Q Do I require any equipment for potty training?

Yes you need to have a handy device to enable you to clean up when your dog messes up your house, yard or even a street. It is only good manners to clean up a mess created by an animal that you are responsible for. And for this a poop scoop is the ideal tool.

Q Since proper potty training can be implemented only when my pup is about 4 months old what do I do with him when I bring him home when he is about 2 months old?

Yes, your pup has no voluntary control over his bodily functions till he is about 4 months old. Hence it is up to you to take him to the area where he should relieve himself before it is too late. So you must pay close attention to his movements. As soon he exhibits any sign of getting ready to relieve himself; pick him up and take him to the appropriate place for him to pee or potty.

Q Which is the ideal place to locate my dog's toilet?

This is one thing that you as the owner will have to decide. The doggie toilet could be a one definite place in your yard. You would not like your dog to mess up just anywhere in your yard would you? You can use a litter tray within the house if you do not have a yard or a garden.
He must be directed to go there every time he wants to pee or potty. Until he is thorough with this lesson, you will have to accompany him on every trip. This is very important because otherwise he will pee or potty wherever he fancies. Thus the sanctity of using one place only for peeing or eliminating will be totally lost.

Q How do I teach him to recognize his designated toilet spot?

You must take him to the same spot every day and many times through each day. Consistency is the name of the game. When he is taken to the same spot every day, the odors floating around there will urge him to perform. Rub his stomach to urge him to eliminate.
You can use the 'better go now' command to urge him to eliminate. Be patient while your puppy sniffs around. A reflexive action to the odors, as well as association with the same spot will induce the pup to eliminate in that spot. Keep working on the association, soon your pup will respond to the toileting command.
The toileting command can be practiced with and without a leash. A leash is useful when you have to take your dog out of the precincts of your home.

Q How should I deal with my puppy when he makes a mess indoors?

You must remain calm and not yell or scream whatever happens. This is not a personal attack on you or an intentional act to disobey you. It is only an error. Getting angry or punishing your pup will not serve any purpose. Instead the fear factor might set your training scheme back a bit. So first and foremost just get down to the ground and clean the mess up.
If you do catch your pup in the act of urinating, then very firmly say, "No' Then pick him up and carry him to his designated toilet spot. When he continues with his business at the designated toilet spot, praise him profusely.

Q How do I reinforce my puppy's association of going out to eliminate?

This is an excellent training trick that is very effective as it uses positive reinforcement. So if your pup has urinated or passed stools in the house, just soak up the urine or stools in paper towel. Take the towel outside and deposit it at a spot where you want your pup to pee or potty.
Take your pup to that spot and let him sniff at the paper towel carrying the pee / poop. Once he does pay attention to the smell, praise him for it. Praise creates a pleasant association of eliminating outside. This should be a sharp contrast with the correction of eliminating inside.
Then spend some time with your pup in doing something pleasant that he likes like playing. The positive play helps overcome any sense of insecurity that the pup might have developed when you corrected him for dirtying inside. This will definitely help in creating a strong association of going outside to eliminate.

Q What is the ideal method of cleaning up after my puppy pees or potties in the house?

This is one job you will have to execute very thoroughly. Remnant odors floating around prompt the pup to eliminate in the same area again. So be sure that after you have cleared off the physical mess, you get rid of the smells too!
First remove your puppy from the scene of the mishap. Keep him away till you have cleaned up. Blot up the area with paper towels. The paper will absorb most of the liquid. Use a poop scoop to remove the solid matter.
Disinfect the area with disinfectant. Diarrhea stains can be cleaned using white vinegar and dishwashing soap solution. Then de-odorize the place. You can do this by sprinkling a pinch of white vinegar or baking soda on the spot. After the area dries up, vacuum the place.
Always bear in mind that it is very essential to clean up the soiled area very thoroughly. Even a little bit of odor that remains can be instrumental in instigating the dog to dirty that area again!

Q What are the other factors that I must keep in mind when potty training my puppy?

Your puppy is an extremely charming pet. Do not let him charm you into distraction. Do not start playing with him when a training session is in progress. Be very patient with him. Do not get too boisterous and noisy. Noise will only distract him from the job that he is supposed to be performing.

Q How to I get my puppy to obey the "Better go now," command?

Yes this is a very convenient command for you to teach your dog. It involves both reflexive action as well as performing with association. A puppy will start to pee by reflexive action once he gets a whiff of urine smell. So when you want to teach him the "Better go now" command take him to a spot where he has urinated earlier. Then give the command. The residual smell will get him going. Keep encouraging him all along. Once he finishes urinating, praise him with great enthusiasm.
Be persistent about working on this association and reflexive action. Soon your pup will respond favorably to the toileting command. Do practice this command with the pup on leash as well as off leash. You will not require a leash as long as your pup is in your own yard. But if you are traveling then a leash is useful when you have to lead your pup to an unfamiliar spot to urinate.
You must be vigilant to the signals that your pup gives to indicate that he has got to go! Take him out when he needs to go. When your pup sees how responsive you are to his needs, he will feel happy and obligated to perform as per your command.