Training your puppy to eliminate outside you home, and not in it, typically starts from six to nine weeks of age. Puppies as young as one month have been put on a housebreaking plan but at that young age, hardly any have developed the power to succeed.

The trainer's patience is just as important as the dog's temperament for the duration of any dog training regimen. Basic commands, such as stay, sit, and others can usually be learned within several days. Toilet training generally takes weeks - sometimes as little as two, often a four or more.

As with similar taught behaviours, it helps to look out for any indications of the required deed and immediately enforce it, by instructing them with a verbal command followed closely by praise. In this instance the method will work more to the trainer's advantage, as all pets will naturally eliminate. The objective is to get the puppy to do it where and when you want!

Look for tell tale signs, such as squatting or circling, then scoop up the puppy, say 'outside' and rush outdoors. The pup could continue to circle more, but often will squat straight away. As it starts, say 'go potty' (or a similar unique saying) in a firm, clear voice. When the task has been completed praise the pup generously.

It is not always possible to notice when the puppy is about to start, but don't become impatient or angry if the dog goes inside. The dog will need time to learn how to tell you it's time to 'go outside'. Also time is needed for the muscles that control the bowels and bladder to grow.

On average, young pups will require to go every two to three hours. It you haven't noticed pre-elimination indications with that time, remove the pup outside anyway. Give the command 'go potty' and wait. To begin with, the pup will often not have any idea what you desire.

When outside in the open it often helps to watch and wait for the needed behaviour then again give the command. This will enable the pup to match the command with the behaviour. If the puppy shows no interest after several minutes, and after giving a few 'go potty' orders, take the pup and return indoors for while.

Dogs are surprisingly quick at being able to establish what their 'alpha' (person in charge) wishes. This is typically accomplished by relating behaviour with a verbal command, which is immediately followed by encouragement. Any punishment given out is often non-productive, and even more so during waste elimination. Never be tempted to rub a pup's nose in the mess.

Paper or crate training is a preferred choice for house owners. A puppy can be instructed to go on paper, or a more preferable choice is to use one of the specially treated pads intended for this purpose. For some smaller breads that often spend long periods of time indoors, this would be the ideal choice.

This practice does however have a few downsides. Entirely different to cats, puppies will seldom use a scented litter tray. Newspapers will ultimately create a rather unpleasant aroma in the home.

Also, before the smell becomes noticeable by humans, dogs will have already smelt their own unique scent. This becomes a problem as the dog won't find it unappealing - rather the opposite.

Pups that are started out with paper training will typically favour eliminating inside. On occasions they'll miss the newspaper only by inches, created an unpleasant waste to clean up.

If the odour has the opportunity to soak into the flooring, the puppy will repeatedly seek out that area as the right place to go. This means that the training the pup to go outside can become even more tricky. It's often preferable to suffer one or two accidents then to generate a difficult to overcome pattern.

Consistency, patience, and praise are answers to any dog training. Housebreaking your puppy is the initial hurdle to overcome.

About the Author

Darren Lintern writes extensively for www.andallabout.com, a popular informational website that provides helpful tips, advice, and resources on many dog training topics including Dog Training Collar