There are as many ideas on the best way to house train a puppy as there are breeds of dogs. But there is one common school of thought....consistency is key.

Dogs are naturally clean animals. According to Dennis Fetko, Ph.D., an animal behaviorist in San Diego, "if you follow this instinct for cleanliness when your new puppy comes home, your pup can be house-trained within 48 hours." Training your puppy in 48 hours takes some high-intensity training with your puppy, and you might not be able to spend this much time with her. But if you use the same philosophy, working more slowly you can get the same result.

The best defense is a good offense, so start taking the preventative approach with your puppy right from the beginning by taking her outside (or to where you intend for her to relieve herself inside, if you live in an apartment) several times during the day.

The key times that a puppy must relieve herself are first thing in the morning, after each meal, and after waking up from a nap. If you establish a routine with your puppy and keep an eye on her, you'll soon know exactly when she needs to go.

In the house, keep your new puppy in your sight at all times. This will minimize the number of accidents she has and keep her from developing preferences for going in areas that are off-limits. And be sure to clean up any mess as soon as she makes it, so she'll learn it's much nicer to be clean than to be dirty.

If you catch your puppy in the act, try making a lot of noise (clapping your hands, shaking keys, stomping your feet). This should make her stop what she's doing to listen, and you can quickly pick her up and take her to the proper location, then praise her lavishly when she's finished.

Never yell at her or hit her...this will only teach her not to go when you can see her, so she'll find more creative places to relieve herself when you're not looking!

Remember...be consistent, firm--but gentle--, and soon your new puppy will be housetrained.