Don't let the need for puppy potty training change your perspective on the real reason why you bought a puppy in the first place. While free or low cost puppy potty training information is available, don't obsess on the job of training and forget about the bonding and simple fun you can have with your new best friend.

While a strong advocate of dog obedience training for even puppies, it needs to be said that like children, puppies are only small for a very short time. It's during this time that the bonds you form with your dog that will last a lifetime. Of course it's a time for some low cost or free training, housebreaking and even socialization that goes along with having a new puppy. Still, all to often we forget that the real reason why we bought a puppy was for fun and companionship NOT be become a dog trainer.

Romping with a little puppy is one of the few inexpensive joys of living. It's during this time that puppies think you are the absolute most wonderful person. They learn to anticipate when you come home and when you leave in the morning for work. They want to be part of your life!

I had a Rottweiler for almost 13 years that even in the later years when he slept most of the time, my dog always manage to be at the door just as I was walking in. Kids grow up and go off on their own, but a puppy grows up to be your very own four-legged fan club. Willie and I took long walks when he was young.

Partly because I needed the walks for exercise and because I worked too much. As the years went by, the walks became shorter and shorter. Later in his life, our walks became just out to the mailbox or out to the far corners of the backyard, but they still were special times to simply be together and enjoy each others company. Housebreaking was no longer an issue then but he never forgot his training.

I did crate train Willie to housebreak him and used his "box" (crate) for obedience training as well. There were accidents but he was a great dog nonetheless. It took awhile for full puppy potty training but he got the hang of it. I must admit, getting up at night with him wasn't my most favorite memory but that didn't last long. Although we moved several times during his life, really always seemed to know that going to the bathroom in a house was just wrong. Potty training a puppy isn't hard but it does take effort.

Willie and I had a great time together a short 13 years. Sometimes even today I long to once again enjoy that distinctive puppy breath and see my 4 legged friend once again waiting by the door. He was a great dog Wille.and I will never forget the time we spent together.