Potty training a new puppy can be frustrating if you don’t have the tools to set them up for success. Wee wee pads give young pups in the early stages of training a designated place indoors to relieve themselves. They are highly absorbent to soak urine and soften stool messes. While extremely useful for pet owners, especially those in apartments or high-rise buildings, not all potty pads are created equal.
Size Matters
The pad size depends on your puppy’s current and expected adult weight. Pads should be large enough to move around without missing the pad. Standard sizes range from 17 x 24 inches for toy breeds to 32 x 36 inches for large dogs. Measure your space to ensure the pad fits.
Absorbency Levels
The whole point of potty pads is rapid absorption. Look for quick-dry layers and leakage barriers to lock in moisture and odor: synthetic polymer gels or natural wood pulp offer maximum absorbency for medium to large accidents.
Scent Draw
Unscented pads let pups go based on established training. Scented pads, often with attractants like pheromones, can initially trigger and reinforce that the pad is an appropriate potty place, especially for stubborn pups or rescues adapting to a new home.
Durability
Pads shouldn’t move around, rip easily, or let liquid seep through floors. Durable plastic or fiber bottom layers prevent sliding and leakage. Reinforced corners also mean pads maintain integrity, even after multiple uses.
Eco-Friendly Materials
Today’s best wee wee pads use recycled materials and green manufacturing methods to check the boxes of absorbency, efficacy, and sustainability so you don’t feel guilty about the environmental impact.
Affordability
You will go through many pads during training, especially with smaller breeds prone to frequent potty breaks. Buying in bulk saves money, as does sticking to reasonably priced pad options relative to size and construction.
