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First of all, you must realize that a puppy has no idea what is right or wrong in this area. Remember that this is an animal, not a human being. When you bring that pup home (preferably at about 8 weeks of age), be prepared for accidents and the necessary cleanup that will ensue.

Here are some ideas for a basic methodology to help you potty train the dog.

The dog MUST be taken outdoors regularly for this purpose, so set a regimen for yourself. The recommended times to take the dog outside are as follows:

1. First thing in the morning as soon as they are awake (even if you aren't!).

2. As soon as your puppy wakes up from a nap.

3. Immediately after ALL meals of any substance.

4. If you are crate training, take them outside immediately when you remove them from the crate.

5. If your dog has a substantial snack, they need to go outside immediately afterwards. Just like after meals.

6. Just prior to going to bed for the night.

7. If your puppy gets up and whines at night.

While taking them out it is crucial that you praise them. Give them lots of praise. Puppies like to please their owners. As soon as you tell them they are good puppies, it more likely that they'll want to do it again.

Now you will want to control the intake of the dog (food and water) to a certain degree. So they should only be fed or given water when you are available to get them outside right afterwards. NEVER leave a dog with a bowl of food and then go out for several hours. This will produce an accident and give the dog the impression that it is OK if you are not there to use your beautiful carpet for a toilet!

On those occasions that they do have an accident, do the cleanup quietly and calmly. It is not a good idea to punish a puppy for these mistakes. Simply ignore them and clean it up.

When you are at home with your dog, it is recommended to keep them with you for as much time as is allowed. This includes on a leash (once they are leash trained), in a crate or in a kennel area (like a small cage).

NOTE: While crate training, PLEASE keep the puppy in the crate as little as possible! This will reduce anxiety, excessive barking, and lack of attention.

Keep in mind that you are performing a dual job during potty training. First, you want the dog to respect your furniture, carpeting and general household by NOT using it as a toilet. Second, you are building a relationship with the dog.

It's important to know that your dog does not understand English. Most of the time they are reacting to your tone and hand gestures rather than the word itself. They can sense your mood and know from there what you want from them. So don't automatically assume your dog knows what you are trying to tell them with your words all the time.

Use patience and love during potty training and you will have a loving dog to show for it.

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