house training a dog?

Four months old is too young to expect a dog to let you know when he needs to go. I suspect he was waiting by the door for the treat and just happened to 'go' outside. You need to restrict him to an area where you can watch him like a hawk. Use gates or put his leash on your belt so that you can catch him in the act. When he tries to 'go' in the house, tell him no and carry him outside immediately. Take him out regularly, especially after he eats. When he does 'go' outside, praise him. No need for a treat. Use a word of your choice, like "potty" and say "good potty." In time he will understand what that means and even 'go' on command. Never rub a dog's nose in his accident, he won't know why you're upset with him and you will only make him afraid of you. If you don't catch him in the act, clean it well so he isn't attracted to that spot again. If he's not used to a crate, you should crate him at night while you're sleeping because dogs are less likely to use their crate for a bathroom. Patience, frequent airings and close observation are key to housebreaking. Good luck!

Well, I don't do much treat training for the sole purpose that some dogs get too hooked on treats. Then, instead of you being the leader, the dog is just basically doing what it needs to do to get a treat. Verbal praise and petting for going outside should be sufficient for the dog. Say "No" sharply to what he does inside and then give him a time-out. When he does go potty outside, praise him for it. If he doesn't go when you take him out, crate him when you get back in. Stay consistent with it and your dog will go outside.

Since he is 4 months old, he can "hold it," for about 4 hours. To be safe, I would bring him out ever 3 to 3 and a half hours. When you take him out, just let him go in a designated potty area and just explode with excitement when he does what you want. This eventually will show him "Oh, my master is happy with what I just did. I should keep doing this!" If you are crate training him, make sure the crate is not too big so he will go in it. Take him out before bed time at night, take him out immediately in the morning!

Just back up to when he was doing it right. Resume the treats. He's only a baby; he's not doing it for spite. You slacked off, so he did, too.

Consider this as an option:

http://www.petpeoplesplace.com/resources/articles/...

And NEVER punish him for his errors in the house. Just put him outside and clean it up when he can't see you.