• Dogs are easy to train because they are pack animals with strong instincts to follow a leader.  Learn to understand your dog's inherited behavioral instincts and work with -- not against -- them.

• Don't expect to completely housebreak a puppy under 14 weeks of age.  Very young puppies can't hold bladder and bowel movements for long periods.

• Feed your dog a nutritious diet on a consistent time schedule and he will eliminate on a consistent schedule.

• Do not feed doggy treats or table scraps between meals during the training period.

• Teach control of bodily functions by creating a 'den' and confine him to it until time to go out.  The best method of confinement and an ideal den is a metal or plastic cage or crate.  Supervise your puppy at all times when he is out of his den.  Initially limit him to only a few rooms in the house for easier monitoring.

• Select one location outdoors for your puppy to do his business.  Use this location consistently.  Refrain from using papers indoors--this will just confuse the puppy as to where he is expected to go.

• Take your dog to his 'toilet area' first thing every morning, after every meal or drink of water, after naps, after play periods or excitement, and before bedtime.

• In between, stay alert for such signs as whining, restlessness, sniffing on the floor, or going around in circles.  As soon as you see any of these cues, rush him outside to his specific area right away.

• Stay outside with the dog and praise him lavishly when, and every time, he relieves himself.

• Use verbal praise and petting, NOT FOOD, as a reward.

• Clean up promptly after your dog.

• Keep the dog himself clean and well groomed, as well as his crate or bed area.

• Scold the puppy verbally ONLY if you catch him relieving himself in the house.  Rush him outside immediately.  If you do not catch him, it is too late for a correction to have any effect.  (NOTE: if the dog does have an accident in the house, put him in another area while you clean up.  Do not let the dog see you clean up his mess).

Do not expect your puppy to tell you when he needs to go outside.  Follow a STRICT timetable for optimal success.  The more vigilant you are in the beginning, the more successful your training program will be.