If you are able to get a 7 week-old puppy, then you should be able to prevent bad habits from developing over his lifetime - no excuses! When they are that young, puppies learn instantly and if you use proper training methods, gentle but consistent, then he will behave like an angel his whole life through.

Housebreaking is of course, the most important training. Exploring outside is what boys love to do which means they are easier than girls. They just cannot get enough of all the new smells out there!

In housebreaking, the main key would be watching. Make sure to watch the clock and your puppy. Once every hour is not too often on a day he is active and the weather is good. If you have a younger pup, then he would need to go out more often mostly because he is growing up so fast. He must drink more water to fuel his metabolism than he does as an adult. He will have to eat three or four times a day as well, and you know what that means.

Keep a close eye for subtle changes. If he is happily chewing his toy, and gets up suddenly with his nose to the floor, move quickly! He is then getting ready to squat. If he has had a nice nap, then immediately get him out of the crate and take him outside. If he has had a good grooming, then this means his circulation is also stimulated. Once more, it's time to go out. Also, watch him closely after he has eaten a meal.

Things to remember

You should never punish him if he made a mistake. Their mistake is your fault. Every time you take him out he will go, and praise praise and praise! Happy face, laughter, happy noises! He loves seeing your happy face. When he makes a mistake, all the punishment that he would need is your frown and your face turned away. Doing this will help him get the point.

He's learning English, which means that the same phrases should be used over and over. Phrases like "Good go potty!" "Hafta go potty?" "Wanna go potty" should be used. In one afternoon, he can learn that "go potty" means a jaunt outside and your happy face. Whatever phrase you choose, stick with it.

You need to get a crate as this is strongly recommended. They truly help with all phases of his training. They make him more secure, provide him with his very own private space and a place for him to hide his favorite toys and chewies. This is even more important if you have other adult dogs in the house. Be consistent, always be kind and gentle, and be patient as he learns your language, and your puppy will always look forward to his training sessions. Dogs love to work!