Having recently acquired a new little dog that needed housetraining I was in a great position to put the clicker method to the test.Your dog has to be clicker 'aware' in the first instance for it to work. Therefore you should start training your puppy immediately starting with the sit, down and recall. You can then include housetraining.
I took Twiggy out into the garden every couple of hours and also after feeding and sleeping to give her an opportunity to relieve herself. Some dogs circle before they need to go which can also be a signal. Hard work I know but if you are consistent good results can be achieved in a couple of weeks only.
When she did a 'wee' I clicked halfway through it, praised her and called her to me to get her treat. You do not have to be too near the dog to do this and I stood at the door although I only have a small garden. That is the beauty of using the clicker as a signal to your dog that they are doing the right behaviour - you can be at a distance It is vital however that you click when they are actually relieving themselves, you have to catch them in the act so to speak The click marks and finishes the behaviour The timing of the treat is not so important as long as it is forthcoming!
After a few days I started to add the 'cue' word as she was performing her toilet. I always use 'busy' and my older dogs also know this command. Within two weeks we had 'cracked' it!
Eventually you can get your dog to relieve itself on command by saying' go do a busy!' As with all clicker training the cue word finally replaces the clicker.
For those who do not have a garden and have to use paper you can still use this method initially so that an association is formed with the command busy and doing their 'thing' and when exercising you ask them to 'do a busy' and start to click and treat them for getting it right. It will take longer but you will get there in the end.
Obviously for 'poos' you use the same method. You will have to give a different cue word. I always used 'good boys' but not much use when I have a bitch now! 'Good girls' has not got the same ring!!!!!! You can use whatever you feel appropriate but should be in good taste so to speak! Our doggies have their dignity too!!!!!!!
I always recommend crate training puppies so that you can help them get clean and dry overnight. When they are tiny you cannot expect them to hold themselves for long periods so by putting their bed into a crate with paper at one end you solve the problem of mess anywhere else. First thing in the morning though you should take the pup out and give them the chance to go in the garden. Eventually the paper will be clean and dry and you will know that they are capable of holding themselves until you are able to take them outside for their calls of nature!
I must stress that ON NO ACCOUNT should you punish a dog for having accidents. It is not their fault. It is YOUR fault! If they understand what is required of them and you take the time to train them you can get good results. Some folk expect them to know what to do without showing them. Some do not have patience and take the time needed. I am appalled when I hear people say you should rub their noses in it!!!! It is barbaric and non productive. What on earth do they expect to achieve!
Finally your dog does not mess in the house to get back at you! Yes some do it when they are left alone in the home but this can be caused by separation anxiety or not allowing them to relieve themselves before you go out! Dogs do not like to soil their dens, and your home is their den!
Older dogs too can learn by this method even if they have problems and have not been trained correctly. However, PATIENCE is the order of the day!
As a last word SCOOP THAT POOP! As responsible dog owners we should know that cleaning up after our animals is essential. Unfortunately there are lots of humans out there who don't!! Please do not be one of them!