Teaching a puppy to go on papers inside the house has certain benefits. People who live in condos or high-rises without access to a yard can find it easier to use this method. It's also great for anyone who acquires a puppy in the winter and doesn't want to venture outside and stand around shivering eight times a day. That said, many trainers see dogs that find it difficult to make the transition from paper training to going outside. If you have access to a yard, it's best to skip paper training altogether.

How to Paper Train

To paper train a dog, place papers in the area where you want the dog to go. When your dog shows signs of needing to eliminate — circling, sniffing, whining — take him to the papers. If he moves off them, put him back. When he performs, praise him.

Help your puppy remember what the papers are for by using a sponge to capture some of the urine. Use it to scent a clean set of papers. The next time you take your dog to the papers, he'll smell the urine and be prompted to go again.

Paper Training Alternative

Besides paper, you may also want to try using housetraining pads. Available at pet supply stores, these pads are specially scented to attract a dog and encourage urination and defecation. The benefit is that their water-resistant backing makes them easier to clean up than papers. The drawback — besides expense — is that these pads may or may not work. Some dogs use them for their stated purpose, while others just chew them up.