Patience, perseverance and consistency are the qualities necessary in housebreaking a dog.  Maintain a strict schedule for 30 days until the idea of elimination outside is associated then gradually give your puppy more freedom as an “audition” of his behavior.  The constant routine and not giving your puppy the opportunity to potty inside is the key to success!

• NEVER PUNISH AFTER THE FACT!  If your puppy has had an accident in the house and you are not there to bear witness, you cannot reprimand him.  Dogs live in the moment and will not associate your reprimand with something he did an hour ago.  If you must, divert the frustration onto yourself, as it is ultimately due to your negligence the accident occurred.  If you do catch him in the act, simply say “Outside!”  Lift him up (usually causing his bladder to contract) and take him outside to his appropriate potty area. Be sure to clean the  soiled area with Nature’s Miracle or Pet Force.  It’s important to remove all odor as dogs have a keen sense of smell and usually return to a place that was previously soiled.
• Avoid using Puppy Pads unless absolutely necessary!  By using pads or newspapers you are sending a mixed signal your puppy by allowing him to go potty in the house.  It’s best to set up a schedule where someone can let the puppy out for potty during the day as to avoid eliminating inside all together.
• Schedule feeding times and stick the routine.  Feeding your puppy in the crate is a good idea and remove food after 15 minutes.  Pull water 2-3 hours before bedtime.
• LOW KEY EXITS & LOW KEY ARRIVALS.  Refrain from getting excited when letting your puppy out of the crate.  We don’t want to reward our puppy with praise because we don’t want him to anticipate leaving the crate.  Be calm and simply let him out for potty.  After a couple of minutes you can give him all the praise and affection you wish!
• Crate your dog when he can’t be supervised even for a few minutes.   Don’t give him too much freedom too quickly for this is a sure way to have accidents. Remember, once your puppy eliminates in the house, it’s like taking 5 steps backwards.
• Use “puppy stations” when spending time with your pet. Tether your dog to the leg of a chair or the sofa.  This way your puppy is under constant watch.  Have several set up around the house in the places you spend the most time like the den, kitchen and office.  Already have a towel, leash and a pressed rawhide, stuffed bone or bully stick in place.  By doing this we set ourselves up not to fail!
• Never let your puppy wander alone about the house.  Have your puppy drag his leash in the house. This way if he decides to run, rather than getting into a game of “catch me if you can,” you can easily step on his leash.
• Train your dog to “potty” on command. When escorting your dog outside to encourage him to eliminate by coming up with a phrase like “go potty or do your business.” When he does, lavishly praise him!   Never use treats as a reward as you will quickly get a dog that will “fake” potty.  Also, encourage your dog to use grass or gravel rather than cement, as this texture is too similar to tile and hardwood floors.
• Never assume your puppy has eliminated after running around the backyard playing; they often forget to do so.  After outside playtime, I recommend putting your puppy in his crate for 15 minutes or so, let him calm down and then escort him outside.  You’ll be surprised how often he will go potty!  In this way going in the house will never be an option.
• Finally remember, puppies often need to potty after naps, playtime, eating, training, grooming, before bedtime and first thing in the morning.