Puppies that come from a pet-store environment are often difficult to housetrain. That's because they're accustomed to eliminating in a cage, so crate training doesn't always work with them. Sometimes they even wait to eliminate until they're put in a crate, because that's all they've ever done. Working with this puppy requires an extra dose of patience, as well as some creative thinking.

If you're faced with a puppy that doesn't understand that he's not supposed to potty in his crate, try keeping him leashed by your side all the time. That way you'll be right there if he shows signs of needing to go out. Take him out as often as possible until he potties outside, and then heap praise on him.

One way to teach a dog to potty outside is to reward the action in a way he'll remember. Take a clicker and some treats outside with you. As the dog urinates or defecates (not before, not after, but during), click once. The idea is for him to associate the sound of the click with the act of eliminating. When he's finished, give him a treat. He'll soon be very anxious to potty for you when you go outside.

If he potties in his crate at night, take him outside as late as possible before you go to bed. If he doesn't go then, wait a few minutes and try again. Even if you have to go out several times, do your best to get him to go potty before you put him in his crate for the night.