• Ideally, housetraining should be done in conjunction with crate training. Read about Crate Training.
• Establish an elimination spot outside. That takes the guesswork out of the trip.
• When you think your dog is due to go to the bathroom, or if your dog exhibits signs like sniffing an area or (once better trained) whining or going to the door, clip a leash to his collar and take him to the spot.
• Pick a phrase like "Go potty" or "Go outside," then say it calmly whenever your pup is going. Praise your dog after he is finished. Over time, he will come to link those words with those actions and you’ll have a dog who goes on command.
• During the housetraining period, keep your dog in sight. If he should start to do something in front of you, interrupt him and take him outdoors quickly. Praise him for completing the job outside.
• Through repetition, your dog will learn that there is one place where elimination is appropriate, and when he needs to go he will alert you.
• Maintain a regular feeding, drinking and elimination schedule. Make it a routine to take your dog outside to eliminate about 15 to 30 minutes after he has eaten.

When Your Dog Makes a Mistake
Every dog will make mistakes when first being housetrained. Watch these mistakes and see if you can spot a cause. Mistakes are a sign that your puppy or dog does not know what is acceptable and so you, as teacher, must find the source of confusion and fix it.

• Too much freedom too quickly is the most common error. If your dog has an accident or two, back up and slow down the training.
• Providing a crate that is too big for your dog encourages him to eliminate in one end and sleep in the other. Also, if you place food and water in the crate, he may be forced to relieve himself.
• Don't hit your dog.  Dogs do not understand being hit or grabbed. A dog is unable to connect punishment with a past mistake and will believe you are angry for no reason, possibly leading to fear and confusion on your dog’s part.
• Changing your dog’s diet can cause digestive problems that might result in an accident. Late night feedings and not enough exercise can also lead to accidents.
• Even well-trained dogs may have accidents. Clean the area with a pet odor neutralizer so your pet won't be tempted to repeat the mistake.
• Watch for territorial marking – spraying urine on objects. That's not a housetraining mistake. Your dog is vying to be leader of the pack - which is your family. When you see this behavior, step up obedience training.
• Don't rule out a bladder infection. Spaying and neutering can help reduce the risk. Talk to your veterinarian.

Litter Training: A Housetraining Alternative
There are different approaches to housetraining. An innovative approach involves dog litter, such as Purina® secondnature® brand dog litter. Using litter, a puppy or dog (up to 35 pounds) can easily be trained to eliminate in one spot indoors, reducing the need for trips outside in the middle of the night or messes that are found when you get home from work. It also is a good option for apartment dwellers. Training information is available with the purchase of secondnature®. Visit www.doglitter.com for more information.