A lot of new owners don't know where to start when potty training puppies. According to an article by Barbara Weiss, in the Denver Examiner there are basically 3 principles you need to follow to succeed.

The first thing you need to practice when potty training puppies is prevention. Any accidents in the house can be a setback in your training. In order to prevent accidents, you need to make sure your puppy is with you at all times. An easy way to do this is put your puppy on a leash and tie the leash to your belt loop. That way you can always keep an eye on him. If that's not possible, your puppy will be very happy left in a small space where he can't roam the house. Barbara Weiss recommends a puppy gate instead of just shutting your puppy in a room by himself.

The next principle when potty training puppies is consistency. Make sure you follow a schedule of walks and feedings. Ms. Weiss recommends picking up food bowls after 15 minutes. You should also go out with your puppy every time and not just turn him loose in your yard. Take him to the same place each time so your puppy learns that's where you want him to do his business. Once he's done, praise and reward him with a treat immediately. That way he'll know exactly what he did right. If you wait to reward him, he won't know what to associate with his reward.

The final thing to remember when potty training puppies is patience. If your puppy does have an accident, don't yell, spank or rub his nose in it. A harsh "no" to get his attention and stop him is enough. Then take him outside immediately.

Potty training puppies takes time. Your puppy won't learn overnight but his training will be much faster with prevention, consistency and patience.