We know that having a big outdoor area for your dog to use the bathroom isn’t always possible. So, today we’d like to talk a little bit about outdoor dog toilets for those people without backyards, or living in apartments or condos.
Leaving your dog at home during the day is never fun, especially for them. (Truth be told, I have several home cameras and every time I check on my dogs they’re just sleeping.)
This is made even worse by the fact that most dogs need to be let out three to five times a day… maybe even more for smaller breeds. That being said, the typical two walks a day in the morning and night are rarely enough for your dog’s bladder to be comfortable.
Thankfully, dog potty technology has come a long way to help us with this little problem.
Dog toilets are alternatives to cloth pee pads and are designed to be used with more frequency, while lasting longer and saving you money. They also save you from waking up before dawn or rushing home during lunch break to let your dog outside!
Think of them as the dog version of a kitty litter box, with a lot of available options and designs.
PETMAKER Porch Potty
The Porch Potty is the best-of-the-best dog toilet available.
Their all-weather wicker over steel frame is durable and holds either synthetic a grass pad or what they call “training sod,” which is a real-life grown grass pad.
With several models to choose from, you can choose an option based on your home training needs. They come with either a basin for drainage or a drain hose.
The premium model even has an in-sprinkler option that you can attach to an existing garden hose.
The Porch Potty is very easy to clean, and requires just a rinse with clean water every few days depending on the frequency of use.
It even comes with its own cute scented fire hydrant to encourage your pup to use it!
Pros: Sleek, unique design.
Cons: None!
Perfect For: All breeds learning to use a dog toilet.
Below we’ve gathered a list of ten dog potty products that are highly rated from dog owners like you to help train your pup to use their very own “toilet”!
Top 10 Outdoor Dog Toilets
Rank | Picture | Name | Where to Buy |
---|---|---|---|
1 | PETMAKER Puppy Potty Trainer | See it on Amazon | |
2 | PetSafe Pet Loo Portable Indoor/Outdoor Dog Potty | See it on Amazon | |
3 | Ollieroo-Pet Supplies Puppy Dog Potty Training Patch | See it on Amazon | |
4 | DoggieLawn Disposable Dog Potty | See it on Amazon | |
5 | Shake Dog Potty | See it on Amazon | |
6 | Richell Paw Trax Mesh Training Tray | See it on Amazon | |
7 | FATPET Dog Toilet | See it on Amazon | |
8 | Fresh Patch Disposable Dog Potty with REAL Grass | See it on Amazon | |
9 | Dog Litter Pan by PuppyGoHere | See it on Amazon | |
10 | Nature's Miracle High-Sided Litter Box | See it on Amazon | |
How to acclimate your dog to a toilet/dog box
Be consistent
Trainers recommend keeping any alternative dog potty option in a specified place, as moving it can confuse your pet and cause them to go on the floor in the original setting.
Whether it be a corner, your porch, a balcony, or otherwise, try to pick a spot and keep it there.
Start young if possible
Puppies are most impressionable when they are younger, so if you plan on using this option, it’s recommended to start training as soon as possible.
The sooner they are acclimated, the better off your floors/balconies!
Try real grass if they’re used to going outside
If you’ve originally trained your pet to use the bathroom outside, and now have the need for an alternative, try using eco-friendly real grass pads first.
The scent of real grass will give them the cue that it’s okay to use the bathroom there!
Save the synthetic materials for later when they’ve gotten used to their new bathroom spot.
Dog toilet reviews
We’ve already talked a bit about our top pick the PETMAKER Porch Potty, now let’s take a look at the rest of the competition.
2. PetSafe Pet Loo Pet Toilet
The Pet Loo Pet Toilet is described as “your backyard in a box” and works as exactly that.
This portable plastic box features a synthetic grass pad top that lets liquid soak through to the below waste container.
The container holds up to 2 liters of liquid and when full can be poured into your yard or toilet for easy disposal.
Pet Loo also recommends an optional powder formula they make that you can sprinkle at the bottom of the container to absorb liquid and odors.
They recommend using warm water to cleanse extra waste each day and using a more astringent spray cleanser or a homemade vinegar spray 1-2 times per week.
Pros: Designed to be portable, multiple sizes.
Cons: The plastic tray base may not be sturdy enough for heavier dogs.
Perfect For: Small to medium size breeds.
3. Ollieroo Puppy Dog Potty Training Patch
The Ollieroo Puppy Dog Potty Training Patch is a option for pet-owners looking to save their floors from rogue tinkling.
The three-layer training patch is made with a top layer of synthetic grass, an absorbent porous middle layer, and a hard plastic bottom that catches and holds the urine prior to dumping.
It’s easily cleaned with regular soap and water, and should be emptied every 1-2 days. Also, it’s recommended you clean with soap and water once or twice each week to prevent odors.
Pros: Small and compact, easy to move around.
Cons: This is a cheaper model that may not be sturdy enough for larger dogs.
Perfect For: Small to medium dogs.
4. DoggieLawn Disposable Dog Potty
The large size and real grass pad of the DoggieLawn Disposable Dog Potty make it a unique an excellent dog potty option!
For use indoors, on porches or patios, or anywhere you need it, the DoggieLawn is an eco-friendly dog pad option that boasts no mess and no yucky odors. It acts as a “grass litterbox” for your pup and being real grass, it absorbs the majority of odors and waste unlike synthetic options.
All you have to worry about is throwing it out and replacing with a new box every 1.5 to 2 weeks depending on how often your pet is using it.
This could be a great first potty option before switching to synthetic to get your dog used to the idea!
Pros: Affordable, disposable.
Cons: These can get expensive fast with frequent replacements.
Perfect For: Senior pups, dogs that respond well to real grass.
5. Shake Dog Potty
This ModKat Shake Dog Potty is truly unique in its sleek design. It’s ultra portable and made to fold up when not in use.
Each side when open has plastic grates to keep your dog’s feet clean and dry. If necessary, you may place newspaper or puppy pads beneath the grates to further absorb any liquids.
Simply open it up and leave out when needed, and fold up for storage or traveling when not.
The material is treated to prevent stains, odors, and bacterial growth.
When folded, the design has a handle that makes it easy to bring with you on trips.
Pros: Ultra portable, sleek design.
Cons: Thin design is only good for small to medium sized dogs.
Perfect For: Dogs up to 40 pounds.
6. Richell Paw Trax Mesh Training Tray
The Richell Paw Trax Mesh Training Tray is a puppy pad holder that helps to train your dog to use pads while eliminating the unsightly image of urine marks they typically have.
The grates allow waste to trickle through to the pads below, or newspaper if you prefer, while being gentle on your dog’s delicate paws.
The tray keeps puppy pads in place and prevents your dog from tearing them up and moving them around by accident.
Pros: Affordable, sturdy design.
Cons: Requires using puppy pads or newspaper additionally.
Perfect For: Small or medium sized dogs.
7. FATPET Dog Toilet
The FATPET Dog Toilet is unlike the other models we’ve covered, as it resembles a litter box more than a flat pad design.
The walled design prevents any splash over while the bottom perforated grate let’s waste trickle through easily out of sight.
Ideal for apartments, balconies, porches, or elsewhere, this dog toilet is great for small breeds learning to use a pet toilet for the very first time.
Pros: Walled design prevents leaks and spills.
Cons: The reviews say it’s relatively small.
Perfect For: Small, lapdog type breeds.
8. Fresh Patch Disposable Dog Potty with REAL Grass (as seen on Shark Tank!)
The disposable Fresh Patch Dog Potty is another eco-friendly, real-grass option for environmentally concerned owners. The grass helps prevents odors by absorbing the majority of waste it accumulates, and cleaning is as easy as throwing it away!
Unlike pad and plastic options, the hydroponically-grown grass pas is a natural attractor for pups that are used to going outside, so training is made relatively easy.
Fresh Patch is a customer-service friendly company and advocates one-on-one dog potty consultations to help you make the right decision for your dog!
Pros: Real grass, disposable design.
Cons: The price is a bit higher than other models.
Perfect For: Any size dog for use indoors or out.
9. PuppyGoHere Dog Litter Pan
The name says it all with this PuppyGoHere Dog Litter Pan. It resembles a kitty litter box from the outside, but is made specially for dog use.
With two sizes and multiple color options to choose from, this dog litter pan is a fantastic option for working families that can’t let the dog out more than twice a day.
The walled design is 4” high and large enough for bigger dogs as well. The edges prevent spills and the choice is yours on what type of filler to buy.
Cleaning the waste from this one is as simple as a kitty box!
Pros: Large, walled design.
Cons: Litter pellets sold separately, and reviews say it could be too tall for puppies to step in.
Perfect For: Medium-sized dogs that need to potty several times a day!
10. Nature’s Miracle High-Sided Litter Box
This high-sided, black plastic Nature’s Miracle litter box is perfect for animals that are guilty of kicking litter remnants all over the floor.
The 5.5” sides keep litter and waste contained and your floors cleaner!
While not as sleek as some of the dog toilet designs out there, it does the same job affordably.
Pros: Affordable, contained option.
Cons: Must also buy dog litter.
Perfect For: Small or mid-sized pets.
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