Bringing home a new puppy is pure joy — and a lot of work. Those early months of training set the stage for a lifetime with a well-behaved, happy companion.
One tool that makes house-training easier (and far less messy) is a good set of puppy pads. They help contain accidents during the learning stage and can be a lifesaver again when your dog becomes a senior.
But with so many pee pads on the market, choosing the right ones can feel overwhelming. So we combed through the reviews and rounded up the very best puppy pads — the ones dog parents consistently swear by.
The Best Puppy Pads Overall
- Best overall: Wee-Wee Absorbent Dog Pee Pads
- Best basic pads: Amazon Basics Dog and Puppy Pads
- Best reusable pads: Simple Solution Washable Dog Training & Travel Pad
- Best scented pads: American Kennel Club Pet Training Puppy Pads
- Best bulk-buy pads: COCOYO Best Value Training Pads
- Best odor-neutralizing pads: Glad for Pets Black Charcoal Puppy Pads
What to Consider Before Buying Puppy Pads
All puppy pads serve the same basic purpose — giving your dog a consistent indoor potty spot — but the quality varies widely. Before buying your first pack, keep these factors in mind:
Size
Pads come in multiple sizes, from small to extra-large. Choose based on your puppy’s current size, then size up as he grows. Large-breed puppies often need larger pads sooner than you think.
Scented vs. Unscented
Most pads include an attractant that encourages your puppy to pee on them. Some also include fragrances like lavender or lemon to mask odors. Scents won’t affect how your dog uses the pad, but they may matter to you (especially if you’re sensitive to smells).
The Best Puppy Pads, Reviewed
Best Overall: Wee-Wee Absorbent Dog Pee Pads
With glowing reviews across Chewy and Amazon, these pads are sturdy, absorbent and dependable. They offer 24-hour leak protection and use liquid-to-gel technology to lock in moisture.
One reviewer shared: “Perfect size to fit our 24-inch puppy tray without accidents spilling over. The attractant seems to be in the center because the dogs always aim there — which is great.”
Best Basic Pads: Amazon Basics Dog and Puppy Pads
Simple, reliable and wildly popular (over 113,000 five-star reviews), these pads do exactly what you need without frills. They’re thick, absorb well and help prevent odors.
A reviewer summed it up perfectly: “Very basic, but thick enough to hold liquid. They don’t leak and keep the smell at bay.”
Best Reusable Pads: Simple Solution Washable Training & Travel Pad
Great for sustainability-minded pet parents, these reusable pads wick moisture, control odors and hold up through 300 washes.
One dog parent wrote: “My disposable pads always left my floors wet and my dog wouldn’t use them. These washable pads changed everything — no accidents, and one set lasted over 10 years!”
Best Scented Pads: American Kennel Club Pet Training Puppy Pads
Available in fresh, lemon, eucalyptus and lavender scents, these AKC pads have six layers of leak-proof protection.
A fan raved: “I got the lemon scent and thank goodness — these are the BEST! They soak up everything and outperform every brand I’ve tried.”
Best Bulk Buy: COCOYO Best Value Training Pads
COCOYO training pads are perfect for stocking up without sacrificing quality.
One reviewer shared: “These have proven to be the best quality for the money, very durable, holds a good amount of liquid.”
Best Odor-Neutralizing Pads: Glad for Pets Black Charcoal Puppy Pads
These pads use activated carbon to eliminate odors, absorb liquid fast and prevent yellow stains.
A reviewer said: “No more dripping pads or lingering pee smells. These turn liquid into gel in seconds — totally worth it.”
How to Train Your Puppy to Use Pee Pads
Here are some tips for successful pad training.
1. Use Lots of Positive Reinforcement
Pads contain scents that encourage puppies to use them. Place them in a designated spot in your puppy's crate or playpen. Praise and treat your pup every time he uses the pad to reinforce good habits.
2. Never Scold Your Puppy
If your puppy has an accident elsewhere, gently clean up and remove all traces of scent.
Never yell, rub your dog’s nose in it or use punishment. It only scares them and they won’t understand why.
3. Take Him Outside Frequently
If your goal is outdoor potty training, move the pads gradually closer to the door.
At the same time, bring your puppy outside every 1–2 hours. Use a consistent cue like “go potty” as he urinates. Eventually, the cue alone will encourage him to go — incredibly helpful when you’re in a rush.
4. Reward Outdoor Success Immediately
Throw a little puppy party every time he goes outside. Praise communicates clearly that outdoor toileting is a great choice.
If progress is slow, don’t stress. House-training takes time. Keep a pad station indoors until you’ve had a full two weeks with zero accidents.
With patience, encouragement and the right puppy pads on hand, your pup will master potty training faster than you think — and your floors will stay much cleaner in the process.
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