One of the most difficult and frustrating things for many dog owners is pet potty training. Unlike cats, which naturally have a hygienic sense that prompts them to keep clean and eliminate in certain specific areas, puppies have no such compulsion. Without proper training, a puppy will eliminate anywhere and at any time. If you plan to keep your pet indoors for any period of his life, you'll want to take the time to properly potty train him so that he learns where and when it is appropriate to eliminate.
Confine the Puppy
One of the most important elements of a successful puppy potty training project is the confining of the puppy. Because dogs do not feel comfortable eliminating where they rest and sleep, keeping your pet confined in a small space will prevent him from following his urges any time that he experiences them. A small crate or cage is a good way to do this. The enclosure should be just a small bit larger than your dog, as it should only allow him to turn around. Being in a small area like this will teach your pet to "hold it in" until he has the opportunity to move around in a larger area, like the outdoors.
Use a Leash
If you're trying to teach your puppy to eliminate in a particular area, a leash is an invaluable item. Puppies can be hard to control, particularly when they're outside. Teaching your dog that he will need to go to a certain part of the yard or a certain other area in order to eliminate is done much more easily when you can lead him there directly.
Praise with Words
Puppies and dogs of all ages will respond well to certain words and tones of voice. Begin to establish the fact that a certain set of words indicates that it's time to eliminate from an early point in your puppy's life. If you give him a word to use as he's eliminating, he'll begin to associate that word with the act itself and will then come to recognize that it is a signal for him to eliminate.
Praising in general is an important part of any type of puppy training, potty training notwithstanding. Praise your pet with soft, gentle words spoken in a higher tone of voice than normal.
Discipline
It's also important to discipline your dog as well. Puppies and dogs of all ages will not respond well to discipline if it isn't handled immediately. Your puppy should know immediately that what he has done is wrong if he eliminates in the house. If your puppy does eliminate in the house, scold him with a harsh and loud "no" or other word, but then do not continue to discipline him. Remove him from the situation and ignore him for a bit while you move to clean up the mess that he's made.