Things sure are easier to understand when they have a set of rules to go by! It's the same with housetraining. To make it easier for you, there are seven “essentials” which, if you follow them, should get you through housetraining successes — and failures. This way, when things work, you'll know why. Also, if something goes wrong, you should be able to tell where you made a mistake. Here goes:

• Crate your dog when you can't watch her so she won't relieve herself (if you prefer, use another type of confinement, as long as it accomplishes the same goal).

• Supervise (umbilical cord or shadow) your dog when she is out of her crate.

• Feed her a high-quality diet at scheduled times (no treats, people food, or edible toys such as pig's ears).

• Teach her to eliminate on command.

• 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).