House-training can be a daunting task, but with a few training aids and  a large commitment on your part, you can succeed. Just like parenting,  you will need to be patient, vigilant and most important, consistent!
 

     Just like with a new baby, it's best to have a schedule and stick to  it. Your puppy will quickly learn that there are times to eat, sleep,  play, and eliminate.
 

      For the most part, a puppy can control  his bladder for about one hour for every month he is old. So if you have  a two-month old puppy, he can hold it for about two hours. If you wait  longer than this to give him a bathroom break, you will be setting him  up for an accident. If you work outside the home, arrange for someone to  give your puppy his breaks.
 

      Begin  by taking your puppy outside immediately after he wakes up and at least  every two hours thereafter. He will probably need to go during and  after playing, and you will want to take him outside after eating or  drinking too.
 

      Determine where you want your outdoor "bathroom" spot to be and then guide your puppy to this spot using a leash.  While your puppy is going potty, use a word or phrase like "go potty,"  that you can eventually use before he eliminates to remind him what to  do.
 

    After he is finished, reward him with praise, a treat, a long walk or some playtime.  Remember to do this consistently and immediately after he's finished  and when you are still outdoors. This step is very important because  it's the only way he'll know what you expect. Make sure he is finished  before you reward him. Praising him too soon may excite him enough to  stop in the middle of his business and then complete the job when he's  back in the house.
 

     After he is finished, reward him with praise, a our puppy. What goes into a puppy on a  schedule comes out of a puppy on a schedule. Depending on their age,  puppies usually need to be fed three or four times a day. Feeding your  puppy at the same times each day will make it more likely that he'll  eliminate at consistent times as well.
 

 You can reduce the need for your puppy to have to relieve himself in the middle of the night by picking up his water bowl about two and a half hours before bedtime. Most puppies can sleep for approximately seven hours without having to eliminate.
 

      If your puppy does wake you up in the middle of the night, just quietly take him out to do his business and return him to his bed.  It helps to turn on as few lights as possible and not to talk to him or  play with him. If you do, he might think it is time to play and won't  want to go back to sleep.
 

     Whenever your puppy  is indoors, you will need to keep a watchful eye for signs that your  puppy needs to eliminate. Some of these signs are barking or scratching  at the door, squatting, restlessness, sniffing around, or circling. When  you see these signs, immediately grab the leash and take him outside to  his bathroom spot. If he eliminates outside, give him lots of praise  and reward him with a treat.
 

     During the house-training process it's helpful to tether your puppy to a piece of furniture while inside to more effectively  keep an eye on him. Use a six foot length of rope so he has plenty of  room to roam, but he is not able to get out of your sight.
 

      Keep your puppy on a leash in the yard, as well. Your yard should be  treated like any other room in your house. When your puppy has become  reliably house-trained, then you can give your puppy some freedom in the  house and in the yard.
 

     When you're unable  to watch your puppy at all times, he should be confined to an area small  enough that he won't want to eliminate there. This space should be just  big enough for him to comfortably stand, lie down, and turn around in.  You can use gates to block off part of a utility room, bathroom or laundry room for this purpose.
 

     You can also crate train your puppy. When using this method, be humane as possible. If  your puppy has spent several hours in confinement, you'll need to take  him directly to his bathroom spot as soon as you let him out, and praise  him when he eliminates.
 

     Accidents  will happen. It is a normal part of the house-training process. If you  catch your puppy in the act of soiling in the house, interrupt him. Say  "OUTSIDE!" and immediately grab the leash and take him to his outdoor  potty spot. Praise him and give him a treat only if he finishes his  business outside.
 

      It won't do  any good for you to punish your puppy for eliminating in the house. In  fact, it will do more harm. Just clean up the soiled area. If you rub  his nose in it and scold him, you will just make him afraid of you or  eliminating in your presence.
 

      You will have to clean the area really well and use an odor eliminator o keep your puppy from soiling in that same area.
 

      It's so important to be consistent and vigilant. If you follow these  steps, you will have fewer accidents. If you allow your puppy to have a  lot of accidents, you will only confuse him about where he is supposed  to go and therefore prolong house-training.
 

      If you must leave your puppy alone for long periods of time, confine  him to an area with enough room to sleep and play, along with a separate  place to eliminate. Use training pads with a floor protector in this area for your convenience.
 

      If you clean up an accident in the house, put the soiled rags or paper  towels in the designated elimination area. The smell will help your  puppy recognize the area as the place where he is supposed to eliminate.