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Introduction
If you’ve ever brought a new puppy home and realized you’re going through potty pads faster than toilet paper during a cold season, you already know how important finding a good, reliable training pad is. I’ve researched so many puppy pads at this point that I can basically tell you which ones actually hold liquid and which ones leak through onto your hardwood floors after one use. This AKC dog training pads review breaks down whether this $17 XL 50-count pack from American Kennel Club is actually worth stocking up on, or if it’s just another overpriced pad with a fancy brand logo.
Is This $17 XL Pack Actually Better Than Cheaper Generic Pads?
Made by American Kennel Club, these AKC dog training pads come in a 50-count XL pack that costs around $17, with each pad measuring 28 by 30 inches. They’re scented with a fresh fragrance and built with 6 layers of material designed to work together — from a quilted tear-resistant top layer down to a leak-proof backing. The pads use SAP super absorbent polymer technology to soak up liquid quickly, and they have a built-in attractant that’s supposed to encourage your puppy to use them instead of your carpet.
The 3-in-1 attractant formula is one of the main selling points — it’s designed to draw puppies to the pad so potty training goes faster. The pads also have odor-neutralizing technology to keep your house from smelling like a kennel, and the waterproof backing is supposed to prevent leaks from seeping through onto your floors. At 28 by 30 inches, the XL size is big enough for medium-sized dogs or for puppies that like to move around while they do their business.
After reading through hundreds of verified Amazon reviews, a few common themes consistently show up: they’re surprisingly absorbent for the price, the XL size gives dogs plenty of room, and the leak-proof backing actually works on most surfaces. They currently have a 4.5-star average across 42,926 reviews — which is absolutely massive for a disposable pet product — and they’re an Amazon’s Choice pick.
What Makes This AKC Dog Training Pads Review Different?
Most puppy pad reviews online just say “it absorbs pee and doesn’t leak” and call it a day. Spoiler: that’s the bare minimum, and a lot of pads don’t even do that reliably. This AKC dog training pads review is different because I’ve gone through the actual Amazon product page and sorted through 42,926 verified buyer ratings — 4.5 out of 5 stars overall — to pull consistent patterns from actual dog owners across all kinds of different breeds and training scenarios. I’m not here to sell you a miracle potty training solution — I’m here to tell you exactly what these pads do well, where they fall short, and which dogs and homes they’re actually going to work for.
I’m also calling out the difference between “AKC branded means better quality” and “AKC branded means you’re paying for a logo,” because way too many pet products slap a well-known brand name on a mediocre product and charge twice as much. These pads have the American Kennel Club name on them, but is the actual quality worth the premium over generic pads? I’m breaking that down based on actual owner experiences, not just the marketing copy.
How Owners Are Actually Using These XL Training Pads
New puppy potty training is by far the most common use case, and it’s where the attractant feature is supposed to shine. A lot of people use these pads for young puppies that aren’t fully housebroken yet, setting them up in a playpen or a designated corner of the house. The 28 by 30 inch XL size gives puppies plenty of room to move around, which is helpful because young dogs often don’t stand perfectly still while going to the bathroom. Most owners say the absorbency is good enough that a single pad can handle multiple uses from a small puppy before needing to be changed.
Apartment dwellers who can’t let their dogs out frequently also rely on these pads. If you work long hours or live in a high-rise where taking the dog out every few hours isn’t realistic, training pads are a necessity. The XL size is big enough for small to medium dogs to use comfortably, and the odor control helps keep the apartment from smelling like dog urine between changes. A lot of people mention putting them in a tray or holder to keep them from sliding around on hardwood or tile floors.
Senior dogs with incontinence issues are another common use. Older dogs that can’t hold it as long as they used to need pads around the house, and the XL size gives them enough space that they don’t miss the edge and make a mess. The 6-layer construction holds up better than thinner pads for larger volumes, which matters for senior dogs that might have heavier accidents. Most owners with older dogs say these are more reliable than cheaper generic pads when it comes to not leaking through.
Some people even use them for things beyond potty training. They work well as liner pads in dog crates, under food and water bowls to catch spills, or even as a clean surface for whelping puppies. The waterproof backing makes them versatile for any situation where you need a disposable, absorbent layer to protect your floors or furniture.
The One Thing Nobody Warned Me About
Here’s the annoying little detail that doesn’t really come through in the product photos: the fresh scent is actually pretty strong, and if you or your dog are sensitive to smells, it can be overwhelming in a small room.
A lot of first-time users mention the same thing. You open the pack, pull out a pad, and immediately get hit with this perfumey fresh scent that’s supposed to mask odors. It’s not unpleasant at first — it smells like cleaning product or air freshener — but if you have the pad in a small bathroom or a corner of a bedroom, the scent can build up and become pretty intense. Some dogs with sensitive noses even seem hesitant to use the pad at first because the artificial fragrance is so strong.
It’s not a dealbreaker, obviously. The main reason you’re buying training pads is to absorb urine and protect your floors, not to make your house smell like a spa. And even with the strong scent, they still work perfectly fine — the fragrance does actually help mask urine odors, which is the whole point. Plus, at $17 for 50 XL pads, you’re paying less than 35 cents per pad, so it’s hard to be too mad about a strong fragrance. But it’s one of those things that catches you off guard because you look at the product description and see “fresh scent” and assume it’s a subtle, barely-there smell, and instead it’s pretty noticeable right out of the package. If you have scent-sensitive dogs or you just don’t like artificial fragrances, you might want to look for an unscented version instead.
What I Liked and What I Didn’t Like
The Good
- The absorbency is genuinely impressive. The SAP super absorbent polymer technology soaks up liquid quickly and turns it into a gel, so it doesn’t just sit on top of the pad where your dog can step in it and track it around the house.
- The 6-layer construction means they don’t leak through easily. From the quilted top layer to the waterproof backing, each layer serves a purpose, and most owners say they don’t have issues with urine seeping onto hardwood or tile floors.
- The XL 28 by 30 inch size gives dogs plenty of room. It’s big enough for medium-sized dogs or for puppies that move around a lot, so you don’t end up with half the accident on the pad and half on your floor.
- The built-in attractant actually does seem to help with training. A lot of puppy owners say their dogs took to using the pad faster than with generic pads without attractant, which makes the whole potty training process less frustrating.
- The price is solid for what you get. Seventeen dollars for 50 XL pads works out to about 34 cents per pad, which is cheaper than a lot of premium brands and comparable to generic pads.
- The odor control works well. The fresh scent combined with the odor-neutralizing technology means you don’t walk into the room and immediately smell dog urine, which is a huge plus for apartment living.
- 42,926 reviews with a 4.5-star average is about as strong as it gets for a disposable pet product. That many people can’t all be wrong about a basic puppy pad.
- The quilted top layer is soft on paws and doesn’t tear easily. Puppies that like to scratch or dig at their pads won’t destroy them as quickly as thinner, cheaper pads.
The Not-So-Good
- The fresh scent is pretty strong and artificial. It’s fine if you don’t mind fragrance, but if you or your dog are sensitive to smells, it can be overwhelming in a small space.
- The pads don’t have any adhesive strips on the bottom to keep them in place. On hardwood or tile floors, they can slide around if your dog is moving around on them, so you might need a pad holder or tray.
- After absorbing a lot of liquid, the pads get heavy and bulky. The SAP gel adds weight, so a fully soaked pad is noticeably heavier than a dry one, which can make changing them a little messier.
- The XL size is actually too big for some small spaces. If you’re trying to fit a pad in a small crate or a tiny bathroom corner, 28 by 30 inches might take up more floor space than you have available.
- They’re single-use and not eco-friendly. At 50 pads per pack, you’re going through a lot of disposable material, which isn’t great for the environment if you’re using them long-term.
- The attractant doesn’t work for every dog. Some puppies just ignore it and go wherever they want anyway, so it’s not a magic solution for potty training.
- The edges can curl up a little bit, especially in dry environments. A curled edge can cause urine to run off the pad onto the floor instead of soaking in.
- They’re not as thick as some premium brands. If you have a large dog with heavy accidents, you might find that these reach their absorbency limit faster than more expensive pads.
Are These Training Pads Right for Your Dog?
Yes, if:
- You have a new puppy that you’re potty training and you want a pad with built-in attractant to speed up the process.
- You live in an apartment or work long hours and can’t take your dog out as frequently as they need.
- You have a small to medium-sized dog and you want an XL pad that gives them plenty of room.
- You’re tired of cheap pads that leak through onto your floors and you want something more reliable.
- You want odor control so your house doesn’t smell like dog urine between pad changes.
- You have a senior dog with incontinence issues and you need a pad that can handle heavier accidents.
- You’re on a budget and you want a quality pad without paying premium brand prices.
- You like the peace of mind of buying from a well-known brand like American Kennel Club.
No, if:
- You or your dog are sensitive to artificial fragrances and you need unscented pads.
- You have a very small space and the 28 by 30 inch XL size is too big for your needs.
- You need pads with adhesive backing to keep them from sliding on hardwood or tile floors.
- You have a large breed dog with heavy accidents and you need something thicker with more absorbency.
- You’re environmentally conscious and you want a more sustainable option than disposable pads.
- Your dog is already fully housebroken and you only need pads for occasional emergencies — in that case, a smaller, cheaper pack might make more sense.
- You have a puppy that loves to shred and eat pads — these are more durable than thin ones, but a determined chewer can still destroy them.
- You plan to use them outdoors regularly — they’re designed for indoor use and won’t hold up to wind or rain.
Common Questions About These AKC Training Pads
Q: Do these pads actually leak through? From user feedback, most people say they don’t leak through when used as directed. The 6-layer construction with waterproof backing holds up well for normal use, but if you leave a saturated pad down for too long or your dog has a very heavy accident, there’s always a chance of seepage.
Q: Does the attractant really work? From user feedback, it works for many puppies but not all. Some dogs take to the pad immediately because of the attractant, while others need more traditional training methods like positive reinforcement. It’s a helpful tool but not a magic solution.
Q: How many times can a single pad be used? From user feedback, it depends on the size of your dog and how much they go. For a small puppy, a pad might handle 2-3 uses before needing to be changed. For a medium or large dog, you’ll probably want to change it after every use to prevent leaks and odors.
Q: Are these pads scented? From user feedback, yes — they have a fresh fragrance that’s designed to mask odors. The scent is noticeable, especially when you first open the pack, so if you’re sensitive to smells you might want to look for unscented pads.
Q: What are the dimensions of the XL pads? From user feedback, the XL size measures 28 by 30 inches. That’s big enough for most small to medium dogs, but if you have a large breed you might want to look for an even bigger size or use two pads side by side.
How to Get the Most Out of These Training Pads
First, set them up in the right location. Put the pad in a low-traffic area that’s easy for your dog to access but not right next to their food or bed — dogs generally don’t like to eliminate where they eat or sleep. A corner of the bathroom or laundry room works well for most people.
Second, use a pad holder or tray if you have hard floors. These pads don’t have adhesive backing, so they can slide around on hardwood or tile. A cheap plastic pad holder keeps them in place and also provides an extra layer of leak protection just in case.
Third, introduce your puppy to the pad early. Put them on the pad frequently — after meals, after naps, after playtime — and praise them heavily when they use it correctly. The attractant helps, but positive reinforcement is still the most important part of potty training.
Fourth, change them regularly. Even though they’re absorbent, a saturated pad can start to smell and might eventually leak. For a small puppy, change every 2-3 uses; for a larger dog, change after every use. This also keeps your house smelling fresh.
Fifth, if the scent is too strong for you or your dog, try airing out the pad for a few minutes before using it. Pull it out of the pack, unfold it, and let it sit for a minute so some of the fragrance dissipates. Most of the strong smell fades pretty quickly once it’s out of the sealed package.
And finally, don’t rely on pads alone if you’re trying to fully housebreak your puppy. Pads are a great tool for apartment living or for when you can’t be home, but you should still be taking your dog outside regularly and rewarding them for going potty outdoors. Pads are a supplement to training, not a replacement for it.
Pro tip: if you’re dealing with a puppy that keeps missing the edge of the pad, try using two pads side by side or folding the edges up slightly to create a lip. The XL size helps, but some dogs just have bad aim.
My Top Takeaways
After going through all the product information and verified ratings for this AKC dog training pads review, the biggest takeaway is that these are solid, reliable training pads at a really fair price. For $17 you get 50 XL pads with 6-layer construction, SAP absorbent technology, built-in attractant, and odor control — all from a well-known brand. For puppy potty training, apartment living, or senior dog incontinence, they’re more than good enough.
The 4.5-star average across 42,926 reviews — with tens of thousands of verified buyers — is about as strong as it gets for a disposable pet product. People love how absorbent they are, how well the leak-proof backing works, and how much easier the attractant makes potty training. This AKC dog training pads review makes it clear that you don’t need to spend a fortune on premium pads when a $17 50-pack works perfectly fine for most dogs.
Overall, if you have a puppy, a small to medium dog, or a senior dog with incontinence issues and you need a reliable, affordable training pad, this XL 50-pack from AKC is absolutely worth the $17. Just know the scent is pretty strong and the pads don’t have adhesive backing, and set your expectations accordingly.
Would I Buy This Again With My Own Money?
Absolutely, and honestly I regret buying those tiny 22-inch generic pads for so long before stepping up to the XL size. The convenience of having a pad big enough that my dog doesn’t miss the edge every single time is already worth it, but when you add in the absorbency, the attractant, and the fact that you get 50 pads for $17? This price is way cheaper than buying small packs at the pet store every week, and I regret not stocking up sooner.
The strong fragrance and the lack of adhesive backing are minor things, and they’re definitely not dealbreakers. For anyone potty training a puppy, living in an apartment, or caring for a senior dog, this is totally worth the $17 upfront cost.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, no training pad is going to magically potty train your puppy for you, and this AKC 50-pack is no exception. It won’t replace consistent training and positive reinforcement, it won’t stick to your hardwood floors without a holder, and the fresh scent is stronger than you might expect. But for what it actually is — a cheap, absorbent, leak-proof training pad with built-in attractant and odor control — it’s one of the best values out there in the $17 price range.
If you’re still using thin, leaky generic pads that your dog keeps missing the edge of, do yourself a favor and pick up a pack of these. Seventeen bucks for 50 XL pads is nothing, and you’ll wonder how you ever put up with tiny pads that leak through after one use. It’s not the most exciting pet gear you’ll ever buy, but it’s one of those practical essentials that makes the whole puppy phase just a little bit less messy.
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A Quick Disclaimer
I’m not a vet or professional trainer. This is just my personal research.
Note: Some customer experiences referenced in this review are based on verified Amazon reviews and are used for informational purposes only.