The Best Dog Potty Areas to Help With Training
Use disposable or washable potty areas for your dog to keep your floors free from messes during potty training.
When potty training your pup, it can be challenging to keep the messes at bay, especially if you spend a lot of time away from home. Creating a designated area for your dog to relieve themselves will help them get into a regular routine and give them confidence in your home.
Whether you live in a house or apartment, there are multiple options to help with potty training. You can pick disposable pee pads that you throw away after a single use. Or you could go with a faux grass pad that is easy to wash with water and soap. With a consistent routine and a quality disposable or reusable pad set up in your home, your dog will be potty trained in no time.
Best Dog Potty Areas to Consider
dog door to let them move in and out as they please, setting up a dog potty area is a must.
artificial grass top have the benefit of looking realistic to your pet, they aren’t always the most efficient to keep clean. These pads generally have a plastic tray that traps the mess, so you can scoop the poop and rinse away the rest. But if you have the time and want to save money long-term, you’ll want to consider this option.
On the other hand, disposable and washable puppy pads are more convenient, especially if you have a busy schedule. The disposable pads are designed for single use and are extremely absorbent, so waste won’t soak through to the floor underneath. But your pup may go through multiple pads a day when they are still getting a hang of potty training. Washable puppy pads work the same way, collecting pee to protect your floors. But you can toss the entire pad in the washing machine to get it ready to use again.
It can be overwhelming to pick the perfect supplies to set up a potty area in your home for your dog. But once you figure out their personality and behaviors, you can create a system that works seamlessly. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite reusable and disposable puppy pad options to help you pick.
Petmaker Artificial Grass Puppy Pee Pad for Dogs
Even though this puppy pad looks like natural grass, it is entirely artificial. But it will work well to remind your puppy that they should do their business on the grass, whether inside or outside. Available in three sizes, this pad consists of three sturdy layers to keep the mess contained.
The base tray has high sides to trap liquids and solids, preventing them from pooling on your floor. The middle layer allows waste to drain efficiently into the tray. And the top layer acts as a soft spot for your pup to squat, which will always be dry and comfortable. But the best part is that you can set up this modern potty training system anywhere inside or outside your home.
Pros:
- A helpful tool when experiencing snow, hail, or other bad weather
- Easy to clean with hot, soapy water
- More affordable since it is reusable
Cons:
- It doesn’t have a built-in attractant to encourage your dog to use the mat
Pick For Life Artificial Grass Potty Training Pad
When you don’t have a backyard where your dog can relieve themselves, this faux grass pad from Pick For Life is the next best thing. The pad measures 22.6 by 35 inches, making it ideal for dogs of all shapes and sizes. The upper grass layer drains efficiently into the absorbent pad and plastic tray below.
The reusable pee pad sits under the grass and is machine washable, so you can use it countless times. And it is highly absorbent to soak up most of the waste, cutting down the time you’ll have to spend cleaning. Plus, your pet will love the realistic feel of the artificial grass whenever they use this pad.
Pros:
- You can use the reusable pee pad on its own or with the full drainage system
- Easy to set up on your porch or in your garage
- Dogs with short legs can easily step over the tray sides
Cons:
- Not as affordable as other similar options
Amazon Basics Leakproof Puppy Pads
To save time and energy while potty training your pup, we recommend these disposable puppy pads from Amazon Basics. Depending on your needs, you can purchase packs with up to 150 pads to keep your home clean and tidy. The lightweight pads are ideal for potty training because they have a built-in pheromone that attracts your dog to this spot when it’s time to relieve themselves.
Each pad consists of five layers, making them absorbent and strong, so they won’t fall apart or leak. And any liquid that touches the pads will immediately turn into a gel for extra coverage. When you’re done with one pad, you can throw it away and replace it with a fresh one.
Pros:
- Available in lightly scented and unscented options
- A plastic border prevents excess liquid from overflowing
- Eliminates odors in your home
Cons:
- They won’t contain your dog’s waste if they go outside the white padded area
Peepeego Non-Slip Washable Dog Pad
This reusable puppy pad from Peepeego is genius because it is absorbent and machine-washable for easy care. The pad can absorb up to eight cups of liquid, making it ideal for multi-pet homes. And the non-slip grip on the back prevents it from shifting whenever your dog uses it.
You can toss this lightweight pad into the washing machine along with your dog’s bed, blanket, and stuffed animals to refresh it. And it makes a great waterproof cover to throw over your couch or bed, so you can spend quality time with your pet.
Pros:
- Available in multiple sizes
- Made to last for up to 300 washes
- Safe to use on hardwood, laminate, tile, and carpet
Cons:
- Only one color option
IRIS USA Pee Pad Holder for Puppy Training Pads
Potty training doesn’t have to be complicated, especially when you have this pee pad holder from IRIS USA on your side. The tray is available in multiple sizes to hold standard disposable pee pads for your pup to use. The plastic base has non-slip feet, allowing you to set it up anywhere in your home. And the shiny plastic won’t absorb any waste, preventing it from getting stained or holding onto odors.
To use, simply place a disposable pad on the tray and secure it with the latches. It will stay put until you’re ready to replace it with a clean one, which will prevent even the most curious puppies from tearing it apart.
Pros:
- Easy to wipe clean
- Affordable option
- Plenty of space for multiple potty breaks
Cons:
- Pads that are exactly the same size as the tray may not stay secure if you have an active dog
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I set up a potty area for my dog?
Dogs function best when given instructions and have specific routines they can follow throughout their day. When they are young, they are still learning the basics of where and when they are allowed to relieve themselves. Setting up a potty station in your home gives them the structure they need to build good habits. And for senior dogs, an area designed for them to go potty may be necessary if they can’t hold it for very long.
Once your dog gets a hang of their potty station, you can take them outside and give them more freedom to do their business in the great outdoors. But if you live in an apartment or don’t have a backyard, reusable or disposable pads are appropriate alternatives to properly potty train your pup.
How long does it take for a dog to be fully potty trained?
It generally takes between four and six months for puppies to get a hang of potty training. But that doesn’t mean they won’t have the occasional accident when they are playing, get excited, or have a very full bladder. And if you have a male dog that isn’t fixed, they could have what appear to be accidents until they are neutered. But they are marking their territory in your home and aren’t necessarily backtracking on their potty training.
Is there an advantage to using pee pads with built-in pheromones?
encourages them to return to the pad whenever they need to pee or poop. But other dogs don’t have the same reaction to these disposable pads. Instead, they roll around or want to play with the pad, defeating the purpose of it as a training tool.
If you use machine-washable pads or a faux grass potty station, you can purchase pheromone sprays to spritz directly on the area. For dogs that haven’t shown interest in their potty area or avoid it completely, this may be exactly what you need to motivate them to use it.
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