How do I housebreak a puppy with a minimum of carpet stains?
Although no 8-week-old or 10-week-old pup has complete control of its bladder, you have control over when the puppy eats. Don't leave food out all day. Feed at precise times, (three times a day for most pups under five months, unless your vet says otherwise). Also, take control of the water. Put toilet seats down and have some idea of how much and when your puppy drinks.
A pup typically needs to go to the bathroom first thing in the morning, after it plays, after drinking a lot, and about 20 to 40 minutes after eating. If you're crating your pup, it will have to go after being released from the crate. If you're at home, the best way to housebreak is simply to take your dog out at these times.
Don't just let your puppy out in the yard to wander about. Take it out on a leash -- not for a play session, but to do its business. If the dog doesn't perform after a couple of minutes, return to the house. Place the pup back in its crate, or otherwise keep your eyes on this loaded weapon. It hasn't fired yet, but it inevitably will. After about 10 minutes, try again. You'll know when the little one has to go.
As the pup performs its business, say "hurry, potty!" in an upbeat voice. Your pleasant tone is a reward and the words "hurry, potty!" will soon become a command. Just as you can teach a dog to sit or roll over, you can teach it to potty fast, a talent that can come in handy for everyone involved.
Only seconds after it has succeeded, reward the pup with a treat and more vocal praise. After a few months, you can begin dropping the treat, if you like. However, don't stop that vocal praise or the command "hurry, potty!"
Your efforts will be aided by taking the pup to the same place to do its business each time.
Invariably, your pup will have an accident in the house. It's best to catch the dog in the act by clapping your hands. Startling may temporarily interrupt the function, giving you the opportunity to scoop the pup up fast and take it outside to finish the job. Then, reward as usual.
If you've caught the dog as it's completing its act, you should say "No" and express disappointment. However, don't become overly dramatic. Scaring the dog or, even worse, physically attacking it, will only teach the puppy to do its business when you're not looking. This could also teach it not to trust you. Don't admonish a pup more than a couple of minutes after it has made a mistake. It won't understand, and the punishment will do no good.
Clean up accidents with an odor neutralizer, available at any pet store. Don't use a household ammonia-based product, since the scent will only encourage the dog to go there again.