"Paper training" FAQs

Kaya and Hobie are "paper-trained" pups. What I mean is, theygoes to the bathroom in a specific spot inside the house rather than outside. Specifically, they use Economy Training Pads from PetSmart, which are located behind a screen.

Here are some frequently-asked questions about the "paper-training process:

• Why did you choose to paper train Kaya and Hobie?

  I decided to paper train Kaya and Hobie because I knew that, as a reporter, I would often be called on a story with very little notice. That meant I wouldn't be able to plan in advance to have Kaya and Hobie taken for a walk by a neighbor or another family member. Also, because we live in a townhouse, we have a very small yard. Plus, we got Kaya in the middle of winter when it was far too cold for a tiny Chihuahua to go outside.

• Why do you use training pads instead of paper?

  Initially I used paper, but whenever I cleaned up the mess, puddles would leak of the paper onto the floor. I tried litter, but my cat was far too interested in using the box himself. So I opted for training pads. While they are not as appealing as litter, they do the job and trap most of the odor. I change the training pad every day or so -- so an economy box lasts quite a while.

• How did you train Kaya to use the paper?

  Kaya started her life in our family confined to an exercise pen or the kitchen. I placed her sleeping quarters in one corner of the pen, her food bowls in another and papered the rest. Eventually, I reduced the amount of paper in the pen until we were down to a small square, which I replaced with a training pad. Once she was reliable, I removed the pen and kept her confined to the kitchen when she was unsupervised. She still is confined to the kitchen when we are not home, but that is more because she and the cat find a lot to get into when we are away and the kitchen is fairly pet-proof.

• What advice would you give someone with a new puppy?

  Supervise, supervise, supervise. When you think the pup is going to be reliable, wait a few more weeks before expanding her territory.

  ALSO, accidents happen. Be prepared. Have some cleaning solution handy and remember: if the dog goes in the wrong place, it's your fault, not hers! Take that rolled up newspaper and whack yourself on the nose! Bad human! Bad!