The first thing every new owner should know before bringing a puppy or adult dog (such as a shelter or rescue dog) into the house is how to teach her where to relieve herself. The good news is that all puppies can be housetrained. The bad news is that a puppy rarely becomes housetrained by just being let out several times a day. This comprehensive housetraining plan requires dedication — but it's simple and foolproof. Here are the basics:

• Confine your puppy to her crate when you can's watch her so she won't relieve herself where she's not supposed to or while you're not looking. (If you prefer, use a baby gate to confine her to the kitchen or laundry room while you can't watch her-just make sure the room is puppy-proofed.)

• Supervise your puppy when she is out of her crate.

• Feed her a high-quality diet at scheduled times and limit treats.

• Take her to her potty spot as soon as you return home, soon after meals, and when she wakes up from a nap.

• Teach her to eliminate on command by saying “Go potty, good puppy” in an excited voice while she's doing her business.

• Clean up her accidents immediately (remove debris or moisture, then treat with neutralizer and cleaner).

• Never correct her after the fact.

• Keep a log of her habits (when and where she pooped or peed, and when and how much she ate and drank).