Q:  I have an 8-week-old Chorkie. I want to box train him. How should I do it? When he goes on the floor, what should I do? And how do I keep him from barking?

A:  To teach your puppy to pee and poop in a litter box or sod box, apply the same rules as for normal housetraining. Feed your puppy on a schedule. Bring him to his pee/poop spot as soon as he wakes up in the morning or after a nap, whenever he's been playing or chewing (both activities stimulate elimination), a few minutes after he's eaten or had a drink of water, and any time he begins sniffing or circling or looking restless.

Your puppy should be on leash and you should lead him to his box and then stand there for 3-4 minutes. When he pees and/or poops, praise him and give him a few minutes of free playtime. If he doesn't pee or poop, put him back in his confinement area and give him another try a few minutes later.

An 8-week-old puppy should be brought to his elimination spot at least once per hour whenever he is awake. Your puppy will also need one or two "outings" overnight for at least the next three or four weeks of his life.