Undoubtedly, there is nothing quite as cute as a new puppy. But let’s face facts. Not everything about a puppy is cute. As is true with a human toddler, puppies have to be potty-trained, or house-broken, if you will. If you want to make sure to properly house-break your new puppy, you have to do the job the right way from the very start. The first thing you should do is to take your puppy out to the back yard, if you have one, and let him stay there until he does his business. Let him know how pleased you are with the good job he’s done. This should be done about every two hours.

When you are house and crate training your puppy, you should feed her in her crate, and then bring her outside very soon after she is done eating. Allow her some time to go. At first, you will have to carry her out and put her on the grass or ground so that she makes the right associations.

When you carry him outside, make sure to set him on the grass. The puppy should feel grass under him so that he can get used to the idea that this is the proper place to do his business. If you think he’s taking too much of his own sweet time in doing what he has to do, try walking around a little so that the puppy will follow you. Walking sometimes loosens him up and makes it easier for him to go.

You should always take your puppy outside before bed time- this is one of the most important parts of house training. Despite this, she may occasionally cry during the night to go out. Like a human baby, she doesn’t have these functions under control yet- take her out so she can go.

The puppy should go back in his crate after having gone outside for the last time of the day. Try to keep things quiet and calm at this time, so the puppy will go back to sleep and not want to play instead. After some time (a few days), your puppy will understand the routine and know that night time is for sleeping.

All of these tips notwithstanding, you should probably lay down newspaper in the puppy’s area so that she will have a place to go, just in case. The idea is that you can gradually move this newspaper further and further away- and closer to the door to the outside.

Another important trick is rewarding the puppy for its good behavior. When they do something you are proud of, show your enthusiasm and give them a treat for a reward.

Remember to only reward the puppy only when they have been good. After time it will come natural to them and they will know what needs to be done for a treat.

If you want to learn more about this make sure to check out Choosing A Dog Breed.