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Basically all you need to do to house train a dog or a puppy is to teach the dog to do his business outside the house instead of inside. This can be achieved in seven easy steps which are as follows

1. The first step especially with a puppy is to decide how you will administer positive reinforcement for his good behavior. This is normally done by giving a treat and saying 'Yes' in an encouraging tone of voice. House training can begin when the puppy understands that 'Yes' and a treat go together

2. Encourage the dog to go outside any time he shows signs that he wants to use the bathroom. Dogs often do their business when they are excited or stressed, after any exertion or soon after eating or waking up. These are the times the dog must be carefully watched for signs that he is going to empty his bladder or his bowels. You will come to recognize these signs as most dogs will repeat a certain behavior pattern for example squatting, circling around, scratching at the door (which is a great sign as he knows he needs to go out) or he may just sniff the floor.

3. Once outside you need to designate a place for your dog to use and lead him to it, this could be a place that you have picked or perhaps your dog himself has picked and used before. Ensure that you keep to that one designated are and wait and see what happens. If he does do his business outside as he should be sure to reinforce this positive behavior with kind words and treats, both during and after the event.

4. If your dog does not do any toiletries outside keep an eye out for any of the signs that he wants to use the bathroom, as discussed in step 2. If he does show any signs take him outside again as before.

5. If your dog was house trained but becomes too ill to go outside to do his business

It is a good idea to lay newspaper down perhaps in the corner of the room for him.

You will need to introduce your dog to the newspaper anytime it looks as if he needs to go. Just pick him up and place him gently on the newspaper so he will learn what it is for. After he has done his business on the newspaper reward him with kind words or a little treat.

6. A dog left in the house alone would also need to be trained to use newspaper in one of the rooms that you would least mind a mess

7. It is pointless to get angry with a dog that does a mess in the house. If you show him you are annoyed or upset next time he needs to go he will just hide from you and you will not be able to see those tell tale signs that he needs to go so you will be unable to house train him. Also whatever mess he does do will have to be found and cleaned up after.