Potty Training Spray for Puppies: Do Attractant Sprays Work?
Updated November 1, 2026
This guide is based on research of manufacturer information, product listings, and veterinary/training resources, not hands-on testing. Links go to Amazon; we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Read our affiliate disclosure.
Short answer: a potty training spray (also sold as an "attractant" or "go here" spray) is meant to add a scent that encourages a puppy to pee in one spot, such as a pee pad or a grass patch. Some owners find it helps a puppy find the pad; it is not a substitute for a schedule, rewards and cleaning up accidents with an enzyme cleaner. The AKC's potty training guide puts the emphasis on routine, supervision and praise.
Attractant spray vs. deterrent spray vs. enzyme cleaner
| Product | What it is for | Where you use it | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attractant (potty training) spray | Encourages the puppy to go in the right spot | On a pee pad, grass patch or outdoor potty area | Training sprays on Amazon |
| Deterrent spray | Discourages marking or peeing in a spot | Rugs, corners or furniture (test for staining first) | Deterrent sprays on Amazon |
| Enzyme cleaner | Breaks down urine so the old smell doesn't draw the puppy back | Every accident spot | Enzyme cleaners on Amazon |
How to use a potty training spray
- Pick one fixed spot: a pee pad or a grass pee pad.
- Spray the center of the pad as the label directs, usually a few sprays on each new pad.
- Take the puppy to the spot after waking, eating, playing and before bed (see our puppy potty schedule).
- Praise and reward within a couple of seconds of the puppy finishing.
- Clean every accident elsewhere with an enzyme cleaner, never ammonia-based cleaners, which smell like urine.
When a spray won't fix it
If an older, house-trained dog starts having accidents, or a puppy pees very often or strains, see a vet first: urinary infections and other medical problems can look like training issues. Our guide to stopping a dog peeing in the house covers the common causes.
Safety
- Keep the spray away from the puppy's face and food bowls, and follow the label.
- Store it out of reach; ask your vet or a poison control line if your dog drinks some.
FAQ
Do puppy potty training sprays really work?
Results vary from dog to dog, and there is little independent testing of these products. They are cheap to try, but the schedule and rewards do most of the work.
Can I use the spray outside?
Yes, many owners spray a patch of the yard to start a habit there. Rain washes it off, so reapply as the label says.
New guides
Related guides
- How to Train a Dog to Use a Pee Pad (Step by Step)
- Pee Pad Holders: Do You Need One and Which Type?
- Washable Pee Pads: Are Reusable Pads Worth It?
Teething puppy? KrazyPaws compares safe chew toys for puppies.