So, you’ve started potty training. Congrats! And also — good luck. Because let’s be real… It’s messy, it’s confusing, and it’s kinda like guessing in the dark, especially in the beginning.
But here’s the thing: you don’t have to go through it empty-handed. Some potty training tools make a huge difference. No, they’re not magic wands. But they do make the process smoother, less frustrating, and yeah, less smelly too.
Whether you’ve just brought home a tiny furball or you’re trying to get your rescue pup on track, having the right stuff on hand can save your rugs and your sanity.
What Are the Most Useful Puppy Potty Training Tools?
The best potty training tools are the ones that help your dog understand what you want and help you stay consistent while teaching them. We’re talking pee pad holders, potty bells, artificial grass, sprays, scent blockers, all that.
They won’t train your pup for you. But they’ll seriously make things easier for you.
Let’s break them down one by one.
Do Pee Pad Holders Help?
Yes — and here’s why.
Pee pads alone can slip, leak, or get chewed up (especially by tiny teething monsters). But pee pad holders keep everything in place. They stop the pad from sliding, prevent curling, and make clean-up way easier.
Some even have splash guards. Because yep — boy puppies sometimes miss.
If you’re training a small dog indoors, or you’re in an apartment where outside breaks take a little longer, a pee pad holder is a smart investment. You can find a bunch of affordable ones on Amazon or Chewy, and they come in all shapes and sizes.
No more pee under the pad. You’re welcome.
What Are Potty Bells and Why Are They So Popular?
Honestly? Potty bells are kind of genius.
You hang them on the door. Every time you take your dog out, you help them tap the bell with their nose or paw. After a few days (okay, sometimes weeks), they’ll start ringing it on their own when they need to go.
It’s clear, it’s simple, and it stops your dog from just… staring at the door until you notice.
PetSafe makes a popular set, and there are even training videos to show you how to use it right.
These are especially great once your dog is past the first week of potty training and ready to start telling you when it’s go-time.
What About Training Sprays?
Okay, here’s where it gets tricky — there are two kinds of training sprays, and they do opposite things.
Attractant Sprays
These help your puppy find the right place. They smell like a place a dog would naturally want to go (to them, anyway), and you spray them on pads, grass patches, or even real grass.
Deterrent Sprays
These are meant for areas your pup needs to avoid. Think corners, carpets, baseboards. They smell bad (again, to dogs — not to you) and tell your pup, “Hey, this ain’t your toilet.”
Many owners use the tools of Nature’s Miracle. But we recommend Prestige Dog Training. Their attractants and repellents are both top-rated and safe for indoor use. And let’s be honest — anything that stops your dog from peeing behind the couch is worth it.
Is Artificial Turf Better Than Pee Pads?
Depends on your dog. But for a lot of people, yes.
Artificial turf or grass-patch products are great if you plan to transition your dog to an outdoor potty. Why? Because they feel more like real grass, which helps your pup learn what the “bathroom” should feel like under their paws.
This is super helpful for:
- Apartment dwellers
- Puppies who hate wet grass
- Dogs learning to use a balcony or patio space
There are disposable grass patches and reusable fake grass trays. Both work well — just pick what fits your space and cleanup style.
Some people even use real sod inside for the first few weeks. Messy? Kinda. Effective? Yep.
How Do Scent Deterrents Work?
Let’s say your dog keeps going in the same wrong spot. You clean it. Scrub it. Spray air freshener. They still go back to that exact corner.
Why?
Because their nose is incredible. Even a trace of leftover scent tells them, “This is my bathroom.” That’s where scent deterrents come in.
We’re not talking perfumes. We mean enzyme cleaners — ones that break down urine particles completely so your dog’s nose can’t pick up any reminders.
Products like Nature’s Miracle Stain & Odor Remover are popular for a reason. They don’t just cover the smell — they wipe it out. This prevents repeat offenses and helps reset your pup’s instincts.
And if you think your pup doesn’t remember where they went three days ago? Oh, they do.
Bonus Tools That Make Life Easier
Okay, so those are the big ones. But here are a few bonus items that can make your life a lot easier during potty training:
- Crates – Teach bladder control and help build schedules.
- Timer apps – Remind you when to take your dog out (you’ll forget).
- Enzyme floor mops – Because carpet cleaners can only do so much.
- Puppy playpens – Limit space, reduce accidents.
- Notebook or potty log – Notice patterns and track progress (you’ll be glad you did!).
Little tools = big wins. Especially when you’re juggling work, kids, sleep, and a puppy who poops behind your TV stand.
What Do Trainers Recommend?
Most certified trainers don’t push fancy gadgets. But they do love consistency, and these tools help with that.
A potty bell won’t work if you forget to teach it. A pee pad holder is useless if you leave the pad dirty. An attractant spray won’t help if your dog’s roaming freely all day.
At Prestige Dog Training, we recommend a mix of tools based on your dog’s age, size, routine, and your home layout. Got a tiny apartment? Pee pad + pad holder. Live near a yard? Start with turf. Got a stubborn pup? Bring in scent deterrents and a schedule.
The tools work best when they’re used with a clear routine. That’s the real key.
Can You Skip Tools Altogether?
Technically? Sure. Some people train their dogs without any extras. No pads. No bells. No sprays. Just pure routine and good timing.
But honestly? Why make it harder?
Potty training isn’t just teaching your dog where to go. It’s about setting habits that stick. These tools support your training, cut down on messes, and help your dog succeed faster.
So… yeah. You can go tool-free. But you don’t have to.
Conclusion
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — but the best potty training tools are the ones that match your dog, your routine, and your lifestyle.
Pee pad holders keep things neat. Potty bells give your pup a voice—sprays, guide, or block. Grass patches teach instincts. And enzyme cleaners erase mistakes like they never happened.
Start small. Pick what makes sense for your space. And stick to a realistic first-week routine.
At Prestige Dog Training, we help you figure out what tools to use — and when — based on your dog, not just a checklist. Because tools don’t train dogs. You do. But they sure help.
