First and foremost, give your new family addition time to get to know his new surroundings. However, that doesn’t mean to let him wander freely throughout your home or you will soon realize his quick need to piddle at will.

Keep baby Fido on a leash as you take him room to room, allowing him to sniff in his new home aromas.

This way you have a bit of control when it appears he is going to squat (yes, male puppies squat) and scoop him up and outside.

Or to his designated paper-training corner or newspapers on the floor.

This first day can be the most frustrating, but if you remain calm and provide plenty of love your newly added furry family member.

The best way to potty train a puppy is to walk him outside every 15 minutes or so for several days.

This may seem very inconvenient, but you won’t believe how smart your new best friend is!

He will very quickly understand that outside is the place to be when its time to potty.

Understandably, you most likely have to work outside the home. This is where crating young Fido will assist in your endeavors to keep the carpet accident free.

Dog are naturally “den” animals; they like sleeping in an enclosed, secure place. The benefit to this is they will not potty (or worse) where they sleep.

So the crate need only be big enough for him to stand up and turn around.

If, or more likely when, your dog has an accident inside the house, it is wise to catch him in the act in order to deter future happenings. Don’t yell, though!

Stay calm, pick him up, leash him and take him outside, all the while reinforcing sternly, “Potty outside…potty outside”.

Once outside, praise little four-legged friend. But only once he begins to “potty outside”.

For example, your tone from being stern when he potties in the house should change to loving while repeating the phrase, “Potty outside, good boy!”

This whole seemingly insane process of potty training a puppy should only take a few days if you are consistent. This goes for other family members as well.

Everyone needs to be on the same page with actions and commands so that puppy doesn’t get confused. Otherwise, it could take much longer.

When the whole training period is over, you will learn to enjoy the time outside with you new friend without the regimen.
However, don’t fret if it takes longer.

Dogs, like people, are all different; just be patient and you will be highly rewarded with a companion for life!