There are various methods you can use when potty training your puppy. Before you start your training you should decide whether you are going to train your new puppy to go outside or go inside.

If you have little dogs and perhaps live in an apartment you may choose potty training your puppy inside in a designated area.

We will start with the first method which is potty training your puppy to relieve himself outside.
When potty training your puppy to go outside using a crate is highly recommended. Personally I have used a crate for potty training purposes and now would not be without one.

You want to make sure the crate is big enough for your puppy to stand up in and be able to turn around. If your puppy is a large breed you can buy a crate big enough to use when he is full grown, so for now just block off part of the crate so he does not have too much room.

When you are potty training your puppy the key is to be consistent. First thing in the morning you should take your puppy out of the crate put him on a leash then take him outside to do his business. Encourage him/her with words such as go potty. It really doesn't matter what words you use just try to make it sound uplifting and happy. When your puppy does go potty Praise! Praise! Praise!

Let your puppy have some out time and then take him back in for his/her morning feeding. If you are able to keep an eye on your puppy leave him out of the crate. If your puppy starts to sniff and circle take him/her out immediately to go potty. If not then after about 15 to 20 minutes take your puppy back out to go potty. This might take awhile. Some puppies will go soon after eating and drinking, while others will hold it longer. It shouldn't take you too long to figure out how soon after eating and drinking your puppy will need to go out.

When potty training your puppy it is a good idea to engage in a little bit of exercise after they have gone potty. This will tire your puppy out. A very interesting fact about tired sleeping puppies is they DO NOT get into trouble.

If you are working obviously your puppy will be crated when you are not home but it would be a good idea if you could get someone to come over and take your puppy out for a potty break when you are at work. When potty training your puppy at this young age they do need a lot of trips outside to relieve themselves.

Accidents will happen so be prepared. This is where a crate is really well worth it. Your puppy may well mess in his/her crate but at least it is confined and clean up is easy. Also puppies do not like to lie in their own mess so this will definitely help you when potty training your puppy.

A crate along with you being consistent makes potty training your puppy so much easier.