Know when to Discipline

• Knowing when to discipline your puppy for what he does in the house is critical to effective potty training. The simplest rule for knowing when to discipline and when not to is this: If you don't catch him doing it, don't discipline him for it. Dogs have a very short attention span, and disciplining him for something he can't remember is very likely if you attempt to do so after the fact.
  
  

Employ Negative and Positive Reinforcement

• Many people think that negative reinforcement is an effective element in puppy training, especially when it comes to housebreaking. The truth is that negative reinforcement is secondary to positive reinforcement. Praise and treats go a lot further than a spanking or a stern voice. While negative reinforcement is important, it is not more important than showing your pet how much you approve when they do what you require of them.
  
  

Use a Crate or Kennel

• Crate or kennel training is a useful method. While he may not seem like it, a dog is an inherently clean animal. He doesn't want to sleep or eat where he goes. For this reason, confining him to a crate when he cannot be monitored or taken out on a regular schedule is often a good idea.
  
  

Clean Messes Thoroughly

• Dogs are very cognizant of scent. When mistakes happen (and they will), be sure to clean up the mess thoroughly afterward. Dogs are attracted to scents, and they are more likely to do it again in the same spot. Use a disinfectant that removes odors to clean the area thoroughly.
  
  

Be Realistic

• Potty training a puppy is a process. Sometimes it is a long one. Always keep in mind that you are dealing with a very young dog; in essence, he is a baby. It may take some time for him to be fully potty trained. How long it takes depends on the temperament of your dog and how attentive you are to the issue of potty training.