The Setup

• According to author Jack Volhard's in his book "What all dogs should know," crate training is a common method of house training and works because dogs naturally do not want to soil where they sleep. This only works if the crate provides slightly more space than is necessary for comfortable sleeping and standing. Size adjustable crates work well to accommodate a growing puppy. According to Volhard, it is unrealistic to expect a six week old puppy to last more than a couple of hours, but this length increases as the puppy gets older.
  
  

Potty When You Want

• When taking the puppy out of the crate to potty, do not make eye contact or speak to him. According to author Bruce Fogle in his book, "The Dog's Mind: Understanding your dog's behavior," puppies frequently urinate due to over excitement, so endeavor to not be exciting. Carry him outside to the designated potty spot. Letting him walk outside himself early on will likely result in an accident along the way. Once you set him down, give the command "go potty" or "be quick."
  When he goes, give him verbal praise ("good dog"). When done, give him excessive verbal and physical praise (petting). Food praise is also very effective. The goal is that puppy understands that pottying on command outside is a behavior that will win him praise.
  Fogle states that a dog will "learn behavior fastest when it is consistently rewarded." When you are home, pay attention to puppy's behavior. Sniffing can indicate he needs to go. Take him outside often to increase the chance that he will potty outside. After naps, eating and playing are common times to go outside.
  
  

Potty When You Do Not Want

• If you catch the puppy in the act of relieving himself inside, clap your hands loudly to startle the puppy. This is likely to cause him to stop mid-stream. Rush the puppy outside to a desired spot. It is likely he will return to what he was doing for which he should receive a lot of praise. Although negative reinforcement can be effective, it is important to remember that the puppy wants us to be happy. Thus, praising one behavior and simply ignoring another is an effective method of dog training. If you praise him excessively every time he goes outside, he will get the picture even if you don't punish him for mistakes.