Everyone who has tried house-training a puppy knows that the first few weeks - or even months- can be quite frustrating.
However, though it can be a long and arduous process, the end-result is extremely rewarding.
A house-trained puppy is considered one to have successfully gone through a rite of passage, and the kind every dog owner wants to have.
If you just brought your new pup home without preparing for his arrival, expect to see him whimpering, barking, running, and peeing all over the house.
To prevent such things from happening - and they can, over and over again if you don't take proper action - you must train your puppy.
Here is a checklist of things for you to do to train your puppy to be able to call him completely house-broken.

• Train your puppy not to bite.
  

It is a pup's instinct to bite anything that comes close to its mouth.
If you have a biter, make sure not to encourage him.
When playing, keep your hands away from his mouth.
Tickle him on the tummy or rub his head and ears gently instead.
When he bites, make sure you reprimand him every time.
A firm and consistent "No!" will do the job.

• Train your puppy to sit and stay.
  

Teaching your puppy to sit and stay may be an old trick but one still takes time and patience to accomplish.
Like little children, they are restless most of the time and just want to wreak havoc in the house.
The sit/stay command will come in very handy, especially if you have visitors around.

• Train your puppy to walk on a leash.
  

It is your responsibility to walk your puppy every day.
He may be very well-behaved inside your home but outside, seeing strangers and other dogs, he may become quite aggressive.
This is the exact reason why you need to teach him how to walk on a leash.
Pups that are leash-trained are safer and more manageable.

• Train your puppy to eat dog food.
  

This statement might revoke a "Duh!" from you, but there are owners who are fond of sharing people food with their pets, which is unacceptable.
Also, feed your pup only three times every day until he is 3 months old.
After that, you can give him food twice a day.

• Train your puppy to go potty outside.
  

Potty training puppies require a lot of patience and effort from you, especially during the first few weeks.
The most effective way to potty train a pup is to crate train him.
Once you have instilled in him that peeing and pooping inside his crate is a no-no, then you will know that your pup is completely house-broken.
Successful puppy training cannot be accomplished overnight.
Rather, it is achieved in milestones that sometimes happen days or weeks apart.
You should know that some puppies can pick up very quickly, while others lag behind.
If your pup is slow to pick up, don't give up.
A little more patience will go a long way - both for you and your beloved pet.