Potty training is a very challenging process.

The first thing to keep in mind is that it is much easier to potty train a young puppy than an older dog. So if you are intending to get a puppy, start training as soon as possible.

Older dogs do have habits that first need to be unlearned before any training attempts can be successfully implemented. However it is not impossible to potty train an older dog.

Another point to take into account is that cleaning up is part of the whole potty training process. The sooner you get used to that idea the easier it will be. Just make sure that your puppy is secluded to a part of the home that will not be a hassle to clean up. Preferably areas without carpets.

Lets look at a few basic potty training methods. When to take your dog out to relieve himself: When he wakes up in the morning.

Make sure that you take him out as soon as he wakes up. Take him to the same spot every day. If you would like your dog to pee or poop on a paved surface, make sure that you take him to the same paved surface every time.

He needs to start associating the specific surface with doing his thing. Later on it will be a matter of urgency for him to get to that specific surface.

After breakfast Take him out about 15 minutes after his breakfast. If you are a very patient person or has a lot of time on your hands you could take him out straight away and wait for him to relieve himself. If he takes a really long time you could probably leave him outside for some time, but make sure you check on him regularly. This goes for naps, lunch, dinner and just before bedtime. There will come a time when you will notice that he starts whining at night to go out. This is one of the moments when you will start feeling good about your efforts to train him.

Remember that dogs live to please so praise him in a happy voice whenever he gets it right.

If you cannot spend the time to take him out right after a feed, rather put it off for a while until you do have the time.

Water also needs to be restricted for the potty training weeks. It will assist in speeding up the training process and will leave fewer accidents. However make sure your puppy gets enough water.

Yes accidents will happen and you need to make peace with that fact. When your dog does his thing where you do not want, clean up without paying attention to him. Do not shout or scream at him and ignore him for a while. You should use a word or phrase that you want your dog to remember and associate with bad behaviour. Use it every time he messes in the house. Happy potty training...