Regular visits to the area of the backyard you wish him to use will increase your pup's success at going where you'd prefer. You'll
    want to take the puppy or dog out about 20 minutes after eating or drinking, and immediately after waking from a nap and hard play.  
    Our pups have inside outside runs and learn to go through a dog door at a young age. That just need to know where they should go.
    Rugs and circling are usually signs that they are about to go as well.

    Keeping the puppy in a safe area when you are unable to watch his is a must. Gating off areas is helpful but you must be sure that he
    can not get into anything dangerous or something he can chew up.  Put in a "potty area" of newspapers or old towels (we use
    washable runs and blankets). As the puppy gets older and can hold it longer, you eliminate the potty area. Never punish the puppy
    harshly for pottying in the house - no hitting, no yelling, no rubbing a nose in it!  Usually that take this as play expecially if you start
    running after them.

    Your puppy or dog should be on leash when being taken to the potty area. Use the word "outside" when you go out the door. When
    the puppy goes, say "good Potty" in a happy voice. By doing so you are giving it a name so that if you ever need him to go on
    command, he will understand what you want. That can be very helpful when away from home, in an unfamiliar yard. When done,
    praise.
    .

    Spaying and neutering is always a good idea, no matter what. Marking territory is one reason for in-house urination in a male dog
    older than a few months. Occasionally some dominant female Malamutes will do this as well, but it's not nearly as common.
    Spaying/neutering may help in that regard IF the dog is pre- adolescent  or before he is 8 months old. After adolescence you can try
    neutering/spaying, but chances are it won't help that much. Potty-training will likely take longer for an older dog than a puppy - bad
    habits are hard to break and he may never be as reliable as you'd like so a regular schedule of "potty times" can help.

    A couple books on basic training and cheap to buy is :

    Super Puppy and Super  puppy goes to Class:   but Peter J, Vollmer
    I do know that you can buy the books on Amazon.com at about 10.00 each.

    Super  puppy shows you a few basic steps in housebreaking, crate training,  Social Stimulation, The recall and Breeder and puppies
    which helps you to understand what the breeder should of been starting before the puppy comes home.

    Or you can order by calling 1(800) 342-7877
    Super Puppy Press
House Training
Kathy Eichenlaub  (419) 588-3170

EST - please call within reasonable hours.