To successfully house-train a puppy, your efforts must be consistent and constant.  If your puppy is six weeks or older, a regimented and careful training program can produce results in as little as one week’s time.  Follow these guidelines, and remember—the key factors in house-training are persistence and patience.

• Paper training will not train your puppy to go outdoors.  It will train him to use the papers.  You must take the dog outside at the very beginning of training.

• Try to be as consistent as possible.  Use the same door, take the puppy to the same spot outside, and approximate the same time for morning and evening trips.  This will make it easier for your puppy, and train him to both wait at the door when he has to go, and to use the same area outdoors.

• It is important to take the puppy out early in the morning and before retiring at night.  Also, after feeding, wait until the puppy starts circling or behaving as if he needs to go—then take him out immediately.

• Do not take the dog outdoors except when training.  Limit the puppy’s time outside to a few minutes, and wait until he is completely house-trained before allowing him to play outdoors.  Otherwise, he will not associate being outside with his training.

• Remember to praise the dog when he does go outdoors, and to vocally scold him in a loud tone when he goes in the house.  Puppies want to please, and it is generally not essential to spank the puppy.  In fact, this may be detrimental.

• It may be necessary to limit nightly food and water for the puppy.  Keep the dog within a small confined area at night or when otherwise left alone.  Animals do not like to soil their sleeping quarters.

• Should the puppy develop diarrhea, do not scold it.  Be patient and continue with the training regimen.  If the problem continues, consult your veterinarian.