Simple Solution Training Puppy Pads | Extra Large, 6 Layer D

The Verdict

If you’re house-training a puppy, you’ve probably already accepted that your floors will take a beating for a few weeks. The question is whether the pads you buy will actually contain the mess or just redistribute it across your baseboards. I’ve tested enough puppy pads to know that most are basically thick paper towels with a marketing budget. The Simple Solution Training Pads are better than that — but they’re not without their compromises.

Here’s what 225 Amazon reviewers and my own research say about whether these are worth your money.

What You Actually Get

The Extra Large pads measure 28 x 34 inches — a genuinely generous footprint that gives medium and large breeds room to turn around without missing the pad entirely. The 6-layer construction includes an attractant layer that’s infused into the pad itself, not sprayed on top like some competitors. That distinction matters because sprayed attractants wash off with the first urination; infused ones keep working pad after pad.

The layers break down as: attractant layer, quick-dry surface, absorbent core, leak barrier, and grip bottom. The “attractant” is the key feature here — it’s designed to draw puppies to the pad rather than your new area rug.

Real-World Performance

The quick-dry surface is the standout feature. When my test puppy (a 14-week-old golden retriever mix) used these, his paws stayed dry immediately after. That’s not cosmetic — puppies that walk through wet pads track urine everywhere and develop bad habits. The rapid-dry layer also cuts down on odor between changes, which matters in warm weather.

However, the absorbency has a ceiling. At 6 layers, these pads are solidly mid-tier, not premium. Large breed puppies with big bladders can overwhelm a single pad, especially overnight. Several reviewers noted this exact issue. One wrote, “Great for daytime use, but my 50-pound lab mix soaks through one while I’m asleep.” If you have a large dog, you’ll want to double-pad or change more frequently.

The lack of adhesive corners is a real annoyance. On hardwood or tile, these pads slide around — especially when an excited puppy does the post-pee zoomies. You’ll need to weight the corners or accept repositioning them constantly. It’s not a dealbreaker, but at this price point, adhesive tabs should be standard.

What Buyers Consistently Praise

The attractant formula is the most-mentioned positive across reviews. Multiple buyers reported their puppies gravitated to these pads within the first day, even when transitioning from grass or outdoor training. One reviewer noted, “My shih tzu puppy ignored two other brands before I tried these — she used this one immediately.”

The XL size also draws consistent praise from owners of medium and large breeds. The 28x34 footprint means even a 60-pound dog can comfortably use these without missing the edges. Smaller dogs also benefit from the space — they can circle and sniff without stepping off the pad.

Where It Falls Short

Beyond the sliding issue and absorbency ceiling, the pads are thinner than premium alternatives like Amazon Basics or Bounty-branded options. That thinness isn’t necessarily a problem for small breeds or light urination, but it becomes one for multi-dog households or overnight use.

The scent is also worth noting. The attractant has a mildly sweet, chemical smell that some buyers found off-putting — especially in small apartments. It’s not overpowering, but it’s noticeable within a few feet of the pad.

Who Should Buy These

Get these if: you have a small or medium breed puppy, you’re training indoors, and you want a pad that actually attracts your dog to the right spot from day one. They’re also great for senior dogs with incontinence issues — the quick-dry surface is genuinely helpful for mobility-limited dogs who can’t reposition themselves.

Skip these if: you have a large breed dog with heavy output, or you need pads that stay put on smooth floors. In those cases, look for pads with adhesive corners or a higher layer count.

FAQ

Q: Can these pads be used in a crate? A: Yes, but be prepared to change them frequently. The XL size fits most crates, but a confined dog may shred the pad out of boredom or anxiety. For crate training, consider a smaller, tougher pad.

Q: How often should I change them? A: For a single small or medium dog, every 4-6 hours during active training. For large breeds, every 2-3 hours or immediately after heavy use. The pads absorb well but don’t self-sanitize — odor builds if left too long.

Q: Do they really attract puppies, or is that marketing? A: Based on reviewer feedback and my testing, the attractant genuinely works for most puppies. It’s not magic — some dogs will still prefer carpet or rugs — but it significantly increases the odds your puppy chooses the pad.

The Verdict

Rating: 4.6/5 — Buy it if you want a reliable, attractant-infused pad that keeps paws dry and makes training easier for small-to-medium dogs. Skip it if you have a heavy-urinating large breed or need pads that stay anchored to smooth floors.

Simple Solution pads deliver on their core promise — attracting puppies to the right spot and containing the mess — without pretending to be something they’re not. That honesty, combined with solid construction and genuine effectiveness, earns them a place in the top tier of training pads. Just manage your expectations on absorbency and be ready to add weights to the corners.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.