The Best Indoor Dog Potties in 2021
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With the cold season right around the corner, you may be a bit hesitant to let your dog get the full run of the yard to do their business. That’s where finding the best indoor dog potty comes in handy: you won’t have to let the cold in or let your dog out.
They’re a situational item, but if you spend some time looking around, you’re sure to be able to find something to keep both you and your canine companion happy.
Our Top Pick
PetSafe Pet Loo
This artificial grass based potty is an excellent option for most people. The grass-like texture will allow your dog to be trained easier, and it’s an easy-to-use dog potty system overall. Give it a shot, just make sure to pick up some good disposable pads with it.
The 5 Top-Rated Indoor Dog Potties
| Editor’s Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall Indoor Dog Potty | PetSafe Pet Loo | 4.9 |
| Best Real Grass Option | DoggieLawn Real Grass Dog Potty | 4.7 |
| Best Disposable Potty Pads | AmazonBasics Pet Training and Puppy Pads | 4.6 |
| Best Reusable Potty Pads | rocket & rex Washable Dog Pee Pads | 4.6 |
| Best Pad Holder for Dogs | Richell Paw Trax Mesh Training Tray | 4.5 |
Who Needs an Indoor Dog Potty?
While they may seem laughable at first glance, you’ll find that having an area for your dog to do their business indoors is a big advantage in some situations.
The first is for those who have a bitterly cold season to deal with. It’s not always a great idea to let your dog out in the snow, and short-haired breeds, in particular, will find their life much easier if you decide to invest in one. You don’t even have to use it year-round.
Apartment dwellers will also find them to be a great idea. With limited indoor space and the lack of yard facilities available in some buildings, it can be a pain to have to take your dog for multiple walks a day so they can handle their business.
They’re doubly great if you live on the top floors.
You’ll also find them to be great for dogs who are suffering from some form of incontinence. Since your dog may not always be able to make it until they’re in the yard, an indoor space gives your carpets a fighting chance.
They’re certainly not necessary for every dog owner, but they’re an excellent way to handle the above situations, so you’ll want to look into them if you think that you and your pet fit the bill.
What Do I Need in an Indoor Dog Potty Area?
When you’re looking into an indoor dog bathroom area, you’ll need to check on just a few key factors to make sure that they’re the right fit for your home.
Type
There are several different options that you can try; each type has a few pros and cons to it, but they all serve roughly the same purpose: keeping your dog from doing their business on the floor.
The following are all available:
- Disposable Pads: Cheap and easy to use, disposable pads are a great way to let your dog handle things indoors. The main problem is that you’ll need to buy them continuously, and some dogs simply won’t use them.
- Reusable Pads: Great for saving a bit of money over time, these serve the same purpose as disposable pads but are generally machine washable. They suffer from the same problem of dogs sometimes not using them, and some people are squeamish about washing them, but they’re a solid pick for something cheap and easy.
- Pad Holders: These are an accessory to pads and can keep your dog from moving them around or trying to play with them. You’ll still need pads, but they’re a good way to go for dogs that are particularly rambunctious.
- Dog Grass Potties: If your dog gets confused easily, these are an excellent option. They consist of simulated grass and a box. The best are actually small, growing patches of grass in a box, but they’re also much higher maintenance than any other option on the list.
You’ll need to decide on a type, of course.
For our money, the simulated grass options are the superior option. They’re low maintenance, easy to train your dog to use, and offer a nice aesthetic without needing sunlight and watering.
Still, there’s something there for everyone, so spend some time making sure that you’ve got the right option for your needs and you’ll be in a good place.
Sizing
You’ll want to size pads appropriately for your living space. Most disposable and reusable pads are large enough to let your dog handle their business no matter what, but for massive mastiffs and other extremely large breeds, you may need to do some extra work looking around.
Or not, since we’ve done it for you, but they’re a bit harder to find.
Ease of Cleaning
You’ll have to look into cleaning options no matter how you do things. Disposable options are the easiest, while others may require a bit more work.
In our experience, artificial grass requires the most care, but it’s an excellent option in all other areas. The others are pretty much self-explanatory.
Top 5 Indoor Dog Potties
We looked through the available options to only bring you the best. It took time, but we did our best to find the superior option for everyone, so without further ado, let’s hop right into them so you can decide which is the best for you and your pet.
Best Overall Indoor Dog Potty
PetSafe Pet Loo
Artificial grass options are undoubtedly our favorite. They’re aesthetic, easily cleaned, and come in a variety of sizes to accommodate every dog and home.
You’ll still need disposable pads to place underneath the plastic container, but once that’s taken care of, you have an easy way for your dogs to go to the bathroom. The artificial turf is soft enough to feel real, but it’s surprisingly urine-resistant. That minimizes the amount of cleaning you’ll have to do, which is a nice touch.
There’s a lot to be recommended here, although it takes a little bit more effort to clean than a standard pad. We think it’s an aesthetic, easily usable choice compared to the majority of pads out there.
It is a bit of a pain to clean regularly. You’ll probably need to unclip the grass and wash it down at least once a week. You’ll also need to make sure the grass is clipped properly for the best end results, many people experience problems with it sliding due to improper use.
Our Opinion:
That said, this is probably the best option for most people’s pets. Just be aware that it costs a bit more than most solutions and that it will take some work to use it to the best of its abilities.
- Great artificial turf
- All parts are replaceable
- Available in multiple sizes
- Can use nearly any disposable pads
- A bit expensive
- Not the most user-friendly option
Best Real Grass Option
DoggieLawn Real Grass Dog Potty
If you’re looking for a real grass dog potty, then the DoggieLawn is the best of the best. In comparison to others, it seems to hold together better, and it’s easily disposable in your green waste bin once you’re done with it.
There’s a lot to be recommended here. Real grass is great for odor control, and most dogs will take to it without too much training needed. That’s a big plus for obstinate pups, and it remains a great way to train actual puppies as well.
It’s easy to remove and dispose of once it’s been exhausted. It’s also available in a couple of sizes, which is just a double bonus.
Most of the complaints which arise are about making sure that it comes in on time. Most of the websites which sell it offer a subscription service, and you may want to go with it. It’s also not the cheapest option, but for the advantages, it offers that’s no surprise.
Our Opinion:
If you insist on a real indoor dog lawn for their bathroom… you have the best of the best here. Just be aware that it'll be a bit expensive, and a subscription is probably a necessity.
- Made with real grass
- Dogs take to it readily
- Reduces odor
- Low maintenance
- A bit expensive
- May need a subscription to make sure you always have one
Best Disposable Potty Pads
AmazonBasics Pet Training and Puppy Pads
If you’re looking for disposable pads, then AmazonBasics has your back. These disposable pads come in two varieties, three sizes, and varying amounts so that you’ll be able to use them with any dog.
They’re quite absorbent, especially if you go with the heavy-duty variant and the price is absolutely right. Buying them in bulk, you’ll get an even better deal.
You may want to pair them with a pad holder, but they’re serviceable on their own if your dog isn’t likely to tear them up.
The only problem is that it’ll take more training for your dog to use them than you’ll find necessary when using grass variants. Some dogs also have a tendency to tear them up, which is something to keep an eye out for.
Our Opinion:
That said, they're cheap and do the job. That alone makes them the best disposable potty pads for dogs, and we recommend them for anyone looking for a cheaper option.
- Come in different sizes
- Two variants available
- Clean when used properly
- Easy to use, just set them down
- Some dogs will tear them up
- Takes a bit more training to use properly
Best Reusable Potty Pads
rocket & rex Washable Dog Pee Pads
Reusable pads often end up being more economical in the long run than disposable options. They’re also a standalone product, so you don’t need to find anything else to use them. These were undoubtedly the best of those we took a look at.
They come in packs of two or four depending on how many you need. They’re easily washable as well, which makes them a good choice for those who aren’t squeamish about running them through the washing machine.
While they’re rather absorbent, they’re definitely not something you want to leave out for more than a couple of days. The good part is that they’re durable enough to withstand the majority of dogs who might try to turn them into a toy.
The downside is really that they require more training for your dog, but if you’re willing to put in the time, they’re a great option. Truly determined dogs will also be able to make short work of them, so keep that in mind.
Our Opinion:
If you’re looking for a reusable dog potty pad, then take a closer look at these. They’re available in different colors and packs as well, so they make an attractive alternative to disposable pads.
- Easily washed
- Quite durable
- Easy to use
- Available in different colors
- A bit high on the upfront cost
- Require dog training to use properly
Best Pad Holder for Dogs
Richell Paw Trax Mesh Training Tray
Pad holders can make a huge difference for dogs who tear up pads or make a mess. This mesh holder separates your dog from the pad entirely, so that they can do their business without being able to chew up the pad underneath.
For many, that’s enough, but this is a durable tray that’s sure to last for a long time. It’s also quite easy to snap the mesh tray in and out, making changing pads a snap.
The whole thing is well-constructed, made of high-quality plastic that’ll last for a long time to come. There are also a few different color options available for those who are feeling adventurous, so give it a shot if you think your canine is going to tear through disposable pads.
The downside? Some dogs really don’t like standing on the mesh. You’ll also have to buy some pads separately, but you know that going in since it’s only a pad holder.
Our Opinion:
This was our favorite of the various doggy pad holders which are on the market currently. Durable, easy-to-use, and a bit customizable, it's more than enough to make sure your dog isn't chewing or tearing through their pads.
- Durable
- Separates dog from the pad
- Mesh design easily allows pee to go through
- A few colors available
- Have to buy pads separately
- Some dogs don’t like standing on it
Training Your Dog to Use Their Indoor Potty
If you’re training your dog to use a pad for the first time, then you may be in for a bit of a surprise. It’s harder than it looks, and many people think that just setting down the pad is going to be enough.
It’s not.
If you don’t already have a verbal command for your dog to go to the bathroom, you should start developing one. A simple “potty!” is often enough, and most people have already trained their dogs to go outside when they need to use the restroom.
It really is best to partition off a part of the home for the duration of the training. Chances are your dog will need some extra encouragement, so pick up a bag of their favorite treats as well to make the whole process a bit easier on you.
That said, you’ll need at least a few days and more than likely a couple of weeks to handle the task.
Bring your dog around the pad or potty and use the verbal command. Do it ten minutes after eating and a few times throughout the day. If they aren’t getting it, they may need to be left on the potty for a couple of minutes.
If they don’t go, don’t feed them the treat or play with them immediately afterward. You’re only looking to reinforce the behavior you want with positive behavior in most cases. This will be much easier with a puppy, but sooner or later, an older dog will get it.
When they use the pad or potty, encourage them, and give them a treat. Play with them as well to let them know that you’re pleased.
Using any sort of punishment is a bad idea and won’t net you any positive results in the long run.
Some people also use larger crates for their dog and place pee pads over the area where they’re supposed to go to the bathroom. You can use the same encouraging method as before until they seem to get it.
You may have a bit of a hard road ahead of you when training your dog to use an indoor potty, but the end result is often well worth it. Just be aware that if you train a puppy solely with an indoor potty, you may have more trouble with accidents in the future.
Training a young dog both ways is ideal in most cases. If you’re doing that, then use a grass model of an indoor potty, it will help your dog figure out where to go and not go much easier.
Indoor Dog Pottie FAQ
We’ve anticipated some of your questions. It’s a strange subject, and many people need answers to questions before they take the plunge. Are you ready to learn a bit? Read on!
Can I train an older dog to use potty pads?
Yup. The “can’t teach an old dog new tricks” mess convinces many people that dogs are set in their ways, but it’s simply not true. Many people use indoor potties for dogs with mobility issues or incontinence. It’ll just take a bit a bit more time.
Can puppies be taught to use an indoor potty?
Absolutely. It’s not a bad idea if you live in a high rise or have any other situation where you won’t be able to take the dog out regularly. Just be aware that if you train them indoors only, it may be a problem when the time comes for them to go outside.
How can I train my dog to go outside and use an indoor potty?
Use a grass-based indoor potty. This will teach your dog to associate grass with going potty and make it much easier for you. Dogs who have been trained farther along in their life will have an easier time doing both but a harder time learning to use pads.
How long do real grass dog potties last?
From our research, it looks like they top out at a couple of weeks. They’re an excellent option, but they’re expensive, and you need to stay on top of ordering them if you want to use them on a regular basis. Many sites offer subscriptions that will make it easier for you.
Is there any replacement for disposable pads in dog toilet systems?
We found that some people use cat litter. It’s not a bad option, and if you find something with good odor control, you’ll be in good hands. Still, it tends to make a bit more of a mess.
How do I clean artificial grass in an indoor dog potty?
You can usually just use soap and water to make sure it’s clean. Some systems will let you buy new grass, and you may need to replace it every few months.
An Excellent Solution for Indoor Dogs
Indoor dog potties might not be the most glamorous item you buy for your dog, but making sure that you have a great doggy bathroom setup indoors has some definite advantages. If you’re looking to make sure that you’ve got potty needs covered, no matter what, there’s no better way to do it.
Just bear in mind you’ll have to learn some training tricks to make sure your dog learns to use the pad properly.
So, what are you waiting for, get the best dog potty for your needs today!
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What a great idea for working people who have dogs and are unable to get them the much needed potty break!