This is a common method of training which involves putting down paper or “puppy pads”. Initially the puppy is restricted to an area which is completely covered with the chosen material so that they cannot fail to hit their target. Gradually the paper is reduced to a small square which can then be moved slowly towards the door and eventually out into the garden.
Advantages:
- A user friendly style of training and your puppy has a defined place to go even if you’re not present.
- Popular for owners who live in apartments or where free access to the outdoors is not easily achieved.
- Fairly easy to follow and you don’t have to be watching puppy the whole time.
Disadvantages:
- Sometimes confusing for the puppy if not done carefully as you are essentially teaching your puppy that it’s initially fine to go to the bathroom in the house and then expecting them to learn not to. It is not uncommon for the puppy to continue to use the same spot even after the paper has been lifted.
- Can be a bit messy, especially in the early days when using a lot of paper. As well as toileting, puppies usually also enjoy chewing and shredding the paper.
Frequent outings
This method relies upon you taking puppy out at frequent intervals particularly whenever they wake up, finishes eating, after a lively game or whenever they haven’t emptied for half an hour or more. This method may or may not be used in association with a crate.