Getting a puppy is an exciting time! However puppies don't come with instructions manuals and need to be trained. The one thing most owners dread is potty training puppies and that is the most important thing you need to do. Relax! It's not that hard. You just need to know how to train your puppy and then follow through with the training. Here are some tips to help.

* Puppies need to go out immediately after eating, sleeping and playing without exception. These are the time your puppy will most likely need to relieve himself. If you take your puppy out and he doesn't do his business right away, take him back inside for 15 minutes. Make sure you keep an eye on him so he doesn't have an accident! Then take him back outside. Keep doing this until he goes.

* Make a schedule for when you need to take your puppy out and stick to it. If you need to write it down, go ahead. Make sure everyone involved in training your puppy knows the schedule and sticks to it. Consistency is very important when potty training puppies.

* Designate an area in your yard for your puppy's toilet and make sure you take him to the same place every time. You want your puppy to learn this is the area where he does his business. Another secret is that your puppy will go back to where he can smell urine and be more likely to relieve himself in the same spot.

* Decide on a command or verbal cue you want to use to tell your puppy its time to go to the bathroom. You'll use this command for the rest of his life so make sure its something appropriate! You don't want to give your dog an off color command if others are around! "Go potty" or something along those lines works well. Use the command as soon as your puppy starts to go to the bathroom and keep repeating it until he's done. Your puppy will soon learn you give this command when you want him to relieve himself.

* When your puppy does what you want him to, praise him! Give him a good pat or a small treat while telling him how good he is. Do this as soon as he finishes so he knows exactly what made you so happy.

* Never punish your puppy by yelling or "rubbing his nose in it" when he has an accident. If your puppy had an accident, you need to accept that you missed something and it's your fault. Its an unfortunate wives tale that you need to rub their nose in their mess. This will just teach your dog to be weary of you. In addition, your dog may learn to eat his own feces, which isn't pleasant for anyone.

These are just a few tips to help you when potty training puppies. The most important things are to be consistent with your puppy and praise him when he's done well. Since these are just a few tips, you should definitely take the time to learn everything you can about house training puppies before you bring your new friend home.