Socializing is an important part in papillon training, although they are generally lively dogs and fun loving dogs, this can turn onto a problem without proper dog training. The best time to start training your papillon is from the moment you bring them home, since they are delicate creatures training needs to be gentle but consistent for it to work.

Papillons are also known as butterfly dogs or squirrel spaniels because of the way they look. Despite their small, fragile look, these dogs are highly trainable, friendly and adventurous. They easily absorb information; therefore it’s important that you show them the proper behavior to follow. Like with other breeds, the younger you start with dog training, the more effective it will be.

Before any type of dog training begins, your pet should learn to respect you. In respect training, you need to be firm and assert your position as the leader or the papillon will take the alpha position for himself. Speak in a strong, firm tone and tell him "no", when he is misbehaving, like biting, stealing food, pulling on things, etc. Do not man-handle your pet or be too aggressive as to hurt them. You want the papillon to show respect, not fear. Reward his good actions, positive reinforcement is always a good, it will make your pet want to obey and please you more.

House breaking can take anywhere from six to eight months, depending on your dog and the consistency of training. This may seem like a really long time, but consider the size of your papillon. Smaller dogs take about 8 months to have their organs fully developed and it’s hard for them to tell when they have to go. Despite all the housebreaking tips, there are two hard-fast rules to follow. Confinement and easy access. If you are not playing, feeding, grooming or anyway interacting with your papillon, he needs to be confined. Fence him in a specific spot of the house instead of wandering about ready to drop a bomb. Next is providing him easy access to the place where he can do his business like a litter box. Regular walks will also do wonders for this part of the training.

Along with having your papillon respect you and recognizing where the potty is, socializing him is an important part of dog training. Papillons with poor socialization become timid, nervous and sometimes highly excitable. Having a jitterbug in your arms is not exactly fun for you and the dog. Socializing your papillon is quite easy, simply exposing them to people and different places can do wonders for them. Because of their size, they are also the perfect dogs to carry around in your arm or bag. If you have cats in the house, they also make a good companion for your papillon, they are not too aggressive and their quirkiness gives your papillon a lot of playtime.