Steps to Take to Wean Your Puppy From Potty Papers

Potty training your puppy using potty papers is an effective way to housebreak your dog. Once he has learned that he needs to go potty on the paper you provide, you'll need to decide what to do next. You can either make the transition to going potty outside or litter-box train your puppy. Either way, you will need to wean your dog off the potty papers to your desired long-term potty choice.

  1. Transitioning to Outdoors

    • The transition from going potty on paper indoors to going on the grass outdoors is not a difficult one. Start by taking a piece of potty paper outside and placing the paper wherever you want the new "potty spot" to be located. Take your puppy out to the paper as frequently as possible, especially after eating, sleeping and playing. Praise your puppy when she goes on the newspaper. Gradually decrease the size of the potty paper until you can remove it completely and your puppy is used to the new outdoor potty place.

    Weaning to a Litter Box

    • If you want your puppy to be litter-box trained, it is possible to wean him off the potty papers and teach him about his new potty place. First, make sure your litter box is clean and filled with fresh dog or cat litter. Then, gradually move the potty paper closer to the litter box, until it is right next to it. Place the potty paper into the litter box and praise your puppy when she goes potty in the correct spot. When he is used to the litter box, take away the potty papers.

    Be Patient and Fair

    • By housebreaking your puppy with potty papers, she has effectively learned to go potty in one spot in your home. Don't expect him to be able to make the transition to going potty outdoors or in a litter box without some help from you. Do not yell or punish your puppy if she has an accident indoors, as this can create a fearful dog, and fear can lead to aggression. If you see him trying to go in his old spot even though the potty paper is no longer there, simply make a noise to distract him and take him outside. When she relieves herself in the correct place, throw a praise party and give her some treats. He will learn quickly with these tactics.