Crate & House Training
CRATE TRAINING
A crate or kennel is the best method of controlling the puppy and preventing accidents and destructive behavior. Crating is not cruel or inhumane and is a natural haven because it fits into the puppy's den concept. Crates come in plastic or in wire cages. Get a crate that is just big enough for the puppy and make bedding out of a worn T-shirt or blanket (towels do not make good bedding as claws get caught in them) and place at least one stuffed toy in it. (pups love to be packed in). If the crate is too big, the pup may use one end for a "potty" place. As he outgrows the puppy crate, get one that will be suitable for his adult size. He needs to be able to stand up and turn around in it. The crate can be used as his bed for the rest of his life. If you leave the crate available to him, he will often crawl into it to sleep on his own, or use it as a refuge when the children get too much for him. Teach children to respect his "space." If the pup falls asleep elsewhere in the house, pick him up and lock him in his crate. The crate is a handy and safe way to travel in the car. Start off with no more than 4 hours in a crate for a pup except at night. The crate should represent a happy secure place for the dog and never be used as punishment. NEVER OPEN THE CRATE DOOR WHEN THE PUP IS SCREAMING. This just rewards the screaming behavior. WAIT FOR 30 SECONDS OF SILENCE before opening the door. Always keep the crate where the puppy can see you.  Dogs are pack animals and don't like to be alone.  The crate should not be a place of isolation.

HOUSE TRAINING
Here, as in all training,CONSISTENCY and positive reinforcement are of paramount importance in the speed of your success. Do not expect too much too fast. Remember that it takes most dogs 100-200 repetitions to learn a new behavior. The routine is fairly simple. Dogs love consistency, structure and routine.  It is most important that you do not just put him outside but are THERE to praise.  During housebreaking, whenever the puppy is inside the home, but cannot be watched, he is placed in the crate. ALLOW THE PUP IN ONLY A SMALL SPACE IN YOUR HOME UNTIL HE CAN BE TRUSTED. ONCE GIVEN FREEDOM IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO RESTRICT SPACE.
Housebreaking Rule #1:
If you DON'T catch your puppy making an "accident," then DON'T punish him for it.
Housebreaking Rule #2:
When he does it right outside, praise him!
Forget the old myths about housebreaking.
True or False: If your new puppy makes a mess in the house while you're not around, bring the dog over to the mess, hold his nose in it, and scold him. This will force him to learn that going in the house isn't acceptable under any circumstances.
The answer? FALSE. Unfortunately, this is one of the most prevalent housebreaking myths among new pet owners. The fact is, puppies that age can't fathom the cause/effect relationship between their natural bodily functions and why, 20 minutes later or more, you're yelling at them. This housebreaking method DOESN'T WORK, and really does MORE emotional HARM THAN GOOD.

The LAST thing you do before you put the puppy in the crate is take him outside to his favorite spot. The FIRST thing you do when you take the puppy out of the crate is another trip outside. No food or water goes in the crate, just a blanket and maybe a chew toy to occupy his time. Overnight is definitely crate time. As your faith in the puppy grows, leave him out for longer and longer periods of time.
Most people do not recognize an important advantage of crate training. It does more than just stop the animal from messing in the house. It also teaches the puppy something very important. The puppy learns that when the urge to urinate or defecate occurs, he can hold it. Just because the pup feels like he needs to relieve himself, the pup learns that he does not have to. This is thought to be the main reason why puppies that have gone through crate training have fewer mistakes later on.
Constant Supervision: The last method involves no papers, pads, or crates. Rather, you choose to spend all the time necessary with the puppy. This works very well for people who live and work in their homes, retired persons, or in situations where the owners are always with the animal. Whenever they see the puppy doing his "pre-potty pattern", such as sniffing at the floor and turning circles, they hustle him outside. It is important that the dog is watched at all times and that no mistakes are to occur. When he is taken outside, use a leash or lead to keep him less distracted and watch the puppy closely - as soon as all goes as planned, he should be praised enthusiastically. Do not play until after the pup goes so he learns to go quickly on command.
Use Simple and Consistent Verbal Cues: Specific verbal communications will also help the two of you understand what is desired. It is an excellent idea to always use a word when it is time to head to the bathroom. We like "hurry potty". Remember that whenever you use a verbal command or signal, it is important that everybody in the family always uses the same word in the same way.
Once outside, we try to encourage the pup to get on with the act in question. We use the phrase "Do your numbers." Others use 'Do It,' 'Potty,' or 'Hurry Up.' As soon as your pup eliminates, it is very important to praise them with a "Good Dog" and then come back inside immediately. Again, make this trip that started outside with a specific word "Outside" be for a purpose. If we are taking the pup out to play with a ball or go for a walk we will not use this word even if we know they will eliminate while we are outside.
If Accidents Happen: One of the key issues in housebreaking is to follow Rule Number One: If you do not catch your puppy doing it, then do not punish him for it! We do not care what someone else may tell you or what you read, if you find a mess that was left when you were not there, clean it up and forget it.
Discipline will not help because unless you catch the puppy in the act, he will have no idea what the scolding is for. At this point in his life a puppy's memory is very, very poor. Your puppy has urinated and defecated hundreds of times before he met you. Nobody made a fuss before and the pup will not relate the punishment, regardless of its form, together with something he has done without incident numerous times before. Especially if he did it more than 30 seconds ago! Puppies are just like our children. Unless something was really fun (and a repetitious act like going to the bathroom is not), they are not thinking about what they did in the past. They are thinking about what they can do in the future.
The same should be said as to your first reaction when you actually catch them in the act of urinating or defecating. Do not get mad. Quickly, but calmly, pick them up and without raising your voice sternly say "No." Carry them outside.. They are going to be excited, but stay there with them a while and if they finish the job, reward them with simple praise like "Good Dog", or a simple treat, like plain Cheerios.  Keep treats in a ziplock baggy in your pocket for quick access.
Remember, though the housebreaking process may get frustrating at times - especially the times cleaning up the occasional accident - be patient and stay calm. If you want housebreaking to go quickly follow these simple tips and try to spend as much time as possible with your puppy.
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