subject: Paper Training - Should You Use It? [print this page] Paper Training - Should You Use It? Paper Training - Should You Use It?
Are you wondering how paper training can help you with potty training your puppy? The concept of it is very simple; in fact, it's exactly like training your puppy to eliminate outdoors, only you are training him to eliminate on newspapers placed around the house. In general, it is to be used as a temporary solution for those who cannot be around to watch their puppy for long periods of time or those who don't have easy access to a yard (live in an apartment).
It is not recommended to use paper training for more than a temporary solution, as it teaches your puppy to eliminate indoors, which could cause outdoor potty training to take longer. The longer you have your puppy eliminating on paper indoors, the longer it will take to train him to eliminate outdoors. Unlearning a habit is always more difficult than learning a habit. However, many owners have found it to be helpful when used in combination with crate training and outdoor potty training. One effective way to help with the transition to outdoor training is to gradually move the papers closer and closer to the door, eventually leading the puppy outside.
Tips for paper training:
Move papers around regularly, as always putting them in the same location may teach your puppy to eliminate on that one spot all the time, instead of following where the papers are
Putting wax paper or plastic under the papers can save your floor from stains and odors
Clean the area under the papers with odor eliminator daily
Dispose of papers after every use, but keep lightly soiled ones under fresh ones to help guide your puppy to the proper spot
Paper training can be helpful if you don't have easy access to a yard or are away from home for hours at a time. When used in combination with crate training and outdoor training methods, you can eventually train your puppy to eliminate outdoors.
