1. Teach the puppy where to go

Always take the puppy to the same area outside to eliminate. Don't just let him wander outside in the backyard every time. If you say a key word every time he eliminates (like "hurry up" or "go potty"), he will associate the word with eliminating.

2. Take the pup outside frequently

Immediately take the puppy outside after play and naps or after it has awakened at night. Also take the pup out 15 - 45 minutes after he eats. Watch for behaviors like pacing, whining or circling that indicate he may be ready to go. Praise the puppy when he eliminates.

3. Control access to food

Feed the puppy twice daily (3 or 4 times for smaller breeds) at the same time every day. Only leave the food down for 20 minutes. Do not feed for 3 to 4 hours prior to bedtime.

4. Provide constant supervision or confinement

Until the puppy has not soiled in the house for two consecutive weeks, it must either be under constant supervision by a family member who is actually watching it at all times or must be confined to a crate or a small room. The puppy should stay in the crate for no longer than 1 hour plus the age of the pup in months (a 4 month old pup = 5 hours in a crate at one time). Inadequate supervision and confinement are the most common reasons for failure to housetrain a puppy.

5. Teach the pup to signal when it has to eliminate

This can be done by frequently keeping the pup on a leash indoors, especially during times when it is likely to have to eliminate. Puppies quickly learn to sneak away from the owner to eliminate so they can avoid a scolding. When the puppy is prevented from sneaking away, it will become anxious and vocalize or fidget. Since the owner is nearby, these behaviors will be noticed and the pet will be taken outdoors. It doesn't take too many repetitions of this scenario for the pup to learn that being close to an owner and vocalizing or fidgeting results in a trip outdoors.

6. Odor control

Use a good commercial product made specifically for pet elimination odors. One good example is Elimin-Odor, which is available at Pet Care Veterinary Hospital.

7. Punishment

The only punishment permitted is a loud "no" if the pet is caught in the act of eliminating in an inappropriate area. Submissive or greeting urination should never be punished as it will only make the problem worse.