Good luck! Isn't house training fun? :D :D
Before I brought Ginger home, I found a great book on puppies, and followed what it told me about housetraining to the letter. People made fun of me, because it seemed pretty extreme, but she was completely housetrained very early and doesn't have accidents. The extra effort in the beginning really paid off.

Basically, here's what we did:

1. Her crate was NOT for peeing, just big enough to sleep in, turn around, etc.

2. When she was out of her crate she was under my nose. (see below - the schedule helped with this)

3. I made up a schedule (combining books recommendations, and the reality of my own life) that included time for eating, eliminating, excercising/playing, and sleeping. I even typed this schedule and taped to the outside of her crate. If you decide to try this method, and don't have access to the book I'd be happy to send you more info on their recommendations. Just send me a pm or mention it here!

4. I followed the schedule to the letter. (Sometimes the times would be a little off, but order of events never changed).

5. As she grew, I adjusted the schedule to her changing needs.

6. As she became trustworthy she gained more freedom. :animal36 yaay!

6. Puppies need to eliminate can be predictable if you control their food intake, amount of time playing, etc.

7. When it was potty time (basically after sleeping, shortly after eating, etc.) we'd head outside. As soon as she'd squat I'd say "go potty"! And I'd praise her after she peed/pood.

8. We went through her entire potty training period and I only had to clean up 2 messes inside (and both were my fault, I'd screwed up the schedule).

9. Today I can go anywhere with my girl and KNOW that I can trust her not to pee inside. Additionally, when we go outside to potty I can say "go potty", and she almost immediately squats! Sometimes I think she's faking it!
That's great when its freezing cold outside!

The book is You and Your Puppy: Training and Health Care for Puppy's First Year, by James DeBittetto and Sarah Hodgson. I HIGHLY recommend this book!

There was more to it than this, but these are the basics.

I know this is more than you asked for. Having had a 6 lb. shihtzu or was never 100% reliable in her 15 years, potty training was a BIG issue for me with this pup. Therefore, I'm very excited about this method.

Most likely. Leave treats in there for him. When he goes to "rescue" a toy he will find a treat. Give him REALLY good things when he goes in his crate, like a stuffed Kong. These are messy and I still prefer Loki enjoy them in his crate, even if I'm home. So if I get out the kong Loki RACES to his crate and lays down. We play fun games. One is where I say "Loki - BED" and he runs to his bed for a treat. Then I say "Loki - CRATE" he runs to his crate for a treat. This is helpful because I used to have to chase him to get him and put him in his crate. Now he just runs there even from upstairs when I ask him to. He used to be less than happy with it, now he just curls up and goes to sleep when he's in there. Sometimes after a hard day away from home he will go there himself and curl up, although he tends to choose his beds if there is no reward involved. He does go there when he wants nothing to do with anybody though, because we've trained him that is his time out space.

Repetition and reward is the key. Loki also sits on the rug in front of the door to get his leash on and off when he goes outside. I'm sure he doesn't "enjoy" this but he complies because it's the only way he gets a treat and we do it 10 times a day so he gets a lot of practice.

Try playing a game like that today and try to teach him the word crate. I bet he learns in a day or two that "crate" means to him "i get yummy food if i sit in my crate for a minute"

Then slowly increase the time he needs to be in there with kongs. When you give him a new toy, ask him to go in his crate first. Make all good things happen in the crate :-) Good luck!

That'd be fun! I'm sure the pups would love it! :aimeeyork :aimeeyork

I've started outside training and it seems to be working pretty well so far. She seems to "get it" more. :D

That's awesome info- thanks! I don't have that book- I've been using House-Training Your Dog-A KENNEL CLUB BOOK. It has some helpful info but some seems to be for the more "experienced" dog owner. Bella is my first. :rolleyes:

The book you have sounds really great. I'll have to go pick it up!!! Thanks!

Thanks again everyone for all your suggestions and experiences. It is soooooooooooo much appreciated!!!

:thumbs up