It seems I am constantly being asked the same question by customers interested in purchasing a puppy - “Are they easily housetrained?”
While every pet is different I would say that every dog can be housetrained - and most quite easily. The key is to be consistant in your training. Naturally the easiest time to train a pet is when they are very young. When training puppies to be housebroken try the following method.
First, purchase a small kennel. While pet carriers can work in a pinch I wouldn’t recommend using a pet carrier as a kennel. A small wire frame kennel works best, That way there is plenty of ventilation and when you are gone the puppy can look around the room easier. Make the kennel comfortable, after all it will in effect be the puppies “bedroom” at least until it is housebroken. I find that an old clean towel spread out in the kennel along with an old shirt or socks also adds to the comfort for the puppy because they will have your scent on them to comfort them. If your puppy is teething be sure to include a chew toy. If you have a means of securing a small water dish and food bowl inside the kennel then you can leave small amounts of food and water for them for the time you are not at home. Otherwise do not leave loose bowls of food and water in the kennel since puppies will invariably tilt them over and spill thier contents - and that can make for a very unhappy environment for the puppy, not to mention a mess you will have to clean up.
Most dogs do not like to go potty in thier living area so they will hold it in as long as possible waiting to be let out so they can go. When you arrive home or when you get up in the morning, take the puppy immediately outside, do not stop at water or food bowls, do not let the puppy down to play and be sure to have the puppy on a leash. Once outside set the puppy down and let it do its business. When it is done be sure to pet and love on it and praise it to let it know that you are pleased. When you take the puppy back inside do not put it immediately back in the kennel. Let it eat, drink and play first. Before you put the puppy back in the kennel and after it has eaten take it outside one more time, most puppies need to go one more time after eating.