Your puppy/dog is new to your family, your home, schedule, and household activities with all new and unfamiliar smells. If a puppy, being removed from its mama and siblings can have an enormous affect. A HEAVY dose of patience is imperative for the whole entire family. There are a lot of stressful adjustments, so don't expect results to come instantly. A balance of "tender" training is needed for it to become a pleasant experience and with lots of praise when there is finally success.

In the beginning, it is best not to give the puppy/dog the full run of the house without close supervision.

Step #1 Extend Patience and Kindness at all times

Step #2 Use one technique and stick to it. I'd use the piddle pads for a new puppy in the beginning; outdoors is an option when appropriate weather allows as the puppy ages.

Step #3 Limit a pen area (indoors) to a small section, a 3' x 3' pen to start with. Place the location of the pen where he/she doesn't feel isolated from you or the rest of the family...after all, it is a new family member.

Step #4 Use half the pen area for bedding, food/water, dishes, and toys. The other half with piddle pads. As soon as he/she poops, pick it up immediately...no matter where they go in the pen - on bedding, pad, Etc. If there is pee on the Bedding, remove it immediately and replace it with clean Bedding. Piddle pads can be peed on multiple times at this early stage before replacing, but the solid stool must be picked up immediately.

Step #5 During family playtime, have 2-3 piddle pads in various places of the room (especially one just outside the pen), and if the pen has a door, leave it open during playtime so they can return to do their business in the pen area if needed.

Step #6 "Immediately" after waking, or after a nap, eating their meal, and about every 15-20 minutes of playtime - stop and place them on a pad or in a pen to potty.

Step #7 If there are Accidents on the floor/carpet: just say a firm "No" and place him/her back in a pen on a pad for 2-3 min with the door closed.

Don't overreact by yelling, swatting, or rubbing their nose in it, as this only instills fear which can lead to even more problems. Before opening the pen door, thoroughly clean the soiled floor/carpet immediately (I use vinegar & water, it works well).

Remember to be patient and don't expect miracles overnight! Success comes with consistent Patience and Repetition. Scolding only makes matters worse and leads to more issues like not wanting to come when called!