If you were to conduct a popularity contest among the different breeds of dogs, papillons would surely be among the top ranks. Their gorgeous looks, captivating personalities, and cheery demeanor make them a hit among both youngsters and adults alike. But let’s admit it – owning a dog goes beyond their looks. It involves plenty of training, playtime, care and an ocean full of patience. So, does our charming Pap fit the bill? Let’s find out!
It may surprise you to know that the Papillon, enjoyed by European nobility during the Renaissance, shares common ancestors with small herding dogs. These intelligent, athletic puppies are naturally curious and eager to learn. This is what makes training them a breeze, but it also means they won’t hesitate to outsmart you if given a chance!
Papillons, affectionately referred to as ‘Paps,’ have a natural fondness for learning tricks and participating in dog sports. They thrive on mental stimulation and are quick to pick up all kinds of training cues. However, the real trick lies in keeping the procedure fun and engaging. Remember, a bored Papillon can devolve into a mischievous one!
Training a Papillon isn’t a Herculean task, but it requires consistency and positive reinforcement. Whether it’s housetraining, obedience training, or behavior training, the efficient approach is to make it an enjoyable experience for them. Be ready with treats, praises, and lots of belly scratches – these will serve as your ultimate training tools!
Start as early as possible, preferably when they are around 8 weeks old. Remember, the saying “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” isn’t entirely accurate. Yet, starting early helps establish good habits and prevent the practice of bad ones.
Ease into training with housetraining. Papillons are known for their clean habits, making them agreeable partners in this process. The key is to create a regular feeding and elimination schedule and stick to it. Also, remember that accidents will happen, but punishing or yelling does more harm than good. Instead, gently correct them and remain patient.
Next comes obedience training. It is far easier than you might anticipate with a Papillon. Their intelligence combined with their eagerness to please their human makes them ready to follow obedience commands. Try out simple commands like sit, stay, or lie down, and gradually move on to complex ones. Don’t forget to reward their effort every time they get it right!
Train your Papillon puppy to socialize well. The cute butterfly-look-alike dog breed can sometimes be aloof or reserved with strangers, but proper socialization training can put them at ease. The goal is to help them understand that ‘new’ doesn’t necessarily mean ‘threatening.’ Take them to dog parks, ask your friends over and let them meet a variety of people to help them become more comfortable in different situations.
Papillons are also known for their chatty demeanor. They seem to possess an endless list of barks for every situation. While this trait makes them excellent watchdogs, it can sometimes become too much. To manage this, discourage unnecessary barking from an early age. Again, positive reinforcement is key – reward their silence, not their noise.
Though Papillons are a relatively healthy breed, they are prone to certain behavior-related issues if not mentally stimulated. Engage them with puzzle toys, hiding treats, and having them search for it or teaching them new tricks. Remember, a bored Papillon can find unusual ways to keep themselves entertained that might not always coincide with your idea of cleanliness and decorum!
Ultimately, the ease of training a Papillon goes hand in hand with the bond you share with them. To them, it’s not just about learning commands or tricks, but about spending quality time with their beloved owner.
Ultimately, Papillons are versatile, adaptive and love to please their owners, making them one of the easiest breeds to train. Their agility and intelligence are well acknowledged in various dog training fields like obedience, agility, and tracking. However, remember every dog is an individual, even within a breed known for its trainability. So, have patience and embrace the journey of growth, learning and ultimate bonding with your Papillon. After all, their love for learning is only rivaled by their love for you!
