Puppyhood is the "formative" period for your dog. The things your puppy learns during this period will most likely stick with him the rest of his life. One of the most imperative things to get started is to train dogs to potty outside.

Developing a routine early on in your puppy's life is a sure way to ease the strain that the potty training process can entail. Try starting out by getting your pup used to a particular life routine. This includes working up a schedule of sleeping, eating, and potty time. Make sure that you keep the schedule constant, such as feeding him at a certain time every day and taking him outside 15 minutes after.

If you can admit straight away that accidents will happen when it comes to your puppy, then you just may save a bit of sanity while dog potty training! You can help lessen accidents by keeping some newspaper in a constant spot so that your pup can at least familiarize himself with going in one area if he can't make it outside. This works particularly well if you don't have a "doggy door" and your puppy relies on you to let him out.

The earlier you get to know your puppy's "eat/potty" routine, the easier potty-training will become. A good rule to go by is to estimate that your pup will be ready for a trip outside around 15 - 20 minutes after he has been fed/watered. This rule works very well if you can manage to have your puppy outside the proper potty surroundings at the time you expect he needs relief.

Be sure that you separate "potty time" from "play time." As it is natural for puppies to want to explore, you should only encourage them at the appropriate times. Nothing is more frustrating than to be up at 2 am with your puppy running around the yard for twenty minutes, only to potty as soon as you get back inside.

This period in your puppy's life is a great one to start administering praise and discipline techniques. Many people prefer the terms "good boy/girl" and "no," which can be still be used when your dog is an adult. Although puppies need a lot of repetition, routine, and firmness, remember that your puppy will soon grow up, so enjoy his young, eager activity while you can!

Learn more tips like this at HelpYourPets.com - Puppy Steps and learn how to not only train your puppies but also protect them.