This apparently is the number one cause for puppies being taken to dog rescue charities. It is often frustrating and often professional dog walkers such as London Dog Walking are often asked to help, so a key part of puppy care. The general consensus as to the best method is to use a cage. Most breeders will {use a cagehave used one}, and will often sell on the cage, as the puppy is used to it. This is based on the principle that dogs do not like to soil their beds and in a cage would have no choice but to lie in the mess. Whilst in these confines the puppy will try to control their bladder. Young puppies from 7 weeks or so should last about 8 hours. During housebreaking, place the puppy inside the cage whenever he cannot be watched, whilst you are say having quality time with the children. Just before to placing him into the crate or taking him out of the crate, take him outside so he can do his business. There should never be any water or food in the crate, just a blanket and maybe a chew toy to occupy his time. As time goes by and the puppy performs better, you can leave the puppy for longer periods out of the cage.
The cage needs to be right size, enough floor space for him to lie down. But not so large he could urinate in a corner. The crate is essential for the dogs whole life, so to avoid replacing cages as he grows, buy one large enough for his full grown size, with a partition that you can move as he grows.
The two alternatives to crate toilet training a puppy are constant supervision, not many people have the time for this. To do this, you need to be with the puppy all the time, so you can be ready when you see his pre-potty pattern, such as clawing the floor. Then taking him without delay to do his business, then return him straight back, remembering to give him praise and verbal clues such as “good dog”. The puppy needs to recognize the reason he went outside was for the potty, nothing else, do not confuse him.

The third alternative to toilet training is put down papers or pre-treated pads, encouraging the pup to use these areas, often positioned in the utility room or bathroom. The pads have chemicals to draw the pup. When you see them with their pre-toilet behavior, pick them up quietly and take them to the pad. Praise them if they go to the toilet. The problem with this method, is you have to do a second training to doing this outside, by moving the pads closer to the door.
Potty timing, generally, pups need to go out, soon after waking and around 40 mins after having been fed.
At times puppies will spontaneously urinate when scared or excited, also known as submissive urination. Do not discipline the puppy for this. If they are liable to this, go for a walk, before any excitement, like family coming. Or if visiting, take them for a walk, just before, or on arrival. The puppy will normally grow out it after about 6 months.
To strengthen the potty training, as in dog training, you need to use verbal clues. Great ones are simple and distinctive. Everyone in the family or in contact with the dog, such as your dog walkers and the pet sitter need to use the same words. One or a maximum of two words.
Outside: For going outside, to go to the potty. Use another word such as “play” if its for more of a fun activity, though he may eliminate when he is there.
Potty: Do the business.
Good Dog: For any praise to give him.
No: When the puppy is doing something wrong, such as going in the wrong area, or inside.
There are probably two rules to follow:
1. Praise success always.
2. Do not punish him, if you do not catch him in the act of doing something wrong. He will have no idea why you are punishing him.

If you catch him urinating inside, carry him to the place, will often stop him, as well as reinforcing what he should be doing.