How to Paper Train Your Puppy: A Comprehensive Guide

Puppies are full of energy and life, but also come with their own set of challenges. While teaching your pup how to go to the bathroom outside is usually the first step in housebreaking them, paper training is an excellent way to bridge the gap between being outdoors and having an indoor bathroom for your pup. Paper training can make housebreaking much easier for puppy owners, and it's a great way to help your pup understand that the restroom should remain indoors. This comprehensive guide will help you learn how to paper train your puppy in no time.

What Is Paper Training?

Paper training is a popular method of housebreaking puppies that involves teaching them to use a designated area indoors as their bathroom. The area is typically covered in newspaper or other absorbent materials, hence the name. It's a great way to teach your pup to go to the bathroom in a specified area and is often used along with outdoor potty training.

Why Paper Train Your Puppy?

Paper training your puppy can be beneficial for a few reasons. First, it's a great way to transition your pup from pottying outdoors to using the bathroom exclusively indoors. If you don't have access to a yard or live in an apartment with limited outdoor space, paper training is a great option for housebreaking your puppy. Second, it teaches your pup where it's appropriate to go to the bathroom. Puppies are curious and can easily forget that it's not okay to relieve themselves inside the house.

Getting Started: Setting Up a Potty Spot

Before you start paper training your pup, you first need to choose an appropriate spot for the potty. The area should be easy to clean and accessible. Don't choose a spot too far inside the house, as your pup may be hesitant to venture too far in. Once you've decided on a spot, cover the area with several layers of newspaper or other absorbent material. Make sure the area is large enough for your pup to move around.

Introducing the Potty Spot to Your Puppy

Once you have the potty spot set up, it's time to introduce it to your puppy. Start by leading your pup to the potty spot and letting them sniff around. Give them a few treats while they explore the area, and encourage them to sniff and explore. The idea is to make the area smell inviting and get your pup used to the idea of going to the potty there. Once your pup is comfortable with the area, it's time to start the paper training process.

The Paper Training Process

The paper training process involves two main steps: cueing and rewarding. Whenever you see your pup sniffing around or circling the potty spot, give them a cue such as "go potty" or "go pee." As soon as they comply, give them a treat and praise them. Make sure to use the same cue each time so they can learn what it means. Over time, they'll start to associate the cue with the action of going to the bathroom.

Dealing With Accidents

Even with paper training, accidents can still happen. If your pup has an accident, remember to stay calm and never scold them. Clean up the mess and take them back to the potty spot so they can try again. Rewarding them for going in the right spot will help reinforce the behavior and prevent future accidents.

Conclusion

Paper training is a great way to bridge the gap between potty training indoors and outdoors. It's also a great way to teach your pup that the bathroom belongs indoors. With some patience and consistency, your pup will soon be paper trained in no time.