The Papillon has very high intelligence, almost comparable to that of a six- or seven-year-old child, so training it is relatively easy. Even so, Papillon training still needs to be done carefully and methodically. Random, unstructured training only wastes time.
Socialization Training
The first important area is socialization. Socialization training refers to how a Papillon behaves and reacts when meeting strangers. In some foreign training standards, one indicator is that the Papillon should remain calm when facing unfamiliar people. Even if a stranger comes close and wants to interact, the dog should still stay friendly and composed. For Papillons living in cities, this kind of socialization is especially important.
Although it may sound advanced, this training is not actually very difficult. Many owners think that as long as the Papillon is on a leash, everything is fine, so they do nothing even when it barks at people. In reality, if the owner seriously stops the barking whenever the Papillon barks at people for no reason, then in an exaggerated sense, half of the socialization work is already done.
This is because Papillons observe their owners' behavior. If the first time the dog barks at strangers you do not stop it, the behavior often becomes worse in the future. But if you correct it in time, the Papillon will slowly change. Of course, this is only the basic level of civil behavior expected from owners. If you want formal socialization training, it is best to seek help from a professional.
Recall Training
The next important skill is recall training. Recall means not only being able to let the Papillon run free in an appropriate place, but also being able to call it back successfully. Dogs should normally be walked on leash, but in places specifically designed for dogs to play, letting the Papillon off leash briefly can be very good for it. A Papillon with good recall will return immediately when called, even if it is in the middle of having fun. If recall training is poor, then you may have to wait until the dog decides on its own that it is done playing. For Papillons that go outside every day, recall training should be taken very seriously.
Refusal Training
The last key point is refusal training. When walking outside, Papillons often want to pick up and eat all kinds of things, which can be harmful. Refusal training teaches the dog to eat only at appropriate times and to refuse what should not be eaten, including food offered by strangers and random things found on the ground. Tragic accidents caused by dogs swallowing dangerous food or objects outdoors are not rare, so this training is very necessary. That said, apart from working dogs, many ordinary pet dogs find this skill difficult, and it often takes a great deal of persistence.
If your Papillon goes out often and likes to play outdoors, these types of training are essential. Anyone who wants to be a responsible and civilized owner must give the dog reasonable and appropriate training.