In this article I hope to help you learn how to house train your dog. There are a lot of different methods available to you but the main thing is, no matter which method you choose, you must be consistent or you will just confuse your dog.
If your dog has an accident in the house, do not punish him. Make a loud noise like clapping your hands together and pick him up quickly. These actions should stop him going. Quickly take him outside to the same spot each time and put him down. When he does his toilet, praise him with a bright cheerful voice.
Taking him to the same place in the garden each time will help him learn that he is outside to go to the toilet. He will also be able to smell his own scent there and will know what is expected of him.
When taking your dog outside, have a word or phrase that you repeat that the dog can learn that this means it is time to go to the toilet. I use the phrase - wee walk - with my dog and she knows what she is being let out for.
Watch your dog and learn what the clues are that he needs to go to the toilet. He could be standing near the door or sniffing around. Remember that small puppies piddle when they get excited, don’t mistake this for failing at house training. This can be helped by ignoring the dog when you first arrive home and pay attention to the dog when it has calmed down. Your dog will quickly learn that calm behavior is rewarded. This is also helpful in calming separation anxiety.
Have a set routine for when you take your dog out for the toilet. A good rule of thumb is: right after waking up, especially after eating, set times through the day and right before bed. Take your dog out every time he stands at the door and praise him when he has finished. Remember that very young puppies, 8 weeks, can only hold on for about an hour. As they get older this time increases, add 1 hour for each month.
If you are truly consistent with timing, your word or phrase, setting the place you want your dog to go and praising your dog, you could have him trained in a few weeks. With puppies, accidents will still occasionally happen. Do not punish your dog, just take him outside to his special place to reinforce the training.