The problem for most people when it comes to housebreaking their dogs is a lack of consistency and a basic misunderstanding of how dogs learn right from wrong.
Start with the belief that your dog does not want to make you unhappy and upset. Always becoming angry with your dog may make the problem worse.
First, I must tell you that I do not believe in the concept of "paper training" a dog as the proper beginning. Even as a young adult, this concept did not make sense to me, and I have never used it. I do believe it can be a good method of training your dog when you expect it to "go" on paper all of its life.
My method works and is based on the natural concept that a dog will avoid, if at all possible, going to the bathroom where it sleeps. Studies of wolves, the dog's closest relative, have shown that a wolf that "goes" in the den is chastised by the top wolf, commonly referred to as the "Alpha Wolf." Also, dogs, by nature, are pretty sanitary animals, and find it insulting to have to lay in their own mess.
So, what do you do? First, you must find a safe place to keep your pup when your attention is not 100% focused on it. People frequently first think of a bathroom or utility room. However, most of them find that this does not work because it is too much space for your little dog. He or she can "go" in one corner and sleep comfortably in another.
You must first build or buy something that is small enough that the pup would have to sleep in its own mess. Many people purchase a cage or crate: the type that airlines use to ship animals. I prefer the metal type that allows the dog to see out in all directions. Companies that sell them by mail order usually have better prices; but you can make a purchase at a local pet store.
Remember ... your crate must be big enough for the dog to only stand up and turn around. Anything else is probably too big and may not work. If you buy one for a puppy, you may want to buy it with the adult dog in mind and subdivide it at first.
Keep the dog in the crate when your attention cannot be totally on it. When you let the dog out pick it up, if possible, and carry it outside, putting the leash on as you go. Put the dog on the ground outside. Do not play or talk to the dog except to encourage it to "get busy" or "go potty" (always use the same words or phrase).
When the dog "goes," praise the dog as if it had saved somebody's life. "What a good dog. Mommy (or Daddy) is so proud" or "What a good dog." Elevate your voice, especially you men. Smile! Now, do not take the dog in immediately. This is because the dog may not "go" the next time believing that you are going to take him in when he does. When you take the dog inside right after it "goes," the dog may construe it as punishment, and may wait until the last minute.
If the dog does have an accident in the house, do not clean it up in front of the dog. When the dog was born it would "go," and the mother dog would clean up after it. When the dog sees you doing this, it seems quite natural to the dog: "I go, Mommy (or Daddy) cleans it up."
A puppy should be able to hold itself for up to about 4 hours. Consequently, it may be necessary, at first, for you to arrange your schedule accordingly. If you work, you may need to come home at lunchtime, or ask a neighbor or friend to let the dog out. Instruct anyone else as to the procedure described above.
When you feel your dog is ready to be given the "run of the house," do it slowly. Go out for a few minutes the first time. Then gradually build up to long periods of time. Don't just decide one day to "trust" the dog and leave him out of the crate for 8 to 10 hours.
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