Use a key word. When taking your dog out, say "Let's go potty!" When outside, repeat "Go potty" until your dog or puppy goes it. (You can use any word you want in place of "Go potty".) After your dog goes, when you are praising him or her, use the key word. Let your pet link the word, the action, and the praise together.

Remember, potty time is not play time.
When you tell your dog it is time to potty, do not play with your dog until he's done his business. Keep him on the task at hand. (No fetch, no tug-o-war, and no chasing games.) After he or she has gone to the bathroom, you can add games into the praise.

When inside, watch your puppy close. You could even keep the leash on the puppy and attached to you until your dog is completely housebroken. Sniffing around the floor, squatting, acting as if he or she is looking for something, or seeming uncomfortable, are all signs your dog needs to go. Keep track of how often your dog goes potty, and how long he or she lasts before needing to go again.
If you can not be watching your puppy, put him or her in it's crate.

If you have to leave your dog alone for a long period of time, make sure he or she goes right beforehand. Do not punish your pet if you come home to find he or she has soiled somewhere in the home. Punishment will do no good if you didn't catch your pet in the act.