especially small breeds. Put the pad in a consistent spot and take them to it every hour, after meals, and after naps. It takes most puppies 4-6 months to be fully reliable with pads.

How often should I change dog training pads?

Change disposable pads after every 1-2 uses. Dogs don’t like standing in wet pads and may refuse to reuse them. For heavy-drinking breeds or long periods, change after each use. Washable pads can handle 3-4 accidents before needing a wash. A wet or saturated pad that isn’t changed defeats the purpose of potty training.

Do reusable pads smell after washing?

Quality washable pads with a waterproof PUL layer don’t retain odors if cleaned properly. Use hot water, a pet-safe enzymatic detergent, and add a half cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. Avoid fabric softener — it coats the absorbent layers and reduces performance. Air drying in sunlight helps remove any lingering smells.

Can I use training pads for a senior dog with incontinence?

Yes. Heavy-duty washable pads are ideal for senior dogs with incontinence. They handle larger volumes and cost less over time than disposables. Place pads on sofas, beds, and favorite sleeping spots. For dogs that spend most of the day on one floor, consider a washable pad over a large area like a 24 x 36 inch pad or a reusable pee pad in their bed area.

How do I transition my dog from pads to outdoor potty?

Gradually move the pad closer to the door over 7-10 days, then just outside the door, then to the yard. At the same time, take the dog outside frequently — every 30-60 minutes at first. A real grass pad like Paws & Pals helps bridge the transition because the dog is already used to peeing on grass. Expect some accidents during the transition period.

The Bottom Line

If you’re potty training a puppy, start with Wee-Wee Ultra Plus pads in a Four Paws pad tray. The tray prevents the two most common failures — sliding and overflow — and the Wee-Wee pads absorb fast enough that your dog won’t track wet paws across the floor. The 100-count bulk pack covers the first month of training.

For senior dogs or long-term indoor use, the Simple Solution Washable Pads are the better investment. You’ll save money after about 20 washes, and the large surface area catches more misses than standard disposables.

If your dog flatly refuses fake grass pads, try the Paws & Pals real grass pad. It’s more work but dogs that reject everything else will use real grass. And if you travel with your dog, the PetSafe Go-Anywhere folds into a carry bag and doesn’t smell even after days without washing.

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