dog training

Question
Hi Jennifer  -  I'm getting a Belgian Shepherd puppy at 12 weeks age.   Its my first dog pet.  No other pets.  Can you suggest a book or a method to instruct me in best and most acceptable method to housetrain the puppy.  

Answer
Crate Training is the best.  I would also suggest feeding on a schedule, ie. three small meals a day for the first month or two, then lower to two meals a day for the rest of the dog's life.  After eating, take the puppy outside...praise and reward when s/he urinates or defecates.  Never punish for accidents.  If you catch the puppy squatting, take outside immediately.  You can expect a 12-week old to hold their bladder for about 3-4 hours, so frequent trips outside are a must especially upon waking and after play.  Use the crate for nite-time and when you go away--the idea is that the puppy will try not to soil it's "den".  By 6 months s/he should be pretty much house broken and be able to hold it all night or during the day while you are at work.  

You can do a web search on crate training for more specifics--you will find A TON of info.