Potty Training

• STEP 1: Watch your puppy's behavior while relieving himself outdoors so you can detect the warning signs and intercept him when indoors.

• STEP 2: Stay outside as often as possible during nice weather so your puppy can develop a preference for eliminating outdoors. Help him develop a liking for surfaces like dirt and gravel by taking him outdoors to eliminate after eating, playing and sleeping ' or, ideally, every 15 minutes.

• STEP 3: When it's time, go straight to a predesignated area and don't leave until the puppy urinates.

• STEP 4: Tuck your puppy into a cozy crate in your bedroom at night. Dogs are den animals and don't like to soil the area where they sleep.

• STEP 5: Carry the puppy outdoors when he becomes restless in the middle of the night, and wait until he's finished relieving himself.

• STEP 6: Supply a litter box (filled with sand or kitty litter) during the night, unless you plan on getting up every couple of hours to take him outside. If you do want to take him outside, set your alarm if you sleep too deeply to notice that your puppy has started fidgeting, and carry him outside at those times.

• STEP 7: Carry the puppy outside first thing in the morning so he won't soil the floors as he walks outside.

• STEP 8: Be consistent with training. Consult a pet behaviorist if you have problems.

• STEP 9: Reward your dog with puppy treats and praise every time he successfully eliminates outdoors.

To Stay

• STEP 1: Be sure your dog understands a release command, such as "free" or "okay," before teaching this command.

• STEP 2: Have your dog sit or lie down in front of you. (See Related eHows "Train Your Dog to Sit" and "Train Your Dog to Lie Down.")

• STEP 3: Place your hand, palm open, in front of your dog's nose and give the command "Stay."

• STEP 4: Say "Good" at the exact moment your dog exhibits the behavior you want.

• STEP 5: Give the release command immediately after (within 1 to 2 seconds), followed by treats and unlimited praise.

• STEP 6: Reward your pet even if she only "stayed" for 1 second; and always offer rewards for even slight indications of understanding.

• STEP 7: Lengthen the amount of time your pet remains in the stay position very gradually, and slowly move farther away.

• STEP 8: Remember to give the release command after every successful "stay" as you increase the length of time your dog must remain in the position.

• STEP 9: Avoid going into another room until your dog fully understands the command.

• STEP 10: Train in 5-minute sessions.