Litter Box for Puppies: Indoor Potty Trays Worth Considering

The best litter box for puppies is a low-sided potty tray that fits your puppy’s size and holds a pad or grass insert in place, and the PAWISE Dog Pee Pad Holder Tray with Splash Guard is the safest all-round pick for most small and medium puppies. If you want a tray that does not need disposable pads, the HURENTEK Dog Grass Pad with Tray is a good runner-up, and for a puppy that chews, the Little Wolves Puppy Potty Tray is built to be shred-proof. This guide compares six puppy litter boxes and potty trays from the current product store, and explains how to choose, set up, and clean one.

A “litter box for puppies” is not the same as a cat litter box. A puppy tray needs a surface the dog can recognize as a potty spot, walls low enough for a small puppy to step over, and a design that keeps urine off the floor. Most are either a rigid tray that holds a disposable pad, a tray with artificial grass, or a tray with a fiber insert. We include a grooming angle because puppy potty habits affect coat and paw hygiene: urine on long fur, wet paws, and stains on the belly are all grooming problems you can reduce with the right setup. This guide is research-based. We did not personally use these products, specs come from the listings, and anything not stated there is marked “not listed”. Price is shown only as a tier.

Top Picks at a Glance

• Best Overall: PAWISE Dog Pee Pad Holder Tray with Splash Guard, 23.6 inch, for most puppies.
• Best No-Pad Option: HURENTEK Dog Grass Pad with Tray, 23 x 17 inches, reusable artificial turf.
• Best for Chewers: Little Wolves Puppy Potty Tray, 22 x 22 inches, shred-proof heavy-duty.
• Best Natural-Fiber Option: Bark Potty for Puppies, 24 x 16 inches, plant-based fiber that stays dry per listing.
• Best Foldable: MEEXPAWS Dog Pee Pad Holder, large, high-side leak-proof, foldable.
• Best Budget with Pads: CUHIOY Dog Potty Tray, 20 x 14 inches, comes with 8 training pads.

Comparison Table

1. PAWISE Dog Pee Pad Holder Tray with Splash Guard: Best Overall

• Size: 23.6 inches (large)
• Design: puppy litter box with high walls and a splash guard
• Function: holds standard training pads in place
• Material: not listed in the short title

Best for: small to medium puppies learning to use a fixed spot. Skip if: your puppy is already larger than a small breed adult, since 23.6 inches is a limit for bigger dogs.

The splash guard addresses the main complaint with puppy potty trays, which is that urine hits the edge and runs onto the floor. A tray that holds the pad flat also prevents a pad from bunching under the puppy’s paws, which happens often when a puppy plays on it. The tray keeps the pad in the same place, so the puppy learns where to go. For a long-coated puppy, a clean tray with high walls also reduces urine on the belly fur.

Because it uses disposable pads, the ongoing cost depends on how many pads you use. A puppy that goes every two to three hours may use several pads a day. Plan for that when you compare against the reusable grass option.

Pros: splash guard; keeps pad in place; mid-range tier; good size for small to medium puppies. Cons: pads are a recurring cost; material not listed; height may be a step for tiny puppies.

2. HURENTEK Dog Grass Pad with Tray: Best No-Pad Option

• Size: 23 x 17 inches
• Design: artificial turf pad on a tray; reusable and portable
• Use: indoors or on a balcony
• Drainage and tray capacity: not listed in the short title

Best for: owners who want to avoid disposable pads, or who want a surface that resembles grass to help transition to outdoor potty habits. Skip if: you cannot rinse and dry the pad daily.

A grass pad can help a puppy associate the texture with going potty, which matters when you want the puppy to eventually go outside. It also removes the cost of pads. The trade-off is cleaning: urine soaks into artificial turf backing and can leave an odor if you do not rinse it. Take the pad outdoors or into a bath, rinse with water, use a pet-safe cleaner, and let it dry fully before returning it to the tray. Having two grass pads lets you rotate.

From a grooming point of view, grass pads are rougher than pads, and long-haired puppies may get fur caught in the weave. Trim the hair around the paws and rear if it drags on the turf, and check the paws after use.

Pros: reusable; resembles outdoor surface; no pad cost. Cons: cleaning needed every day; can hold odor; smaller than the biggest trays.

3. Little Wolves Puppy Potty Tray: Best for Chewers

• Size: 22 x 22 inches
• Design: shred-proof, heavy-duty training tray for puppies and small dogs
• Cleaning: easy-clean, per listing
• Material: not listed in the short title

Best for: puppies that chew edges, drag pads around, or shred whatever they can reach. Skip if: you are on a tight budget, because this is the most expensive tray here.

The idea of a shred-proof tray is that the puppy cannot chew it into pieces, which is a safety issue as well as a mess. Swallowed plastic is a veterinary concern, so a sturdy tray lowers risk. Even so, supervise your puppy, remove anything chewed, and call your veterinarian if the puppy swallows something. The 22 by 22 inch square is a decent size for small breeds, and it can be cleaned with a hose or in a tub.

Pros: sturdy; shred-proof design; easy to wash. Cons: premium tier; may be too small for large breeds.

4. Bark Potty for Puppies: Best Natural-Fiber Option

• Size: 24 x 16 inches
• Material: plant-based fiber; the listing says it stays dry and pest-free
• Design: indoor puppy litter box and potty tray
• Replacement schedule: not listed in the short title

Best for: owners who want a different texture than pads or turf. Skip if: you do not want a consumable insert.

A plant-based fiber insert is a middle path between pads and turf. It is disposable like a pad, but the listing describes a more natural material. Check the replacement schedule on the maker’s page, and watch your puppy to make sure it does not chew or eat the fiber, which is a common puppy habit.

Pros: plant-based material; 24 inch length; alternative texture. Cons: recurring replacement; puppies may chew it.

5. MEEXPAWS Dog Pee Pad Holder, Large: Best Foldable

• Design: foldable, high-side, leak-proof holder
• Variants: several sizes are sold under the same brand; this pick is the large one
• Exact inches: not listed in the short title

Best for: apartment dwellers who need to store the tray away, and for travel. Skip if: you want a rigid tray that stays shape under a heavy dog.

Foldable trays save space, but folds can collect dirt and wear over time. Check the size on the listing to confirm it fits your pads. Wash and dry the folds thoroughly.

Pros: foldable; leak-proof design; mid-range tier. Cons: folds trap dirt; less rigid.

6. CUHIOY Dog Potty Tray: Best Budget with Pads

• Size: 20 x 14 inches
• Design: mesh potty pan with 8 included training pads
• Color: blue

Best for: toy-breed puppies, or a first setup you want to try cheaply. Skip if: your puppy will grow quickly.

At 20 by 14 inches, it is the smallest tray in the group. For a toy breed it is fine, but a medium-breed puppy outgrows it in weeks. Eight included pads let you start immediately.

Pros: budget tier; pads included; easy storage. Cons: small; outgrown quickly by many puppies.

Also Consider

• HQ4US 4LEGS Dog Litter Box Indoor, High Walls, Foldable: a foldable pee pad holder with high walls for splash control.
• Glad for Pets Puppy Potty Training Pad Holder Tray: a sturdy holder that fits 23 by 23 or 17.5 by 23.5 inch pads.
• Greatbond Silicone Puppy Pad Holder Tray with Clips: a silicone tray with corner clips that fits 24 by 24 inch pads.

How We Chose

This guide is research-based. We did not personally use these products. We searched the current product store for puppy litter boxes and potty trays, favored listings with stated dimensions and clear descriptions of the surface, and left out items whose use case was unclear. We cross-checked general puppy potty training advice with veterinary and shelter sources. Price tiers are general ranges only. Always check the maker’s page for the latest sizes.

Buying Guide

Match the tray to the puppy’s adult size

A tray should be long enough for the puppy to turn around and squat without stepping off. For a toy breed (under about 10 pounds as an adult), 20 to 24 inches is enough. For a small-to-medium breed, aim for 24 inches or more. Large-breed puppies outgrow indoor trays quickly and are better served by a plan that moves training outside.

Wall height

Walls of about 2 to 4 inches help contain urine and are still easy for most puppies to step over. A very tiny puppy may need a low-entry tray at first.

Surface type

Pads are simple but create waste. Grass is reusable but needs cleaning. Fiber is natural but consumable. Many owners start with pads for convenience and move to grass if they plan to transition outdoors.

Cleaning and odor

Wash the tray daily if soiled. Use a pet-safe cleaner that breaks down urine; ordinary cleaners can leave a smell that puppies detect and may encourage them to go in the same place again, which is fine for a tray but not for the rug. Dry fully before reuse.

Coat and paw care

Wipe paws after use if they are wet. For puppies with long hair around the rear, trim carefully or ask a groomer to do a hygiene trim, so urine does not cling to the coat. If you see redness or irritation, ask your veterinarian.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Buying a tray that is too small for the puppy’s growth.
• Letting a puppy chew the tray or pad without supervision.
• Using strongly scented cleaners that irritate a puppy’s nose or skin.
• Moving the tray around, which confuses the puppy.
• Punishing accidents; clean quietly and reward success.

How to Set Up and Train With a Puppy Litter Box

1. Pick one spot and keep it. Choose a quiet area with a washable floor, away from the food and sleeping area. Reason: puppies learn location by smell and routine, and a tray that moves is harder to find.
2. Limit the puppy’s space at first. Use a playpen or a small room so the tray is always within a few steps. Reason: a puppy that has to cross a big room will often not make it in time.
3. Take the puppy to the tray at predictable times. After waking, after meals, after play, and every one to two hours. Young puppies have small bladders and little warning.
4. Use a cue word and stay calm. Say the same short phrase each time, then praise and give a small treat right after success. Reason: the reward must come within seconds for the puppy to link it with the action.
5. Clean accidents with an enzyme cleaner. Reason: ordinary cleaners leave a scent that tells the puppy it is a toilet spot.
6. Expand the space gradually. Once the puppy uses the tray reliably for a week, give a little more room. Go back a step after an accident.
7. Plan the next stage. If you want the dog to go outside, move the tray toward the door by a foot or two each day, then outside, then phase it out. Check with your veterinarian about vaccination timing before outdoor visits.

Worked Example: Pad Use and Cost Over a Month

Suppose a ten-week-old small-breed puppy uses the tray eight times a day and you replace the pad twice a day. That is about 60 pads in a month. If you use the grass tray instead, you replace nothing but need to rinse the pad once a day and wash the tray; the work moves from buying and throwing away to washing. If you buy a pack of pads, divide the pack price by the count to get a cost per pad, then multiply by 60. Do the same for a fiber insert using the maker’s suggested replacement schedule. Whichever number is lower is not necessarily the best option; for many owners, the time saved by pads is worth the cost during the first weeks.

Paw, Belly and Coat Hygiene for Tray-Trained Puppies

Because this is a grooming site, here is the part that affects the coat. Puppies step in their own mess, drag their bellies across wet pads, and lick their paws. A little routine goes a long way.

After each tray visit

Check the paws. If wet, wipe them with a clean damp cloth or unscented pet wipe. Do not use human products with strong fragrance on a puppy’s skin. If the puppy has long belly or rear hair, check for damp fur and pat it dry.

Weekly hygiene trim

For breeds with long fur around the rear and belly, such as Shih Tzus, Maltese, Poodles, and Yorkies, a sanitary trim keeps urine and feces from clinging. Ask your groomer to show you how, or use rounded-tip scissors with care. Never trim with a puppy that is wriggling; ask for help.

Bathing

Use a puppy shampoo labeled for dogs, and avoid bathing more often than your veterinarian or groomer recommends. Over-bathing can dry the skin. Rinse thoroughly, especially around the rear.

Watch for signs

Redness, constant licking, scooting, or a strong smell can indicate skin or health problems. These are not things a tray can fix, so call your veterinarian.

Decision Matrix: Which Tray for Which Puppy

Troubleshooting Common Tray Problems

The puppy plays on the pad instead of using it

This is normal for young puppies. Use a tray that holds the pad flat, remove toys from the area, and take the puppy to the tray when it is sleepy or after a meal rather than during play. Keep sessions short and calm.

The puppy goes beside the tray

The tray may be too small, the puppy may be missing the edge, or the surface may not feel right. Try a larger tray, place a pad slightly past the edge as a guide, and clean the area with an enzyme cleaner. Reduce the wall height only if the puppy refuses to step in.

The puppy eats the pad or insert

Some puppies chew everything. Switch to a tray style that is harder to reach, supervise, and offer chew toys. If the puppy swallows pad material, call your veterinarian, because it can cause a blockage.

The tray smells even after washing

Plastic can hold urine odor if scratched. Wash with an enzyme cleaner, let the tray dry in sunlight if possible, and replace it if the smell persists. For grass pads, rinse thoroughly and replace the turf if it holds odor.

The puppy suddenly stops using the tray

Changes in habit can come from stress, a new location, or a health issue such as a urinary problem. If the change is sudden or the puppy strains, has blood in urine, or seems in pain, contact your veterinarian promptly.

The puppy is growing out of the tray

When the puppy has to hang over the edge, step up in size or move to an outdoor routine. Large breeds usually graduate from indoor trays in weeks, not months.

Indoor Tray or Outdoor Routine: A Quick Reality Check

An indoor tray is a bridge, not a destination for every dog. It helps during the weeks before vaccinations allow outdoor walks, for apartment dwellers, for owners who are away during the day, and for toy breeds in bad weather. It is less helpful for large breeds, which outgrow trays quickly, and for households that want the dog going outside at all times. Decide early which path you want, because puppies form strong habits about surface and location. If the plan is outdoor-only in the long run, choose the grass tray and move it outside gradually. If the plan is a permanent indoor spot for a small dog, choose a durable tray such as the Little Wolves or the PAWISE and commit to a daily cleaning routine. Whichever path you choose, patience and a steady schedule matter more than the product.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you litter box train a puppy?

Yes. Puppies can learn to use a designated tray, though it takes consistency. Use a tray that holds a pad, grass, or fiber, and reward your puppy for using it.

What is the best size for a puppy litter box?

Large enough for the puppy to turn and squat: about 20 to 24 inches for toy breeds, and 24 inches or more for small-to-medium breeds.

Are grass pads better than pee pads?

Grass pads are reusable and resemble the outdoors, while pads are disposable and easier to clean up. Choose based on whether you plan to transition outside.

How often should I clean a puppy potty tray?

Remove soiled pads right away, and wash the tray daily if it is soiled. Rinse grass pads daily.

My puppy chews the tray. What should I do?

Use a sturdy, shred-proof tray, supervise play, and offer chew toys. If your puppy swallows plastic, call your veterinarian.

When should I move my puppy outside?

Once your veterinarian says vaccinations allow outdoor visits, begin moving the tray closer to the door and then outside. Ask for guidance based on your puppy’s age and health.

Which One Should You Buy?

For most puppies, the PAWISE tray with splash guard is the best starting point. For a pad-free routine, choose the HURENTEK grass pad. For chewers, the Little Wolves tray. For a plant-based option, Bark Potty. For small spaces, the MEEXPAWS foldable. For a trial on a budget, the CUHIOY. Choose a size for your puppy’s adult weight, and clean daily.

Sources

• Manufacturer and store listings for PAWISE, HURENTEK, Little Wolves, Bark Potty, MEEXPAWS and CUHIOY
• American Kennel Club puppy potty training guidance
• American Veterinary Medical Association puppy care information

Last updated: October 2026