Guide to Paper Training a Dog

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Why is paper training a dog sometimes necessary? For some dog owners, it is not feasible to bring their dog outside when nature calls. These owners may live in a high-rise apartment building or be away from home for extended periods. There may be physical problems that prevent either dog or owner from getting outside fast enough.

However, if you ultimately expect your dog to eliminate outdoors, do not paper train him. This will only delay the process of teaching your dog to eliminate outdoors.

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With paper training, you train your dog to eliminate on newspaper or other absorbent product. Keep in mind that teaching your dog to eliminate on newspapers may create a surface preference for where he eliminates in the future. That means any newspapers lying around the house may become the next target. Other options are to buy housebreaking pads or a dog litter box.

7 Steps to Paper Training a Dog

1. Set up toilet area. Spread newspapers or absorbent pads over a waterproof tray.
2. Use the crate as a training aid. Start with your dog in the crate for a short time.
3. Allow him to leave the crate. Put a leash on and walk him from the crate to the toilet area.
4. Wait several minutes for him to eliminate. If he does not eliminate, walk him back to the crate and wait another hour.
5. After he eliminates, lavishly praise him.
6. Allow him to play outside the crate for an hour. Then return him to the crate.
7. Gradually increase the time that he remains in his crate and playtime outside the crate after he eliminates.

Clean up

Make sure you remove any soiled paper or litter after each use. Scrub the pan thoroughly once a week to keep it clean. Remember, accidents will happen, so keep some stain and odor products on hand.

These 5 tips will minimize any house soiling incidents while paper training a dog…

1. Start training ASAP.

The quicker your dog learns WHERE to eliminate inside your house, the better for both of you. Start training as soon as you bring a new dog home.

This means constant supervision on your part so that you can bring him to the right spot at the right time. Pay attention for signs that your dog needs to eliminate, like circling or sniffing. When you can not supervise him, keep him in a crate or confined area.

2. Set up toilet area.

Choose a room that has floors that are easy to clean, like a bathroom, laundry room, or kitchen. Avoid areas that will be in the way or view of the members of the household or guests.

Place a tray or sheet of plastic on the floor. Spread several layers of newspaper or an absorbent pad over the tray or sheet of plastic. Pet stores sell 'Piddle Pads' and protection trays, like these.

There is also a helpful spray product to use on areas where you want your dog to eliminate. It is sprayed right on training pads, newspaper, or an outdoor area you want him to "go" on. Just spray approximately the size of a two inch circle. Allow your dog to sniff the spot. He will soon realize that this is the approved place. Repeat frequently, particularly upon awakening, before retiring, and after meals. It is called Puppy Trainer Housebreaking Spray 8 oz spray.

3. Never punish your dog for eliminating in wrong spot.

If you find a soiled area, it is too late to correct your dog. Just clean it up and bring it to the toilet area. Make sure you clean the soiled area well. Dogs tend to eliminate in areas that smell of urine or feces.

If you catch your dog in the act of going to the bathroom in the wrong place, give the command "No" in a sharp voice. It will startle him into stopping what he was doing. Quickly take him to the correct place. Praise him after he finishes.

Rubbing your dog's nose in the mess and scolding him will cause confusion. Your dog may become afraid of you or afraid to eliminate in your presence. This will teach him to "hold it" in your presence and eliminate in an area inside the house where he doesn't want you to see. Some scolded dogs try to lick up or eat their mess to hide it from their owners.

A different spray product can be used to prevent your dog from urinating in the same spot in your house. Just spray it over the carpet or area you don't want him to go. It works for one week or longer and is odorless after one day's use. It is called Pet Organics No-Go Housebreaking Aid No-Go

5. When you aren't home, set up a long-term confinement area.

Since your dog should not be left in his crate for more than two hours during house training, set up a larger confinement area. That will most likely be the room where the toilet area is located. You can buy gates to close off doorways or exercise pens to partition rooms. Remove anything your dog can access that would get him into trouble.

The confinement area should contain your dog's water, bed, chew toys, and a toilet area. His bed or crate will ensure he has access to his sleeping area and provide comfort while you are gone. Set up the toilet area away from your dog's food and water.

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