A lot of time and text is devoted to housebreaking, but of all the techniques I've heard, this, I feel, is the most effective. I describe it here because it comes up so often in practice, perhaps more than any other behavioral issue.
1. During the training period, keep your dog on an approx 8-10 foot leash or in a crate at all times. The crate should be just big enought for him to turn around in. (If he urinates or defecates in his cage for more than a few days, has medical issues or cage anxiety, these are special cases and we should talk!) Do not paper train unless you can't let him out for more than about 8 hours (less for very young puppies). Paper training blurs the line of what is an appropriate bathroom area.
2. When outside the crate, even indoors, keep him on a the leash so that you can immediately correct any inappropriate behavior (including attempting to use the bathroom inside) with a sharp "NO", rattle can, etc. You must keep him under observation at all times so that each infraction is interrupted and corrected immediately.
3. When you take him outside to urinate, go to one spot in the yard and just stand there with him until he goes. You can say "Go Potty"or a similar phrase, but do not pet, feed, touch, or play with him. Once he goes, then reward him profusely with treats and play.
4. If he hasn't gone in 10 minutes or so, take him back inside and watch him closely, again keeping him on the leash or in his crate. Be prepared to take him outside again if he shows any signs of having to go.
5. If he has an accident and you don't catch him "in the act", clean it up but do not punish him.
6. After at least 2 weeks of no accidents, start letting him off the leash, but if accidents occur, return to the program described above.
There are many subtleties to housebreaking, but this covers 95% of dogs, young and old. Best of luck!
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