Paper Training Your Dog - How To Do It And Common Challenges

Paper training is among the first and most important steps in raising a well-behaved dog. 

Among the different methods available, paper training is a practical option - especially for owners who live indoors or have limited access to outdoor spaces. But what exactly is paper training, and is it the right choice for you and your dog?

What Is Paper Training?

Paper training is a method of house training where you teach your dog to eliminate in a designated indoor area- typically on newspapers or absorbent pads.

Instead of taking your dog outside, you train them to use a specific spot inside your home consistently.

Newspapers are often used because they are:

• Absorbent

• Affordable

• Easy to replace and dispose of

Over time, your dog learns that this designated area is the only appropriate place to relieve themselves.

Alternatives To Paper Training

There are two main methods for house training a dog:

1. Paper Training

Teaches your dog to eliminate indoors in a specific area

2. Crate Training

Teaches your dog to hold their bladder and eliminate outdoors

Crate training works by using a dog’s natural instinct to avoid soiling their sleeping area. By limiting their space, dogs learn to wait until they are taken outside.

Key Differences Between Paper And Crate Training

While both methods are effective, they serve different purposes.

Paper Training: Encourages indoor elimination in a fixed spot

Crate Training: Encourages outdoor elimination and bladder control

Trying to use both methods at the same time can confuse your dog and slow down the training process. It’s generally best to choose one method and stay consistent.

Some owners use paper training as a temporary step before transitioning to outdoor training, but this requires careful planning and consistency.

When Should You Choose Paper Training?

Paper training can be a great option if your lifestyle or environment makes outdoor training difficult.

It may be suitable if:

• You live in an apartment or high-rise building

• You have limited or no access to outdoor space

• You have mobility or health limitations

• You work long hours and cannot take your dog outside frequently

Weather conditions make outdoor training difficult

However, paper training is not ideal for every dog.

Larger dogs may not be well-suited for this method due to the amount of waste they produce, making it harder to maintain cleanliness and hygiene.

When Is Crate Training A Better Option?

Crate training may be more effective if:

• You have a medium to large dog

• You can supervise your dog regularly throughout the day

• You are able to take your dog outside every few hours

• Your goal is to train your dog for outdoor elimination from the start

Many trainers consider crate training to be faster, but it does require more time, consistency, and effort.

How To Paper Train Your Dog

If you decide that paper training is right for you, follow these steps to get started:

1. Choose A Designated Area

Select a specific spot in your home where your dog will go. Ideally, this should be:

• Easy to clean (e.g., tiled or linoleum floors)

• Away from sleeping and eating areas

Common choices include kitchens, bathrooms, or laundry rooms.

2. Set Up The Training Area

Lay down several layers of newspaper or training pads to cover a reasonably large area.

At the beginning, it’s important to make the target area bigger to increase the chances of success, since your puppy is still learning.

3. Limit Your Dog’s Movement

To help your dog understand where to go, restrict their access to the papered area when you cannot supervise them.

You can use:

• Baby gates

• Barriers

• Playpens

This ensures that your dog learns to associate that specific area with elimination.

4. Gradually Reduce The Area

As your dog becomes more consistent, slowly reduce the size of the papered area.

This helps refine their accuracy and encourages them to use a smaller, more defined space.

5. Reinforce Good Behavior

Whenever your dog uses the correct area:

• Praise them immediately

• Offer a treat or positive reinforcement

Consistency and encouragement will speed up the learning process.

Common Challenges With Paper Training

While effective, paper training can come with a few challenges:

Missed targets: Puppies may initially miss the paper area

Slow transition to outdoors: Dogs may become too accustomed to indoor elimination

Hygiene concerns: Frequent cleaning is required to maintain cleanliness

Patience and consistency are key to overcoming these issues.

Final Thoughts

Paper training is a practical and flexible solution for many dog owners, especially those living in apartments or with limited outdoor access.

However, like any training method, success depends on consistency, patience, and choosing the right approach for your dog’s needs and your lifestyle.

Whether you choose paper training or crate training, the most important thing is to stay committed and provide clear guidance for your dog.

With the right approach, house training can be a smooth and successful experience for both of you.