Training the puppy to eliminate properly is one of the first concerns of puppy owners. This will involve location preferences, body postures and bladder and colon capabilities. Elimination postures differ between male and female puppies. Male puppies tend to stand and lean forward while female puppies squat. The very familiar leg lifting in male puppies does not happen until they are 4 to 6 months old.

The ideal age to start housebreaking a puppy is when it is 71/2 to 81/2 weeks old. The first step is to take it outside frequently to eliminate. Having a schedule helps; like, upon waking up, sometime mid morning, and 15 to 30 minutes after meals. Expect him to eliminate six to eight times a day. While outside he may be allowed to choose his preferred location. A reward immediately after defecating will still in his mind the right place to do his thing.