The principles underlying housetraining are very simple. You want to teach your puppy to eliminate on a specific surface or in a specific location, while at the same time preventing him from developing a habit of eliminating on any unacceptable surfaces or areas. Following are some tips for successful housetraining. Ask your veterinarian about paper training if it is not practical to take your puppy outdoors to eliminate. If you are new to house training (sometimes referred to as "house breaking") a puppy, then this is a must read book. This will give you insight into how puppies think and act so you can get an understanding of your new family member. That's right, this "dog" is now a member of your family and he will treat you as such if you let him.