Things You'll Need
- Newspapers
Instructions
Pick the place you'd like your puppy to relieve itself. This spot should not change, as part of the training process is consistency and repetition. If you have it in mind to eventually train your dog to go to the bathroom outside (house train it), then consider setting the target area somewhere near the door. Eventually, you will keep moving the papers closer to the door until they are outside.
Place at least three layers of newspaper in the chosen spot. Use cardboard underneath the newspaper to ensure that nothing leaks through.
Start off with a large potty space if you are afraid your puppy will miss the paper. This gives it an idea of the general area you wish it to use. As your puppy begins to get used to it, decrease the area until it is as small as you'd like.
Watch your pup after it drinks and eats. If it begins sniffing the ground and/or walking in circles it is getting ready to relieve itself. Don't yell in anger, but startle your puppy with a "Wait! Wait! Wait!" or something similar (this stops it in its tracks) and take it to the papers. Tell the puppy to "go potty," or whichever command you've chosen. Reward the dog with affection each time it gets it right.
Replace the papers with clean ones. Leave one sheet of soiled newspaper on the pile when changing them. This will help your pooch remember where to do its business.