Why do so few people keep Papillons? Many people are easily charmed by the breed's cute appearance, but in reality Papillons can also be mischievous, and that is one reason they are not more common. Below is a summary of some common Papillon drawbacks and ways owners often try to correct those habits.
Digging Through Trash
In daily life, many young Papillons develop the habit of getting into trash cans. This behavior comes from foraging instincts inherited from their ancestors, and young dogs in particular may enjoy ?treasure hunting,? leaving garbage scattered everywhere. To reduce this behavior, owners can use a trash can with a lid, weigh the lid down, or simply place the trash can higher where the dog cannot reach it. Some owners also use noise-based deterrents so that when the dog touches the trash can, a sudden loud sound startles it and discourages repetition.
Damaging Furniture or Slippers
Papillon puppies can have a strong destructive streak and often like to chew things such as slippers and furniture. When left alone, a dog may chew out of loneliness or simple boredom. A practical correction method is to limit the dog to a smaller safe space when unattended so that it cannot damage household items. A crate or enclosed area can provide a sense of security, especially if the dog also has safe chew toys and some background sound from a television or radio. Such confinement should only be temporary, and once the owner returns, the dog should receive more attention and exercise. If the behavior is caught in the act, the owner can give a firm verbal correction immediately.
Jumping Onto Beds, Tables, and Chairs
Habits such as jumping onto beds or furniture should not be allowed to form. If the owner sees the Papillon jumping onto a chair or bed, it should be corrected immediately. Once a dog gets used to being on the bed, it can become much harder to stop later.
Begging for Food
When people are eating, a Papillon may come over immediately and act greedy. At that moment, it should be corrected at once and returned to its own resting place. Exceptions should never be made, or the dog may develop picky eating habits, an addiction to human snacks, and even weight gain.
Jumping on People
The dog may think this behavior is a friendly way to greet people, but it can easily frighten guests. The owner should stop the behavior as soon as it happens and redirect the dog calmly and consistently so that it learns to greet people more politely.
Liking to Chase Things
Papillons can have a strong instinct to chase cars, motorcycles, bicycles, postal workers, or passersby. That means owners must be especially careful when taking them outside. If chasing behavior appears, the owner should interrupt it immediately and redirect the dog, using leash handling and verbal correction in a controlled way.
Licking Random Things From the Ground
If a Papillon constantly licks things from the ground, the owner should stop the behavior immediately, remove the object, and give a firm correction. Owners should also think about whether the dog may not be fully satisfied nutritionally, and should avoid allowing the dog to form the habit of eating outdoors, because that can lead to poisoning or other safety problems.
Barking Randomly
Owners should stop excessive barking firmly, then calm the dog by touching or petting it once it settles down. If the dog stops barking, it can be rewarded and encouraged. If it starts again, the owner repeats the correction. Long-term barking problems should be managed with humane training methods rather than extreme solutions.
Running Away From Home
Many dogs that run out are never found again. For this reason, owners must teach clear door boundaries and stop the dog from casually rushing through the entrance whenever the door opens.
Biting People
If a Papillon suddenly bites someone, the owner must correct it immediately with a serious expression so that the dog understands the behavior is wrong. Otherwise, it may mistakenly think biting is part of a game. With repeated correction and guidance, the dog can gradually learn that biting people is unacceptable behavior.