Having a new puppy in the house can be fun and rewarding, but it is also a huge responsibility. One of the first things you’ll want to accomplish is the task of housebreaking your new dog, and depending on whom you ask there are many ways to accomplish this. Here we will outline a program for potty training that is recommended by veterinarians and trainers alike—a program which will quickly teach your new dog that the place to do his business is outside.

So when should you begin the process of housebreaking your new dog? Experts differ slightly on this, but most agree that a new puppy is ready to learn this new skill at about 7-8 weeks old. At this age, the dog can fully grasp what it is you are asking him/her to do. To begin with, designate a spot outdoors where you would prefer the dog to eliminate, and take your new puppy outside to that spot at least 6 times a day. Taking him to a different spot each time may be confusing for your pup, so be sure and be consistent with the spot you designate.

After you have taken your puppy outside, wait some time until he decides to relieve himself and then shower him with rewards or praise. If you do this immediately, eventually your puppy will begin to associate the reward with the behavior and he/she will want to repeat the behavior time and again. As the handler, it is your responsibility to ensure that the dog is praised or given a treat each and every time he repeats the behavior. This is the quickest way to reinforce good habits.

The next step in housebreaking a new puppy is indoor supervision. Accidents will happen—at least until the puppy is about 12 weeks old—but the frequency of these accidents can be lessened with proper supervision. Keep your puppy in the same room, and when you are away, make sure that he/she is crated so he cannot go on the carpet or floors. If you catch your new puppy in the act of relieving himself indoors, immediately discourage the behavior and take him outside to the preferred location.

It would be great if puppies were born knowing that they need to “do their business” outside and only in a certain area, but unfortunately this is a learned skill only. Follow the steps outlined above and in no time at all you can housebreak your puppy permanently and can get to the fun stuff associated with owning a new dog.

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