Our method for potty training is really quite easy, and inexpensive. When our litter of puppies is about four weeks we begin taking them out into the backyard with our older dogs. Although they are not old enough to 'hold it' then, we still take them out and praise them when they do go. The puppies will soon catch on, especially when the older dogs are going with them.

 

When you get your puppy, who will be at least 8 weeks old, it will have been already started with the above method. Its very important to have a crate. Dogs are, of course, domesticated animals but still want a 'den' like their wild relatives. A crate acts as a dog's den. Just like humans dogs need a sense of privacy and protection, a den does just that. A dog is also born with the instinct to use the bathroom farthest away from their den as possible, so you will rarely find that they use the bathroom in their crate, although until they are 12 weeks it will happen, and its not their fault; they simply can't hold it. To avoid regression in your dogs 'potty training' its a good idea for your dog to be kept in his crate while you are not around to keep an eye on him. Such times as night or while your out of the house are a must. If you see your puppy use the bathroom in the house scold him. A stern "Bad Dog!" will do the trick. You should NOT hit the dog, or keep yelling at him, it will do nothing but make him fear you. Once you tell him no, quickly pick him up and move him outside. Place him on the grass and tell him "potty" or what ever cue you are using, praise him as if he is the best dog in the world if he goes in the correct area. If you discover your puppy has gone on the floor, but you didn't see him do it, you can't scold him. Your puppy will not remember going on the floor, and will not understand why you are mad at him. For all he knows you just yelled at him for wagging his tail. The only time you should scold your puppy is if he is caught in the act of committing the crime. Your puppy will need to be taken outside often to avoid accidents, and each time you need to accompany him and praise him when he does what is expected. After a while he'll catch on. Although our standard potty trained easily, not all will. You need to give your puppy time, every puppy is different. Accidents will happen, its part of owning a puppy. Good luck and happy training!