House-training a new puppy isn’t difficult, because it’s his natural instinct to keep the place where he sleeps and plays clean. But puppies, like babies, need some help. Remember that, until the age of about five months, your puppy won’t have full control over his muscles – so don’t expect miracles!

You'll need to concentrate on both indoor and outdoor training.

At first, keep your puppy confined to a small area near his bed. It’s really difficult to house-train a puppy that’s given free run of the house. Put down some newspapers near his bed and watch him carefully. If he starts to whimper or sniff the ground or seems agitated, take him to the paper and hold him there until he relieves himself. Then, praises him with short, easy-to-understand words like "good dog". When clearing away the paper, leave a small damp piece behind, as the smell will attract him back to the same place next time. If he has an accident anywhere else, wash the place immediately with water and vinegar to kill the smell and to prevent staining. In this way, it shouldn’t take your puppy more than a few days to get used to the idea of using the newspaper.

Then, you can begin outdoor training. First thing in the morning, take your puppy outside and wait until he relieves himself. Praise him every time he does this. After each meal, take him to the same spot. Use a training word to help your dog to learn what is expected of him. With outdoor training, male puppies usually require a while longer than females. Both will squat initially – it is only as the male puppy gets older that he will begin to lift his leg. Keep the paper indoors until your puppy is fully house-trained.

Remember, never, never hit a puppy or rub his nose in his droppings. A dog naturally wants to please you and your job is to show him quietly and patiently what you want him to do. Also, don’t punish him when he has an accident, unless you come across him actually doing something. Puppies have short memories and won’t remember something done half an hour ago. If you see your dog relieving himself where he shouldn’t, reprimand him in short, easy-to-understand words and in a firm tone. Then take him to the place he should have used and repeat your training word. Always praise him when he relieves himself in the right place.

How should I discipline my puppy?

Start with a few simple commands – especially "no" and "good dog". The first time you see a puppy doing something you don’t want her to do, say "No!" firmly and make a noise by stamping your foot or clapping your hands. Puppies don’t like loud noises and will connect them with something unpleasant. Never hit a puppy when disciplining her – a firm command and an unexpected noise will do the trick. Again, don’t expect miracles – training takes time!

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