Paper Training Your Puppy: How to Do It Effectively

Introduction

Are you a new puppy owner struggling with potty training? Look no further than paper training! According to the American Kennel Club, paper training is a popular method used by many puppy owners. In fact, a survey conducted by the AKC found that most of dog owners paper-trained their puppies. Also, A Forbes Advisor survey of more than 5,000 U.S. dog owners found that dog owners spend an average of $730 a year on their dogs. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of paper training and provide tips for effectively paper training your furry friend.

Paper Training A Puppy Effectively:

Potty training a puppy can be a daunting task, but paper training can make the process easier and less stressful for both you and your furry friend. Here are some tips for effective paper training:

1. Choose the right spot: Select a spot in your home where your puppy can have easy access, and where they won’t be disturbed. A laundry room or bathroom can work well for this purpose.
2. Use the right supplies: Purchase training pads that are specifically designed for puppies. These pads are absorbent and can contain odors to prevent accidents from happening.
3. Encourage your puppy: Praise and reward your puppy when they use the training pad. This will help them learn that going potty in the specified area is a positive experience.
4. Be consistent: Stick to a routine and take your puppy to the training pad at regular intervals. Puppies have small bladders and need to go potty often, especially after eating, drinking, or playing.
5. Gradually reduce the size of the training pad: Once your puppy becomes more comfortable with using the training pad, gradually reduce the size of the pad until they can go potty outside.

Paper training a puppy or passive house training trains your dog’s toilet habits without the necessity of your presence.

However, it does require some of your attention when you are around the house. The idea was that during confinement, the puppy would develop a habit of eliminating paper in an area that is papered.

In case you are not sure about the methods of paper training a puppy, here are some innovative and easy-to-follow tips that present how to effectively house-train your puppy:

• Choose the bathroom or kitchen to start the paper training process.
• Put papers on the area of the puppy’s activity.
• Clean the room and replace the room with new paper daily.
• Direct his attention slowly and gradually to a certain paper corner for elimination.
• Observe your puppy if he or she is showing a preference for a special location for eliminating.
• You should start to remove the surrounding papers further from the so-called toilet area if your puppy has shown a habit of eliminating them.
• Encourage and reward the puppy if you see it eliminating on paper.
• Never punish your puppy for any elimination ‘accidents’. Call out a firm “No” if you catch your puppy eliminating away from the papered area and place him back on the paper.
• Always be prepared for any minor setbacks.
• You may help your puppy with the choice of the toilet area, leaving a small piece of the used paper between layers of paper; the scent will help him to identify and choose the right location.

Advantages Of Passive Paper Training A Puppy:

• It is a great solution for people who are not always at home.
• People living in high-rise apartments might find this training method useful.
• You can leave your puppy alone without worrying about coming home to a mess on your carpet or shoes.
• After your puppy develops the habit of eliminating only paper, you may start to change to another, more convenient toilet area for your puppy.
• Given the freedom to roam around the house, the puppy will search for his toilet area instead of eliminating it elsewhere.

Disadvantages Of Paper Training A Puppy:

• Paper training a puppy requires great patience and attention, consistency, and perseverance.
• You may get disappointed quickly after several tries and ‘accidents’.
• The routine of cleaning up the room each day may be unpleasant and exhausting.
• Paper training is not recommended for big dogs.
• It might be tempting to leave the puppy more time alone after it learns the expected behavior; sometimes it is not desirable for the puppy’s development and future training.
• If your puppy has frequent access to the outdoors, paper training is not recommended as it will confuse your pup when you want to train them to eliminate the outdoors.

Considering the advantages and disadvantages of paper training a puppy, you may decide what is most suitable for your dog. Still, whatever training choice you make, your patience, love, and understanding are still needed to succeed in having a healthy, obedient, and well-trained dog.

Tips for Successful Paper Training:

1. Establish a routine: Set a regular schedule for taking your puppy to the training pad. Puppies need to relieve themselves often, especially after eating, drinking, or napping.
2. Choose the right location: Pick a quiet, low-traffic area of your home for the training pad. This will help your puppy feel comfortable and reduce distractions.
3. Use positive reinforcement: Reward your puppy with treats, toys, and praise for using the training pad. This will encourage them to continue going potty in the chosen spot.
4. Be patient: Potty training takes time and patience. Avoid punishing your puppy for accidents and focus on positive reinforcement.
5. Check your puppy: Keep an eye on your puppy’s behavior and body language. This will help you anticipate when they need to go potty and take them to the pad in time.
6. Clean up accidents promptly: Use an enzymatic cleaner to remove odors and stains from accidents. This will discourage your puppy from going potty in the same spot again.
7. Gradually reduce the size of the training pad: As your puppy becomes more comfortable with going potty on the training pad, gradually reduce the size of the pad until they are fully trained to go potty outside.
8. Stay consistent: Consistency is key regarding paper training. Stick to your routine and avoid making sudden changes that may confuse your puppy.

Troubleshooting Paper Training:

If your puppy is having difficulty with paper training, there may be a few things you can do to help them. First, make sure you are using a highly absorbent pad that is specifically designed for puppies. You may also want to consider using a crate or playpen to confine your puppy to a small area where they are more likely to use the training pad. If your puppy continues to have accidents, consult with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

FAQ

What does “paper trained” mean?

“Paper trained” refers to a potty training method where a puppy is trained to eliminate on a specific type of paper or absorbent pad placed in a designated area indoors.

When should I start paper training my puppy?

It is recommended to start paper training your puppy as early as 8 weeks old when they have better bladder control and can start learning appropriate potty habits.

How do I get my puppy to pee on paper?

Encourage your puppy to pee on paper by placing the paper or puppy pads in a consistent spot, using positive reinforcement such as treats or praise when they eliminate on the paper, and being patient and consistent with training.

What is the easiest way to train a puppy?

The easiest way to train a puppy is through positive reinforcement techniques, consistency, patience, and establishing a routine for potty breaks, feeding, and training sessions.

How to paper train a puppy in an apartment.

Paper training in an apartment involves designating a specific area with paper or puppy pads, providing regular access to that area, and using positive reinforcement to encourage the puppy to eliminate the paper.

How to use puppy pads and outdoor potty training together.

To use puppy pads and outdoor potty training together, gradually transition the puppy from using pads indoors to going outside by gradually moving the pads closer to the door and eventually eliminating them altogether.

What is an alternative to the newspaper for puppies?

An alternative to newspapers for puppies is using commercially available puppy pads or absorbent mats specifically designed for potty training. These provide a cleaner and more convenient option compared to newspapers.

Conclusion:

Paper training a puppy can be a highly effective method for housetraining your furry friend, but it requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. By following these tips and troubleshooting common issues, you can successfully paper-train your puppy and set them up for a lifetime of good potty habits. Remember to be patient, stay consistent, and reward your puppy for its progress along the way.