A new puppy is an exciting addition to your family. This cuddly bundle of fur that tumbles and stumbles into your heart wants to love and be loved. Their innate desire to win your approval, combined with your attention, positive reinforcement and consistent training are the building blocks for a life-long friendship. Training a puppy to have acceptable social behavior is the greatest gift you can give to your new four- legged family member. The investment of your time and consistent teaching will allow you to reap benefits for years to come.

There are many theories, methods and suggestions available to puppy owners from a variety of sources on the best way to train a puppy. Whether you decide to use clicker training, crate training or another puppy training method, patience and positive reinforcement are key.

Before training begins, it is important to understand that different breeds have different strengths and characteristics. There are books and websites that provide breed characteristics to help you decide the best training method for your new puppy. One such website, Pup.com [http://www.pup.com] offers information on hundreds of breeds. For instance, a Bernese Mountain Dog matures slowly and will exhibit puppy-like behaviors for the first two years of life. Knowing that ahead of time prepares the owner to be patient and consistent in their puppy training.

You may have images of a frisbee game with your canine companion in the park someday or teaching your pooch tricks to amaze your friends, but first things first. Housebreaking your little puddle producer is the first priority. Until that is accomplished, your puppy should not have free run of the house. Confining the pup is a critical component to accomplishing this training task. Not wanting to soil where they sleep, they will attempt to avoid doing so if possible. Since muscle control is limited, it is recommended that your take the puppy outside to the designated area each hour during the day.

When evening arrives, remove the water and food dish, which will help the pup's ability to "hold it" for a little bit longer during the night. Be prepared to set your alarm and take the puppy outside at least twice during the night, and remember to return the water and food to the pup first thing in the morning. With each puppy training success, you want to offer your puppy praise and a little play time as a reward.

As a general rule, though bladder and bowel control is limited, the pup should be able to "hold it" for one hour plus the pup's age in months. For instance, a two-month old pup should be able to control elimination for up to three hours.

With patience, it won't be long before your little puddle producer will gain muscle control and understand the outside is the potty and the inside is for sleeping and visiting with the family.

As you begin your new adventure training your puppy, positive reinforcement and praise will achieve your training goals. Negative reinforcement, including the old methods that involved physical punishment will only train your puppy to be confused, afraid and damage your relationship. Such methods actually delay or destroy opportunities for success. So go ahead lavish praise during puppy training, reward with play time and cuddle at will, and you will successfully accomplish your puppy training goals.