Housetraining

I am a firm believer in the crate method with housetraining.  A dog is a den animal and a crate is their den, their safe place.  A crate should never be used for a disiplinary action.  I would keep the crate next to your bed during the night, so if the little one does need to go out or be comforted, you will be right there.  Upon awaking in the morning, the first thing you need to do is to take the puppy outside to go potty.  Make sure you tell him/her what a good puppy they are when they relieve themselves where they are suppose to.  I mean really spread the praise on thick!!!  If they do have an accident in the crate or in the house, it does Not Do Any Good to punish them if you did not catch them in the act.  If you do punish them, they think that it is for what they were doing in that instant.  You have to catch them in the act of relieving themselves and just say NO in that instant and take them outside to do their business.  Praise is the Best way to train.....Always Positive Reinforcement!!!