Who would I most like to meet?  Jon Bon Jovi, of course.  He saved us from getting a speeding ticket one time.  Oh, and he wrote the music to my potty training song.

First, I start off by singing my little potty training song…

Music: Bon Jovi
Words: Spike
Tune: You Give Love a Bad Name

Pee on the floor and you’re to blame
You give dogs a bad name
I told you to bark if you had to go
But you peed on the floor
And got thrown out the door.

RULES FOR POTTY TRAINING

1. If you cannot physically keep your eyes on the dog, he must be in his crate or a small confined area.
2. You should leave a six-foot NON-RETRACTABLE leash on your dog at all times during the training period.  Remember, you cannot train what you cannot control)
3. Potty training dogs are not allowed to free feed.
4. You must catch the dog in the act of soiling.  If not, you cannot correct him.  See rule #1.
5. NEVER allow your dog to see you clean up his accidents.
6. Dogs should go outside before and after play, sleeping, and eating.
7. Training sessions (sit, stay, etc) should be taught to a hungry dog and last for 10 minutes only.
8. It is recommended that puppies under 8 months of age eat 3 times a day.
9. Generally food and water are not allowed in the crate.

***  Spike’s Special Note: If your vet recommends that food and/or water be left out for your dog to free feed, DO IT!  Your dogs health may be at risk.  Dogs that free feed may take longer to potty train.  Also, younger and smaller breeds may need to have access to food at all times.

Continue Reading