Unless you want your house smelling of puppy pee you might want to start house-training him from the moment you step in the door. Puppies generally can't control their bladders until they're about three months old so buy lots of newspaper!
Newspaper training is great for when the weather's bad and your puppy has to stay inside.
Decide on a place that will become your puppy's toilet area. Put down a sheet of plastic then add several layers of paper.
Watch for signs that your puppy needs to 'go'. This will usually happen soon after waking up, after a meal or drink.
Plonk your puppy down on the newspaper and, if he goes there, reward him with a pat and praise. It helps to establish a command that you will use to encourage your pup to go toilet.
Don't chuck away all of the soiled newspaper. Keep the bottom bit if it's not too messy because it will smell like a toilet to your puppy. Then he will know where he's supposed to go for next time.
Supervise or confine your puppy to prevent the development of bad habits
If your puppy doesn't get the hint and has an “accident” somewhere else, clean it up thoroughly and use an odour eliminator to re move the smell - otherwise he might use this place again. And that's an odour eliminator, not a deodoriser; your puppy's sense of smellwon't be fooled by just deodorant. Your vet or pet store should have odour eliminators.
Don't punish for “accidents”. If you catch him in the act, startle or distract him, then take him to the appropriate toileting area. Give the command and praise if successful.
When you think your puppy is ready to start going outside, use some of the soiled newspapers to create an outdoor toilet area.
Your puppy's sense of smell will suss it out and before long you'll be able to ditch the newspaper.
Use the command you've established so puppy knows what's expected of him.
