The 7 Best Puppy Pads of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

mella pet training pads
mella pet training pads

We have no reservations about recommending Bulldogology Puppy Training Pads. They are incredibly absorbent and hold multiple cups of liquid without spilling a drop. They are also durable and didn’t tear or get weighed down when we used a combination of liquid and solid materials to test their strength. Plus, all four corners of each pad have an optional adhesive tab. The sticker-like area helps keep the pad in place, which is great if you have a dog that likes to paw at the pad before doing their business. At times we found a slight bit of the adhesive tab would rip off the pad and remain on wood flooring, but it is easily removed.

Bulldogology Premium Puppy Training Pads combine several layers of material designed to absorb liquids and pull them into the center of the pad, including an outer “attractant fabric” layer and another layer that keeps scents locked in. But it’s the superabsorbent polymer (SAP) at the center of the pad that most effectively absorbs and retains liquids, transforming a powder into a gel that won’t release liquid back onto your floor or hands.

We assessed puppy pads using several tests and five different metrics, rating each for its effectiveness, durability, scent (and how well it absorbs scents), how easy they are to clean up, and the product’s overall value. In our evaluation, Bulldogology Puppy Training Pads received a perfect score in every category except overall value, since they are more expensive than several other training pads we recommend.

During testing, we poured a combination of water and vinegar on the Bulldogology pad up to the maximum absorbency claimed by the manufacturer. After soaking, the training pad’s margins remained dry, making it easy to pick up with our hands. Remarkably, even touching the wet portion of the pee pad still felt nearly dry. When lifting the soaked puppy pad off the ground, the Bulldogology pad didn’t feel like it was about to rip or was at risk of falling apart. There was no dripping, and the floor was dry.

Bulldogology Puppy Training Pads also come in a range of options, including different sizes, materials, and quantities. The standard pee pads are sold in 50-, 100-, and 150-count packages. There are also XL pads that are 24 x 35 inches and are available in packages of 40, 60, 180, and 360. Bulldogology also makes it easy to subscribe, so a steady supply of pee pads will keep coming to your door. The company also has an activated carbon version of the Bulldogology Puppy Training Pads, with an additional charcoal layer designed to more fully absorb smells (though we found the standard pads effective at scent absorption already).

The Bulldogology pee pads also incorporate a feature we were unable to test under lab conditions: a pheromone attractant. Designed to draw the attention of a puppy while housebreaking, we were unable to test whether this is a useful feature or a gimmick. Other minor features were more obviously useful, including the adhesive tape at each corner, which kept the Bulldogology pads attached firmly to our test floor. You may find the adhesive corners very useful if your dog likes to spin in circles before they pee or if they are limping, to help prevent the pad from slipping.

It should be noted that while the Bulldogology Puppy Training Pads were our overall favorite, many of our other recommendations performed as well or nearly as well. There are a number of viable puppy training pads on the market, so don’t hesitate to try something else on this list if it’s more convenient to purchase.

Scent: None | Dimensions: 24 x 24 inches (regular), 24 x 35 inches (x-large) | Absorbency: 7-9cups (regular), 9+ (x-large)