One of the first and most important challenges that faces the new dog owner is the task of house training your new pet.

Experts say that the quickest method of training requires you to be nearby to supervise your dog at all times. By providing your pet with frequent opportunities to eliminate in the appropriate place and by rewarding desirable behavior, you can quickly and effectively house train your new pet.

General Guideline
The secret to success, say professional trainers, is to prevent your dog from soiling in the house, since every "accident" extends the house training process.

At first, you will need to take your dog out frequently. Times when she is likely to need to eliminate include when she wakes up in the morning or after a nap, after she eats or drinks, after riding in the car, after being confined to her crate, and before going to sleep at night.

When you take your dog out to his toileting area, let him sniff and move around until he starts to eliminate. Stay nearby, but try not to distract him. When you see your dog begin to eliminate, praise him in a soft, happy voice. Continue to praise until he is finished. This will teach him that eliminating outside makes you happy, which will encourage him to do it.

Watch Your Dog At All Times
During the first week, it's important not to let your dog out of your sight. If you catch him in the act of soiling in the house, make a loud noise by yelling or clapping your hands to startle him so that he stops. Quickly take your dog out to his special area and praise him lavishly if he eliminates there. Also, be sure to clean the floor or rug immediately and keep your dog from going back to that spot for a while.

Never punish your dog by rubbing his nose in his mess, locking him in his crate or otherwise chastising him. He will not understand your anger and may simply become frightened of you.

When you cannot watch your dog constantly, confine him to a small space — like a crate or very small section of a room where he eats or sleeps. Dogs have a natural aversion to eliminating in the area where they rest and eat.

Tips to Help The Process Along
House training takes consistence and patience. The experts offers the following advice to help make the process go more smoothly:

• Feed your dog at the same time every day and your dog will need to eliminate on a predictable schedule. Avoid treats during the training period because they may set the elimination process in motion.
• Take your dog out often. During the first week, often can mean once an hour.
• Always take your dog to the same spot, so he learns that he has a special place for toileting.
• Be prepared for accidents. Purchase a good enzyme solution, like Nature's Miracle, to neutralize odors and keep you pet away from the spot.
• Reward your dog praise, praise and more praise, and he will learn exactly what you want him to do.