I don't crate either - my dogs were in a shelter, and it makes them uneasy (and it didn't solve the potty problem either). We only use them for longer car rides.

I started using that spray stuff, because I have one who still pees in the house. I put it outside, and he goes right to the sprayed area. He's had 2 accidents since we started - which is really good, because he was peeing every day! UGH!

So I put the potty pad down at night for him and the old one - sprayed that too. Not one potty on it yet. They sniffed, and know what it is though. But they'll sniff it then go to the door!


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I do have a baby gate on the kitchen door though. And at night or when I leave, they all go in the kitch/bath area. They are way less likely to pee where they lay.

I have never used potty pads to potty train a puppy though. There are other ways that might be easier.
One bad side of this is, like Denise said, it CAN teach them to go inside. I think the purpose behind them is more for older, incontinent dogs or if you plan to always have the pads with the dog using it like a litter box. Still, you will need to lock the dog in one area or room while you're gone.