The key to success in housetraining are determination and timing.  Be patient and positive.  Rewards work far better than punishment.

Take a puppy outside as often as possible.  Puppies need to eliminate frequently, especially 15-20 minutes after eating and after rigorous play.  As they get older, they will be able to wait longer.  Watch for signs such as whining or turning in a circle, then quickly pick the puppy up and take him outside.  When he eliminates outside, praise him immediately, using a word of your choice for the action, (always use the same word for it).  Then play with him for a little while before returning inside.  He will learn that eliminating outside earns him praise and some extra playtime as well.

What about mistakes?  They will happen in the beginning.  Do not punish a dog for this or he will simply hide from you for his next in house elimination.  Instead, correct him with a gentle, firm "No," take him outside, say your word, (our favorite "do your business") and praise him when he relieves himself.  Then be sure your ready the next time he needs to go.

Crate Training:  Crates are useful for housetraining.  A dog should have a cozy place to curl up, but he should not be kept locked in a crate his entire life.  For housetraining, however, two weeks of restriction can mean a lifetime of trusted freedom in the house.  Feed the dog and within a reasonable time take him outside to eliminate.  Then put him in the crate with his toys and a blanket until its time for him to eliminate again, never more than two hours for a puppy or four hours for an adult dog.

Dogs do not like to eliminate in their play and sleep areas.  The crate should be large enough for him to stand up and make a full turn, but not so large that he can have an area set aside for eliminating.  Once the dog is housetrained, you can leave the crate with its door open.  It will be a quiet place for him to relax or take a break.

Paper Training:  If you live in an apartment without easy access to the outdoors, you may need to "paper train" your puppy.  To do this, choose an enclosed area in the kitchen or bathroom and cover the entire floor with paper.  When he eliminates on it, replace the dirty paper with clean paper right away.  In a few days, take away some of the papers to leave part of the floor bare.  If he eliminates on the bare floor, correct him gently and put him on the paper, then praise.  As he gets the idea, gradually remove more and more paper, until you have just a small area for elimination.

"Puppy-proofing" your home will make it a safer environment for your dog, and you'll rest easier knowing the little one is out of harm's way.  Here's a simple checklist to make sure your home is safe for a puppy:

• Make sure all poisonous household items are stored our of puppy's reach.

• Check your plants, as many can be toxic to a puppy.

• Look at your house from a puppy's point of view and remove any dangling electrical cords, loose nails or other objects that could injure your puppy