[aigel]

Cliff, I have a great book recommendation for basic training / commands.

A command for going potty is very useful. This is a good command when they are just getting house broken but also later, when you want them to go before the night or before a car ride etc. It will be very efficient, as the dog knows to squeeze it out (just like us humans) without an urge. This way the dog doesn't run in circles for half an hour until they may get the urge on their own.

A voice command is much better than a bell, as you can use it anywhere and you don't have to bring the bell! (DOH!) Our dog goes on command if you tell him to "hurry up". You want to choose a voice command that isn't ridiculous if someone (i.e. the neighbor) listens to you giving it.

The "hurry up" command is getting more useful now at our house that the dog is old, as he has to go right before bedtime to make it through the night. He'll squeeze it out even if he had been not too long ago ...

George