[ldenise]

welcome.
first of all.... I believe there is a special place in heaven for those people who will accept an unwanted dog.
second... if the people of this world were more like dogs there would never be violence and wars. It is amazing how they can forgive those who have mistreated them. All they want is a little of your time and a little of your love.
Heck, next time I run into a foreign official I might think about jumping up and licking his face too. It might help keep peace in the world!
If you think about it most breeds started out as a mix. (look at the silkie terriers, etc.).
As far as them letting you know when they need to go out for potty is concerned. The way I accompished this was to watch for their sign. I watched what time of day that they did their business and started taking them out just that time of day and stayed out until they were done. They soon gave me their own signal when they needed to go. (They trained me).
Buckeye will come and scratch on my leg if i don't notice him at the door. Ahia hasn't got to that stage yet. She just stands at the door and hopes that I notice her. If I don't she will find her own spot. So I have learned to keep an eye on her at all times.