When I got my little girl, she was 10+1/2 months old - and not potty trained! So, I took her outside every hour - except at night - gave her lots of praise and a tiny treat if she did her duties, and just a tiny praise if she didn't - if she didn't, I took her out in 1/2 hour intervals, until she did go - then back to the one hour intervals - with praise and a treat if earned - it took two weeks, but since then, never an accident in the house - and she's going on seven years old now. I've also heard that when company comes, to keep the dog in a small kennel (suppossedly, they won't poo or pee in a small area) until they feel comfy with the people in the house, then let the dog outside to do duties, and then in to meet company. Good luck!