Housebreaking: The key here is Consistency! Every couple hours your puppy should be taken outside, and after every activity such as, eating, napping, playing, etc. Take/lead the puppy to the same area each time and use a two word phrase, like "go potty", "potty, potty". Remember when training a young puppy (8-16wks) the first word you use is the "attention getter" the second word is your command. Using the puppy's name as your first word can be very helpful in the beginning because he will be learning his new name as well.
Okay, here's the biggest tip you will ever get on housebreaking! Once the puppy is at the spot that he's supposed to "do his business", use your two word phrase, then just stand quietly, as if you're just admiring the world! Do not talk to the puppy, or continue to say "potty, potty", or even have eye contact, this is just distracting him from what he is supposed to be doing! If he hasn't gone after a few minutes, then you can talk to him or play with him, but repeat the "go potty" routine before taking him back inside.
Accidents will happen! Your puppy should only be corrected when "caught in the act", interrupt the behavior (never hit) and immediately take him to where he's supposed to go. Go through your potty routine as usual.
If you find a pile or puddle after the fact, scolding your puppy or "showing him what he did" is not going to teach him anything. He's in the moment, what he did 10 minutes or a half hour ago has no bearing on why you are scolding him now and will only confuse him.
Crate Training: A crate should only be used when your puppy is home alone and at night if he is not going be allowed to sleep with his people. Remember that a puppy will try to avoid going potty where he sleeps, so at first should only be crated for short lengths of time (1-3hrs), and should be taken outside immediately after you return home and first thing in the morning. Food and water should never be given in the crate.
If your puppy is crated at night he will usually start whining when he can't hold it any longer, and that's your que to take him out. Never wake a puppy up to take him outside, you don't want to start a routine of going out at 3am! The crate is also teaching him that if he waits long enough someone will take him outside to do his business, and can eventually be left for longer periods of time.
*A crate should never be used as punishment! All that teaches him is that he doesn't want to be put in the crate, it means he's done something wrong.
Basic Training: The most important commands that a puppy needs to learn are, "sit", "stay", "come", and "no". "No" is your basic correction for anything he is not supposed to be doing, and should be used in a stern voice. "Sit", "stay", and "come" are the staples to a well behaved dog, and are for his own safety and your peace of mind. Remember you are his world at first, he looks to you for everything, so basic training should be very easy when incorporated into day to day activity. Find a small treat that he really enjoys to reward him for successful behavior and remember to give lots of praise. Do not "over treat" your puppy, he will lose interest in his training if he's not excited about the reward.
*"Come" should always be the first thing learned, and can be taught just by saying the word "come" as he's following you from room to room. If there are multiple people in your family, a good exercise is to have one person hold on to the puppy and, one at a time, the other family members call the puppy to them, using his name and the word "come". 15-20 feet apart is a good distance to begin this exercise. This way he will learn to respond to everyone in your family.
*"Sit" is simple! With treat in hand and his attention focused on his reward, simply hold the treat directly above his snout, just out of reach, as you say "sit". His rear will naturally go down as his nose goes up toward the treat. He will start to associate this position with the word "sit".
*"Stay" will take a little more effort and starts with the "sit" command. Once in sitting position, show him a flat, palmed hand while saying "stay". Start to move away, if he gets up to follow, immediately put him back into the sit position and repeat these steps. It may be tidious and repetative but he will eventually get it! Rewards should be given if the "stay" is performed for any amount of time at first, then only reward when the "stay" is longer than the previous.
*Basic puppy training classes are always a good idea, but not a necessity if you are successful at home.
Socialization: Your puppy will have experienced many different kinds of situations before leaving our home, but needs to continue to be socialized in his new surroundings. When at all possible he should be allowed to go with you, whether it be in the car, for a walk, to a friend's house, and to your pet supply store. Outdoor sporting events are a good venue too! He should always be on a leash in any of these situations.
Feeding: Food should be available to your puppy several times a day, and he should always have access to water. Unless, of course, he is in his crate. You can not over feed a puppy, they are growing and should be allowed to eat until full. Always take food and water away at least 1 hour before bedtime or leaving the house, and he should be taken out to potty before being put in the crate. Digestion only takes about 20-30 minutes in a young puppy, so remember that each time you see him eating or drinking.
The kind of food you choose to feed is up to you. Our puppies are not known to have weak stomachs or food allergies, but poor quality, low nutrient foods can cause problems like these in any dog, regardless of breeding. So stick to a name brand food. They are started on IAMS puppy food, which has a good nutrient and vitamin content. Look for a food with a high protein content, and essential coat nutrients. I do not recommend Science Diet!