Mastering Puppy Training Pads: How to Use Puppy Training Pads Like a Pro
If you’re potty training a puppy or managing accidents from an older dog, learning to use puppy training pads right can save you time, protect your floors and reduce stress.
With the proper placement, pad type, and routine, you can speed up training and make cleanup much easier.
This review provides practical, easy-to-follow steps to help you use pads more effectively and teach your dog more quickly.
Top Picks
| Category | Product | Price | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏆 Best Overall | Amazon Basics Dog and Puppy Pee Pads, 22 x 22 inches (100 Count) | $20.99 | 92/100 |
| ⚡ Best Absorbency / Performance | Wowflash Super Absorbency Disposable Underpads 22 x 22 (100 Count) | $26.59 | 90/100 |
| 🔊 Best Odor Control | Glad for Pets Black Charcoal Puppy Pads 23 x 23 (100 Count) | $27.99 | 89/100 |
| 🎯 Best for Training Flexibility | AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB Scented Puppy Training Pads 30 x 28 (50 Count) | $22.49 | 90/100 |
| đź’° Best Value for Large Dogs | Powools X-Large Puppy Pads 34 x 28 (100 Count) | $39.99 | 88/100 |
How We Picked These Puppy Pads
You want pads that actually contain mess, make training predictable, and fit your routine.
We focused on: absorbency and leak protection (multi-layer construction and quick-dry tops), size options (so your pup doesn’t miss the pad), odor control (activated carbon or scent options), real-world durability (user reports of tearing or bunching), value (price per pad for realistic use), and usefulness for training (visual cues or attractants).
We also considered verified customer ratings and multiple independent user reports, so you know these picks perform in everyday homes.
Amazon Basics Puppy Pee Pads (Regular, 100 Count)
These Amazon Basics puppy pads are the kind of thing you buy once and then suddenly wonder how you managed without.
You get a 100-pack of 22 x 22-inch, unscented pads with a quick-dry surface, a 5-layer absorbent core that gels liquid on contact, and a plastic leak‑proof backing.
In daily life, you’ll use them for crate training, naps, overnight backup, or a quick indoor solution when you can’t get outside.
They’re also handy for road trips or temporary setups (like a makeshift litter area in a guest room).
If you want something simple, reliable, and easy to stash in a closet or car, these are a solid, no-fuss pick—you’ll appreciate the value more once you start using them.
What People Say
Buyers frequently mention excellent absorbency, dependable leak protection, and great value from the 100-count pack.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ Frank
These pads are highly absorbent and truly leak-proof — reviewer Frank notes they soak up multiple accidents, the leak-proof layer protects floors, and the quick-dry surface helps control odor. He recommends measuring your pet’s usual relief zone to be sure the 22 x 22 size fits.
🗣️ LoveMyAmazon
One reviewer ran a hands-on test pouring about 5 cups of water on a pad and reported zero soak-through; they describe the gel core as fast-acting and say the pads held up even under heavy testing.
Long-Term Savings
At the buy box price of $20.99, the unit cost works out to about $0.21 per pad, which makes these economical for daily training, overnight backup, or long-term use with senior dogs.
You can also save more with Subscribe & Save if you plan regular deliveries.
Situational Benefits
| Situation | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Puppy Potty Training | Gives you a consistent, easy-to-clean spot, and the built-in attractant helps puppies learn where to go. |
| Senior Dogs & Incontinence | Absorbent core and leakproof backing protect flooring and make overnight accidents much easier to manage. |
| Travel and Car Trips | Use one in crates, carriers, or the back of a car for quick cleanups and to protect upholstery. |
| Temporary Indoor Solutions | Handy for guests, recovery after surgery, or when the weather keeps you from getting outside; disposable for fast cleanup. |
Ease Of Use
| Feature | Ease Level |
|---|---|
| Placement | Easy |
| Cleanup | Easy |
| Durability during play | Moderate |
| Storage and restocking | Easy |
Versatility
You can use these for training, older dogs, travel, temporary bedding protection, or even around toddlers — they adapt to a lot of real‑life messes.
Safety Features
Plastic backing and a raised plastic border on all four sides help prevent overflow and keep liquid from reaching floors or furniture.
Practicality
Regular 22 x 22 inch size fits most crates and indoor training spots; unscented with a subtle attractant, and the 100-count pack makes them easy to keep on hand.
Problem Solving
These pads solve the common headaches of accidents and indoor messes by locking liquid into a gel core, preventing leaks, and making cleanup as simple as folding and tossing.
Key Benefits
- Strong absorbency with gel core to lock in liquid
- Leakproof plastic backing protects floors
- Quick-dry top layer reduces odor and surface wetness
- Large pack size offers good value for frequent use
Current Price: $20.99
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (total: 252,116+)
Wowflash 100 Count 22″ x 22″ Puppy Pads
These Wowflash pads are the kind you reach for when you want a low-effort solution that actually works.
You get 100 22 x 22 pads with a 5-layer design and a polymer core that gels liquid quickly, so you can stop worrying about seep-through or soggy surfaces.
Use them for crate training, nap-time backups, protecting furniture during vet recovery, or tossing a few in the car for road trips.
They’re compact to store and cheap to replace, making them a reliable option without the fuss, and you’ll find them really practical.
What People Say
Buyers repeatedly praise the absorbency and leak protection, often noting durability and the pack’s value for frequent use.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ Laura Isley
Laura says these pads held up for her senior dog and stopped leaks even when she was out during the day; she highlights consistent absorbency and good value compared with name brands, noting they handled a larger dog’s accidents without soaking through.
🗣️ Jan
Jan reports using these for parents over several years with no soak-through, calls them soft and durable, and offers a practical tip about tucking and smoothing the pad to avoid bunching when someone moves in bed.
Long-Term Savings
At the current buy box price of $26.59, the unit price is about $0.27 per pad, which is economical for daily training or long-term incontinence use.
Subscribe & Save pricing can lower the cost further to $25.26 base or $23.93 with tiered discounts if you set up recurring deliveries.
Situational Benefits
| Situation | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Puppy Potty Training | Provides a consistent, disposable spot that quickly absorbs accidents, allowing you to focus on timing and praise instead of cleaning. |
| Senior Dogs & Incontinence | Protects floors and bedding from leaks, making overnight or daytime accidents easier to manage. |
| Travel and Car Trips | Lay one in a crate, carrier, or the back of your car to protect upholstery and simplify stops or unexpected accidents. |
| Temporary Indoor Solutions | Handy for guests, post-surgery recovery, or when the weather keeps you inside — disposable for quick cleanup. |
Ease Of Use
| Feature | Ease Level |
|---|---|
| Placement | Easy |
| Cleanup | Easy |
| Durability during play | Moderate |
| Storage and restocking | Easy |
Versatility
You can use these for crate training, senior pet care, temporary bed protection, travel, or even under pet carriers — they adapt to lots of real-life messes.
Safety Features
Leakproof plastic backing and a multi-layer absorbent core lock liquid away from surfaces; quilted top is gentle against skin.
Practicality
The 22 x 22 size fits most crates and indoor spots, and the 100-count pack keeps you stocked without frequent reorders.
Problem Solving
These pads handle common accidents by turning liquid into gel and containing it, so cleanup is folding and throwing away rather than scrubbing floors or washing linens.
Key Benefits
- Five-layer protection with quick-gelling polymer core
- Leakproof backing keeps floors and furniture dry
- Quilted, skin-friendly top for comfort
- Large 100-count pack for good value
- Multi-use: puppies, seniors, travel, and bed protection
Current Price: $26.59
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (total: 5,892+)
Glad Activated Carbon Puppy Pads (100 Count)
If you want a no-fuss option for potty training or day-to-day accidents, these Glad charcoal puppy pads are the sort you keep on hand.
The activated carbon layer helps tamp down odors, while the leak-resistant edges stop most spills from reaching floors.
They include a pheromone attractant so you can guide your pup to the pad during training, and the 23″ x 23″ size works well in crates, pens, or as a quick cleanup solution near doors.
Use them for late-night potty training, temporary crate liners, or to protect carpet during recovery or bad-weather days.
If you prefer a simple and relatively mess-free approach to teaching your dog where to go, these are a solid, practical choice.
What People Say
Customers highlight odor control and edge protection most often, noting the pads are reliable for crate use and helpful during training because of the attractant.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ Maggie R.
Maggie says the activated carbon noticeably cut down on smells in her small apartment and the leak-resistant edges kept accidents contained when her puppy squirmed in the crate. She found the pheromone attractant actually helped redirect the pup to the pad during training.
🗣️ Tom H.
Tom used these as crate liners for his older dog and appreciated the bulk pack—he mentions they held up through daytime naps without soaking through and made midday cleanups quick and simple.
Long-Term Savings
The buy box price for 100 pads is $27.99, which works out to about $0.28 per pad.
Subscribe & Save lowers the base price to $26.59, and tiered discounts can drop it to $23.79, so regular delivery can save you over time if you go through pads quickly.
Situational Benefits
| Situation | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Puppy Potty Training | The pheromone attractant and odor control give you a consistent spot that encourages puppies to go in the same place while minimizing lingering smells. |
| Crate Liners | Large size and leak-resistant edges protect crate floors during naps or recovery, making cleanup as simple as swapping a pad. |
| Apartment Living | Activated carbon helps keep small spaces from smelling, and the bulk pack reduces how often you need to reorder. |
| Temporary Indoor Needs | Suitable for post-surgery care, travel, or when the weather keeps you inside — disposable for fast cleanups. |
Ease Of Use
| Feature | Ease Level |
|---|---|
| Placement | Easy |
| Cleanup | Easy |
| Durability in the crate | Moderate |
| Storage and restocking | Easy |
Versatility
Works as a training pad, crate liner, temporary bed, or furniture protector, and even under small pet litter areas; useful across households with puppies, seniors, or small indoor dogs.
Safety Features
Leak-resistant edges and multi-layer construction keep liquid away from floors; the top layer limits tracking so pets and people are less likely to step in wet spots.
Practicality
The 23″ x 23″ size fits most crates and pens, and the 100-count box keeps you stocked for busy training periods or multi-pet homes.
Problem Solving
These pads tackle common training headaches by containing accidents, neutralizing odors, and providing a consistent, disposable place to direct your dog, allowing you to focus on timing and reward.
Key Benefits
- The activated carbon layer helps neutralize odors
- Leak-resistant edges to reduce spills
- Pheromone attractant supports training
- Generous 23″ x 23″ size and 100-count bulk supply
- Multi-use: crate liner, potty spot, or under litter boxes
Current Price: $27.99
Rating: 4.4 out of 5 (total: 82,599+)
Powools X-Large Puppy Pads (100-Pack)
If you’re training a pup, managing an older dog, or need a reliable backup for bad-weather days, these Powools X-Large pads make life easier.
The roomy 34″ x 28″ size gives your dog ample space to move, the 6-layer construction quickly turns liquid into gel, and the plastic backing helps protect floors.
You’ll find them handy for late-night training sessions, crate liners during long naps, or when you need a disposable surface while traveling or recovering from surgery.
They come in a large 100-count box, so you won’t need to reorder every week.
If you prefer something that balances size, absorbency, and a pheromone attractant to help guide your pup, these are worth trying.
What People Say
Buyers most often praise the size and absorbency — many say the X-Large pads reduce overflow, and the pack gives good value for frequent use.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ chelsey
Chelsey says these held odors and avoided spills—her dog had space to go through the night or when left alone, and she reports no accidents since switching.
🗣️ Penny L
Penny L. notes the X-Large size gives better coverage and the pads feel more durable and absorbent than others she’s tried; they unfold easily and don’t stick together, which makes swaps less messy.
Long-Term Savings
Buy box price is $39.99, which works out to about $0.40 per pad.
For regular users, this significantly lowers the per-use cost compared to more miniature packs or single-store purchases.
Situational Benefits
| Situation | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Puppy Potty Training | The pheromone attractant helps create a consistent spot so you can reinforce the correct behavior; the large surface reduces misses. |
| Overnight or Heavy Urination | A larger size and multi-layer absorption provide extra capacity, making it less likely to experience leaks during extended use. |
| Crate Liners & Recovery | Use them for short-term crate lining or post-surgery needs — disposable swaps keep cleaning quick and sanitary. |
| Apartment Living | The leak-proof backing and strong absorbency help control odors and protect floors in smaller spaces where accidents are more noticeable. |
Ease Of Use
| Feature | Ease Level |
|---|---|
| Placement | Easy |
| Cleanup | Easy |
| Durability under repeated use | Moderate |
| Storage and restocking | Easy |
Versatility
Serves as a training pad, crate liner, travel backup, or temporary floor protector for puppies, seniors, and small pets — flexible enough for daily use and special situations.
Safety Features
Quilted top layer and leak-proof plastic backing limit seepage; the absorbent core locks moisture away to reduce tracking and protect your floors.
Practicality
The large pad size and 100-count bulk make these practical for busy households, multiple pets, or anyone who prefers fewer changeouts during training periods.
Problem Solving
These pads address common training headaches by providing a consistent, absorbent spot that minimizes leaks and odor, letting you focus on timing and praise instead of constant cleanup.
Key Benefits
- Built-in pheromone attractant to help direct puppies
- 6-layer absorbent core that locks in moisture
- Leak-proof plastic backing to protect floors
- Large 34″ x 28″ size gives more coverage
- Bulk 100-count pack reduces how often you reorder
Current Price: $39.99
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (total: 1,191+)
AKC Scented Puppy Pads (50-Pack)
If you need a reliable spot for potty breaks, these AKC scented training pads are the kind of everyday tool that makes life simpler.
They come in a 30 x 28 size and a 50-count pack, so you have enough on hand for regular training, overnight use, or when the weather keeps you and your pup inside.
The pads feature a multi-layer design with SAP quick-dry gel, locking moisture away, and a mild attractant to guide your dog to the right place.
Use them for focused potty training sessions, as crate liners during recovery, or as a backup on travel days.
If you’re looking for something that balances absorbency, scent control, and reasonably priced refills, these are a practical pick you can keep on subscription and not think about every week.
What People Say
Buyers most often call out strong absorbency, good size for small-to-medium dogs, and reliable leak protection when pads are changed promptly.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ Kara
Kara, an experienced foster volunteer, says these pads are a great value and work well for small dogs under 10 lb when you replace soiled pads promptly. She highlights that they hold up better than some expensive brands and suggests tricks (like using a plastic holder or taping corners) for larger dogs or when pads sit soiled too long.
🗣️ Richard Landry
Richard Landry praises the visual design — the bright white center and blue border help his older chihuahua aim better. He noticed quicker, more consistent ‘hits’ after switching to these, which made house training less frustrating for both of them.
Long-Term Savings
The buy box price is $22.49 (about $0.45 per pad).
If you use Subscribe & Save, you can drop the cost — base subscribe price is $21.37, and tier pricing goes as low as $19.12, bringing the per-pad cost closer to $0.38 at the best tier.
For regular users, this results in meaningful savings compared to single-store purchases.
Situational Benefits
| Situation | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Puppy Potty Training | The attractant and clearly defined pad area help your pup learn a consistent potty spot, while the quick-dry core reduces tracking, allowing you to focus on timing and praise. |
| Apartment Living | Leak-proof backing and odor control protect floors and keep small spaces from smelling like accidents between cleanings. |
| Bad Weather or Cold Days | When outdoor trips are impractical, the pads provide a dependable indoor option so your routine doesn’t break down during storms or extreme cold. |
| Crate Liner & Recovery | Use disposable pads for post-surgery care or crate time to make swaps quick and sanitary without deep cleaning. |
Ease Of Use
| Feature | Ease Level |
|---|---|
| Placement | Easy |
| Cleanup | Easy |
| Attractant effectiveness | Moderate |
| Storage and restocking | Easy |
Versatility
Works as a training pad, crate liner, recovery aid, or temporary floor protector — valid daily and for one-off situations like travel or bad weather.
Safety Features
Quilted top layer, absorbent SAP core, and leak-proof backing reduce tracking and floor damage; scented core helps neutralize odors.
Practicality
The 30 x 28 size covers most small-to-medium dogs, and a 50-count box is a practical balance between frequent reorders and bulky storage needs.
Problem Solving
These pads solve common training headaches by providing an obvious, absorbent target that reduces leaks and odor when you swap soiled pads regularly.
Key Benefits
- 6-layer protection with quick-dry SAP core to lock moisture
- Leak-proof plastic backing to protect floors
- Built-in attractant to encourage puppies to use the pad
- Odor-neutralizing scent to keep rooms fresher
- 50-count pack fits regular home use without frequent reorders
Current Price: $22.49
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (total: 43,169+)
FAQ
How Do I Choose The Right Puppy Training Pad For My Dog?
You should start by measuring the area where your puppy usually relieves himself and pick a pad that covers that “relief zone”; many people find the Amazon Basics regular 22 x 22 inch pack (100 count) at $20.99 is an excellent value because of its leak-proof, quick-dry design and five layers of absorbency. Consider pad size for breed and habit, absorbency (more layers or “super” options if your dog urinates a lot), backing quality to prevent leaks, and whether you want scented or odor-control features; for example, Glad charcoal pads at $27.99 offer activated carbon odor control while the AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB scented XL 30 x 28 pads cost $22.49 for a 50-count pack and include an attractant.
You should also consider the quantity and price per pad, your preference for unscented (better for sensitive noses) or scented (helpful for some dogs) pads, and environmental factors. Since disposable pads create waste, reusable washable pads or a litter-box-style solution may be a better, greener option.
How Do I Use Puppy Training Pads Effectively During Potty Training?
You want consistency and clear cues, so place the pad in a confined, easy-to-find spot and set a predictable schedule based on your puppy’s age (very young pups often need to go every 1–2 hours). Put the plastic side down and the absorbent surface up, bring your puppy to the pad right after meals, naps, and play, say your cue phrase like “go potty” each time, and the moment he uses the pad, give immediate praise and a treat so he links the action to the reward.
Keep the pad in the same place until he’s reliably using it, then move it gradually—small steps toward the door and then outside—so you don’t confuse him. If your puppy paws or moves the pad, tape the corners with a bit of masking tape or use a non-slip tray; a stable surface helps you avoid the “pad gets tossed aside” problem.
How Do I Prevent Leaks, Odor, And Messes, And When Should I Replace Pads?
Change the pad as soon as it is wet or soiled, because a saturated pad loses absorbency and can leak; overnight or for heavy urination, use higher-absorbency or larger pads (for large dogs, you might choose an XL pad like the Powools 34 x 28 pack at $39.99). Layering a fresh pad under a frequently used one can extend time between changes but don’t rely on layering as a long-term fix.
Protect floors by using pads on tile or in a plastic tray. Clean any accidents with an enzymatic cleaner to remove odor and prevent repeat marking. Also, remember that pads can unintentionally reinforce indoor elimination. If your goal is outdoor elimination, a consistent transition plan is necessary. Don’t scold your puppy for accidents; instea,d guide him back to the pad or outside and reward successes so he learns where you want him to go.
Customers Top Picks
When choosing between Amazon Basics Regular, Wowflash 22 x 22, and Glad Activated Carbon puppy pads, you typically prioritize several key factors, including absorbency, pad size, odor control, and overall value.
You’ll pick the larger, extra-absorbent Wowflash for bigger pups or heavier wetters, Glad for superior odor control thanks to activated carbon, and Amazon Basics if you want reliable performance at a budget-friendly price.
Wrapping It Up
Using puppy training pads properly helps you keep the house clean while teaching your dog where to go.
Place pads predictably, reward every correct use, and choose a pad with the right size and absorbency for your dog.
Rotate locations gradually if you plan to transition outdoors, and replace soiled pads promptly to avoid confusion.
With the right pads and a consistent routine, you make training simpler for both you and your pup.
| Product | Image | Rating | Price | Product Dimensions | Material | Absorbency Layers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Basics Dog and Puppy Pee Pads |
 |
4.5/5 (252,116 reviews) | $20.99 | 22 x 22 inches | Polyethylene (PE) | 5 |
| Wowflash 100 Count Super Absorbency Pads |
 |
4.5/5 (N/A reviews) | $26.59 | 22 x 22 inches | Polymer | 5 |
| Glad for Pets Charcoal Puppy Pads |
 |
4.4/5 (82,599 reviews) | $27.99 | 23 x 23 inches | PE Film, Non-woven, SAP | 6 |
| Powools X-Large Puppy Pads |
 |
4.5/5 (1,191 reviews) | $39.99 | 34 x 28 inches | Polymer, Plastic | 6 |
| American Kennel Club Scented Puppy Pads |
 |
4.5/5 (43,169 reviews) | $22.49 | 30 x 28 inches | Polyethylene (PE) | 6 |
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