Dog Health Questions: What are some typical questions asked during dog adoption interviews?

I am about to adopt a yorkie next week and have an interview set up with an pet adoption agency and I am extremely excited. I am worried that as much as I want to and have been preparing to adopt a pet, the agency will not approve me. I have heard stories of loving people who's applications were denied. The reason I am concerned about not being approved is because Im a first time dog owner, but have spent months researching what I need to do to properly prepare for and care for a dog (dog training, vet care, housebreaking). Also, I am a full time graduate student, and although I am home in the day time and have a lot of time to dedicate caring for a dog, I am concerned that they will say I will not be able to afford a dog. Money is not a concern for me though. I have really thought this through and understand that this is a lifetime commitment that I am making. My interview is scheduled for Tuesday and Im not sure the type of questions they will ask me. Can someone give me an idea about some of the questions I will be asked? Is there anyone that has ran or volunteered at an animal shelter that can provide me with some insight as to what they are looking for and what to expect in an interview? Also what type of questions should I ask them? Thanks a bunch! I look forward to hearing what others have to say.

So You Want a Guard Dog, Eh? (Basic Dog Training)

Recommended Answer:
Hi Blank,

I don't blame you for being worried. There are times the screening process feels soooo rigid that no one would technically seem qualified to own a dog.

Things that may be asked are:

How much time are you going to be spending with the dog (and not gone to school)
Will you make it an indoor / outdoor pet?
Will you financially be able to provide for the dog on every level (veterinary care and decent food).
How secure is your yard (they may want to inspect your place)
What's your home life like? Children - ages?
Have you ever turned a dog into a pound for any reason
They'll call your vet (if you have one) to verify that you've given your pets acceptable routine care (vaccinations/deworming)
Have you ever had a dog euthanized?
Do you own a crate (for house training or traveling?)
Did you have pets growing up?

Things like that...but... it can be exasperating, and you if you don't get the particular dog try NOT to be too crushed. You need to understand that the agency rehoming the dog is trying to cover EVERY BASE for the dog so that it ends up in a good home FOREVER...and not bounced around anymore.

You sound like a responsible person. Most people were "first time" dog owners at one point and time in their lives, but when ever rehoming a dog with a first time dog owner there is a level or concern. Let them know you're willing to do "what it takes" to get things off on the correct foot. You might sign up for some basic obedience classed with the dog right away so you understand the importance of setting boundaries with the new dog. Some of us were "raised" in multiple dog homes, but still.. I recently picked up a little boxer from a breed specific rescue and I didn't get any special preference given I do rescue myself. I had to go through the process just like everyone else (as they didn't know me from beans). They had no reps in my area so I had to email them photos of my home, and yards. The dog turned out to have some pretty serious bowel issues when I got her home and I immediately had to put out a substantial amount of money getting her straightened out. That's just the risk you assume taking home any animal.

A couple things you may want to have thought about is WHAT IF YOU HAVE TO be gone for a long period? What will you do with the dog? It might be a very good idea to ck out "doggy daycares" in your area, and know what your back up plan will be in the event that that happens. Leaving the dog with your parents or trusted friends...just think the whole process through.

However, I need to warn you that "breed specific" rescues can seem like absolute sticklers going through this process. If they don't place this dog with you I'd suggest getting to know the staff at your local pound. Tell them what you're looking for etc. In this day of so many people financially struggling there are some very sweet pets turned into shelters who desperately NEED a home. As a rule the pound's adoption process is much more lax then some private agencies. Or consider volunteering to be a dog walker for your local pound...and get to know some of the dogs in the shelter before adopting one. Most pounds do have a return policy if the dog is just not working for you, but e-v-e-r-y rehomed dog will require patience and work to get them settled into a new home. Just like people they can be very nervous and unsure about their new life.

Then, you have to prepare yourself for an ADJUSTMENT period because as much as you want a new pup/dog... there is that moment of realization that they are never "turned off" and require care 24/7 no matter how tired you are, or sick you may feel or how much you have on your plate.

Good Luck...
.

Tested Dog Training Tips - The Way to Hone a Dog's Behavior

• They want to know that you are settled in a home and will not be moving anytime soon. I have adopted three dogs over the years. They like you to know about and understand the breed some what. That the home is suitable and safe for the dog. That you are not a hoarder or collector Dogie doors and yards are good. Electric cords and dangerous thing are up out of the way that you are not careless with chocolate and things that might be dangerous. Basically that the dog will be in a good forever home. Young people that move or have room mates can not be certain where they may be in a year or two and wage reversal might mean moving and sometimes places for dogs are hard to find..


• Whenever I have been checked for adoption (from the RSPCA) they basically just check your yard, fences etc. Because it is from an adoption agency they will probably just go nto more detail. Just answer all their questions honestly. If you can afford it they can't tell you that you can't. Just know the truth and you should be fine, If you are 100% honest and they don't approve you, contact them and ask for their specific reasons - there may be an area you slightly overlooked that you can improve on.
  Goodluck :)


• If you've already filled out an adoption application, they may have already asked all their questions there. How many dogs have you had and what happened to them, what kind of home do you live in, what kind of fence do you have, is anyone allergic, who will be the main caregiver of the dog, how many people in the home, kids, neighbors, neighbors with dogs, references. If there was no adoption application with such questions they may come up at the interview.
  If the interview will take place in your home, the so-called home visit, then the representative just wants to see where the dog will live, where it will stay when you're not there, any dangers to the dog out in the open, is the outside area secure and that sort of thing.
  There main concern might be where you will go after graduate school and what will happen to the dog when you move, if you do. It's not uncommon for a person to get a job across the country after school and they will want to be sure you can take the dog with you.
  Ask them any questions that come up during the interview, and lots will. Also make sure you understand everything in the adoption contract. And ask them anything you want to know about the dog you want to adopt. Any behavioral issues that stand out, what's the energy level of the dog, any health issues that have come up, any fears, likes, dislikes, etc.
  
  Now, this is from experience working in a rescue group. If you're adopting from a shelter there may be slight differences. So hopefully some of this helps some.
  
  Good luck.

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Dog Health Questions: Should I give up my dog?

He is a 2 or 3 year old chocolate Labrador mix. I got him when he was a puppy. Unfortunetaly, he has been a menace in my neighboorhood. He jumps the fence. When goes into peoples houses he gets clothes or shoes. He also killed a duck. The neighboors had threathen me alot.

I dont want to kill the dog at the animal shelter and I cant afford to take him to a dog training school.

Training Your Dog at Home - Save Thousands of Dollars on Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
Yes. If you don't take the time and energy it takes to train and properly raise a dog, then you should not have one. A lab is one of the easiest dogs to own, they are Intelligent and eager to please. Let him go to someone who can care for him properly, and wait until you are responsible enough for a dog to get another one.

Dog Training Tips

• At 2-3 years of age, you still have time to train him but your time is very limited. Buy a book from a pet store or read the internet. I have a Shitzu, she is nothing like a Labrador but labs are supposed to be easier to train than smaller dogs. Punish the dog by smacking it over the head with a newspaper when it does something bad, give it treats when it does something good. Get a shock collar, I'm sure it's much cheaper than taking your dog for training. If you can't train it, post up advertisements on the net and I'm sure people would be interested.


• How much time do you spend with your dog? Casually through out the day it really doesn't take much to have your dog sit here and there for a treat, lay down, etc. You can't expect much from a dog if you don't work with them. Is your dog an outdoor dog? How much time do you spend with it? If you are around your dog enough be persistent with training, and in the meantime tie the dog up and perhaps this wouldn't be such an issue. If you don't enough time to do this with your dog then yes, adoption may be a better choice.


• If you are still not willing to train your dog, make some calls. Find a no kill shelter and turn your dog in to them. They will keep him, foster him, until they find a home for him and there is no charge. You are legally responsible for the damage done by your dog and this could be very expensive, more so than obedience classes. You know, you could just go to the library and read some training books or get on the internet, since you can obviously afford that, and educate yourself. If you cannot take the time, again, find a proper shelter for the dog and you should do it as soon as possible. Sounds like the dog does not have a good life with you. Very sad.


• Why did you get a dog if you were not going to take care of it properly?? Training is as important to provide as food and water!!
  
  Try to find a trainer that will let you work in exchange for training classes. Be willing to clean kennels/yards even their house it that is what it takes. This dog's life is your responsibility, no one else's!!
  
  If you choose not to do the right thing, do the next best thing and find a lab rescue group and ask them to take him in. They will try to undo all the damage you have done to the dog, making him adoptable. Do NOT just give him away to someone unless they know what they are getting into!!
  
  Just to let you know, to discourage you from doing another thing that is not right: If you give this dog to someone without telling them about his killing a duck, and the dog destroys one of their animals they can come after you for all costs.


• If you end up looking for a shelter please be sure it's a no kill shelter before giving up your pet. I truly believe if you must give up your dog a no kill shelter is the very best option you can give your dog.
  If you give him away on craigslist, through the want adds or whatnot you need to be sure he will be going to a good home if you go that rout. Check to make sure the people you give him to have a vet already.
  Make sure you visit the potential home before giving the dog up. Make sure the people have the funds to get your dog the training he so desperately needs.
  When I decided I wanted to get a dog I searched creaigsist for adds and found it shocking how many people just didn't seem to care where there dogs ended up as long as they were off the hook for caring for there pets.
  Many of the free dogs seemed to end up being used for breeding stock from what I could tell.
  I eventually ended up adopting my dog from a shelter when it was all said and done


• So, because you failed to adequately train your dog and stick him in a yard, left to his own devices to entertain and soothe himself, you think he needs to be dumped at animal control? Even worse, you are concerned whether or not you will be charged money for dumping him there. Shameful. Simply shameful. I'd suggest one of two things - hiring a professional trainer and keeping your dog indoors except for exercise time and potty breaks or contacting a Lab rescue. Don't just dump your dog off where he'll likely be sentenced to death.


• Hi jfs1988,
  
  I have had a few dogs in my time and if you don't get serious with training them they are always going to 'dominate' you and misbehave. It is all about knowing HOW to train them and very few of us have the time or patience. I found a guy called Daniel who has a terrific course with lots of extra bonus information - he really over delivers.
  I hope you get as much out of it as I have.


• Yes you should, but give it to someone you might know that has the time and effort for him. Or bring him to a no kill shelter. And i think all shelters will charge you a little money to leave him.


• either spend hours a day training him yourself, the internet has alot of hints
  or give him up to a shelter, a big dog needs to be trained right otherwise thats what happens..


• You failed him as a pet parent you should have trained him better. and keep your dog on a leash so he will not go in other people homes.


• You have to assert yourself as the top dog. Let him know you are boss or else he will be untrainable.


• When he goes outside, put him on a leash, you need to train him.


• Well here's an easy solution - STOP leaving him outside unsupervised


• Why dont you train him yourself using treats i have a german shepherd/black lab mix .hunting is there instant

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Dog Health Questions: Dog appears to have cherry eye?

Hey I rarely ask any questions that should be directed towards a vet but I am just curious. I usuallly ask questions that deal with dog training etc. My pitbull/cane corso puppy woke up this morning with what looks like Cherry eye. Anyone have or had a dog with this condition. Yesterday she was perfectly fine. This morning it popped out of nowhere. This sound familiar to anyone? We will be bringing her in in the morning to see the vet. I know theres a chance she may get it in the other eye as well.

Dog Treats for Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
Hey Javier! I have a Chihuahua named Angel, who 3 years ago had Cherry Eye in one of her eyes, she never got it in the other eye, thankfully. This is a picture of Angel, when she had Cherry Eye!
http://s279.photobucket.com/albums/kk159…
I knew that Cherry Eye can only be repaired through a surgical procedure, so after I noticed Angels Cherry Eye, I took her to the vet and had her Cherry Eye repaired. Since then, she has never had any problems with her eyes and the Cherry Eye never came back in neither one of her eyes. What the other poster said about Cherry Eye Surgery being Pointless is wrong, so please don't pay attention to that statement. It's easier for a dog with Cherry Eye to get a bad Infection or Injure it's eye, so the sooner you can get the Cherry Eye repaired, the better for your dogs eyes. The advice the other poster also gave you about their little Home Remedy with the Baking Soda and Water and rubbing it into the dogs eye. That's insane and you don't do that or you will cause your dog pain and you can cause your dog to go blind. Forget the home remedies because there aren't any! I would take her to the vet and have the vet take a look at her eye. The vet will give you the options you have and what steps to take next from there!

Show Dog Training - Be A Winner!

• Cherry eye is an inflammation of the third eyelid, and your dog sounds very much like she has it. While they can give drugs to reduce the inflammation and get the eylid to pop back into place, it will eventually recur, generally worse than the first time. The only permanent solution is surgery to correct it. There are a few options, depending on severity. Cherry eye surgery has minimal recovery time and is generally not extremely expensive (depending on the type of surgery).


• If you bring her to the vet, they might make you pay a lot for a little almost pointless surgery.
  My Cocker Spaniel had cherry eye and it just came out of no where.
  It looked nasty D;
  My Mom rinsed her finger in water, dipped it in baking soda and lightly put some of the baking soda on the cherry eye thing...
  My dog rubbed her eyes for a little, but after a couple minutes it went away.
  
  Edit:
  Jeez. I can't believe I'm getting thumbs down...
  You people haven't even tried this to see if it works.
  It actually worked on my dog... I don't know how I'm suppose to prove this. D:
  My dog never had cherry eye again...

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Dog Health Questions: Dog training help.?

I've had my dog Sirius since he was A pup. And He's kinda afraid of well just about everything. I mean he will barck and bite stangers. But theres something weird here. He will come and listen to my mom, grandma, and aunt but not me. And He has tried and bite me before and sometimes got lucky. He will sit and shake his paw for me but will not come to me. And I can't even walk him because He won't come and listen. If andyone has and advice or knows any books I can get from the library would be great. He is 6 yrs old in mind so can He still be trained? He didn't used to be like this. What could be the problem???

Advanced Dog Training Exercises

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"These are my aggression consultation clients, who are in my office in desperation, as a last resort, hoping to find some magic pill that will turn their biting dog into a safe companion. They are often dismayed and alarmed to discover that the paradigm many of us grew up with – punish your dog harshly at the first sign of aggression – has contributed to and exacerbated the serious and dangerous behavior problem that has led them to my door. It seems intuitive to punish growling. Growling leads to biting, and dogs who bite people often must be euthanized, so let's save our dog's life and nip biting in the bud by punishing him at the first sign of inappropriate behavior. It makes sense, in a way – but when you have a deeper understanding of canine aggression, it's easy to understand why it's the absolute wrong thing to do. "

From Pat Miller

http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/

House Dog Training Secrets and Dog Food Secrets Revealed

• Start with Karen Pryor's "Don't Shoot the Dog"


• 90 % of dog training is attitude .....yours....Mom, Grandma and your aunt have one from raising children...the dog senses they will take no crapola from him....


• fear biter, try this , tell the rest of your family, for the next week you are going to feed him, step two , if he biting, this has got to stop now, today, choke chain. and a muzzle cause he going to bite you again. you need to regain his trust
  this is going to take about 14 weeks to train him, you need to train him to sit then sit stay then down, the down is the big onem he may bite training this, but it will take time,

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Dog Health Questions: What's the best dog training tip you've ever learned?

we have 2 dogs
always looking for new ideas

Top 6 Dog Training Mistakes - Are You Making These Mistakes When Dog Training?

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I think a big mistake many people make (I know I used to) is not making training fun. You need to be excited so the dog will be excited. Have lots of energy and make every command sound fun and upbeat.

Obviously you still need to correct if the dog disobeys (assuming the command is already a known one) but learning to put some energy into my training sessions made my dogs respond so much better to me.

----
Have to agree with Dalmatians. NILIF really helped my possessive aggressive dog. You'd never guess now that he used to be protective of food and toys.
http://k9deb.com/nilif.htm

Do a Good Job of Dog Training

• In the words of the great Cesar Milan, Be the assertive pack leader. It doesn't matter what you are trying to teach your dogs, you need to be confident, assertive and calm. If you are tentative about being the top dog, then your dogs will never see you as the pack leader. They will continue to do bad behaviors and drive you crazy. Also look on Youtube for videos of Victoria Stillwell. She has really good advice about dog training. The thing that both Cesar and Victoria agree on is that you have to be the Alpha. Good Luck!


• PATIENCE and a lot of love for the pup.... as brenda said...f you can only punish a dog within 10 seconds of the incident happening otherwise the dog has no idea what you're punishing him for.... soooo true.... and i have also learned that Cesar Milan's idea of us being the pack leader is not true in all cases... dogs understand the difference between humans and other dogs...


• It's all about consistency. If it takes you a 100 times everyday for a week to teach it .. it's worth it!
  
  Oh and my trainer told me that if you can only punish a dog within 10 seconds of the incident happening otherwise the dog has no idea what you're punishing him for.


• Never hesitate to praise your dog for exhibiting good behavior.


• i thought i knew it all in dog training until i brought by last pup to obedience class. wow did i learn alot


• NILIF - Nothing in life is free.
  
  Has worked wonders on my dogs.


• Definitely NILIF.

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Dog Health Questions: I'm skeptical about the dog training program that i'm about to go with?

I found this website called www.abetterdogtrainingtexas.com and i'm about to have them train my dogs. I have two big dogs and they would train them both for one price. One of my dogs has bitten someone and in order to keep him I have to get him training. (this was ordered by the city but i was going to do that anyway). The training costs 400 dollars and it would include four lessons that are a couple of hours long each. I guess i'm just a little scared to go with them because its a lot of money and I want to make sure its going to work. I live in texas obviously. Has anyone ever heard of this training program and used it? If not go to the site and let me know what you think. Im kinda scared to do it also because my husband is in iraq and I know he probably wouldn't approve of the price....but after Jake bit someone we both agreed that we wanted to keep him and do anything we had to to keep him. and they would train my other dog Buddy as well. advice? opinions? No rude answers please. I'm not skeptical about getting him training...i'm just a little worried about going with this particular program.

Dog Training - Teach Your Dog the Sit Command at Once

Recommended Answer:
Go with your own instinct on the program.They are supposed to be training you how to handle your dog as well.
It doesn't state what kind of training either or what promises are in the contract.Ask for referrals to call upon & check up on them.
Continue to look for a trainer that you feel comfortable with.Any good one will be able to deal with aggressive animals.Some may choose not to.
Until one is found keep the animal secure to avoid injury to anyone & anything.You cannot take back a bite and it will cost you much more than 400$.
Now that I look at your post again-it is only 50$ per animal for what I am presuming is one on one training

The Worth of Dog Training

• I wouldn't.
  
  I don't buy into the "pack behavior" and domiance theory though
  
  I train my animals with positive reinforcement and I'm looking into this prey training.
  
  But it may work for your dog, I don't see anything wrong based on their site.
  
  add:
  Another TD because I don't believe in domiance theory right?
  
  It's an out-dated theory and there are many better alternatives. All of my animals even my CAT has been trianed with positive reinforcement and I've gotten great results.
  
  My CAT (yes those "untrainable" creatures) knows sit, stay lay down, paw, touch it, leave it, no, and a few others. ALL done with positive reinforcement


• I didn't look at the site, but four lessons for four hundred dollars is too much. Four lessons is too little. Look for another trainer. If you don't feel confident with this program, it won't work for you. Go with your gut feeling.


• I am not the least bit impressed. They never mention what method they use but if the whole Pack Leader crap is what they use then I would steer clear.
  Also 2 hour sessions are too long to keep a dog focused. Their minds tend to shut down with too long of sessions. Shorter and more often are much more productive.
  Call around and find someone that uses more positive reinforcement with more sessions


• What makes you skeptical? I think we should start there.
  
  A good trainer can be costly but also work miracles. :)
  
  Training is not a magic trick and you need to get as much out of it as the dog and continue the training everyday! It is a lifestyle change.
  
  Have they won any awards? What is their specialty? Are they willing to come back for a "refresher" if any new issues arise? What is their guarantee?
  
  I wish you the best and thank you for not giving up on your dog!
  
  PS remember a neutered, well exercised dog with proper nutrition is less likely to become aggressive
  
  Add: you need to find what will work for YOU and your dog. Every person, family, dog and situation is a bit different. I have one of the best behaved dogs I know of and there are plenty of people who tell me I am doing something wrong, but it works! You need to be completely comfortable with your decision. Shop around. Check out the akc site for trainers. I chose my trainer because he was recommended by owners of show and working dogs. (www.stronghaus.com)


• The American Humane Society provides guidelines of what to ask the training facilities. Here is a link. it is geared for classes but you might get some ideas from it.
  
  http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/dog_ca…
  
  Here is a quote from the page:"
  What to Look For in a Trainer
  
  It's essential that the dog trainer you select uses humane training techniques that encourage appropriate behavior through such positive reinforcement as food, attention, play, or praise. Look for a trainer who ignores undesirable responses or withholds rewards until the dog behaves appropriately. Training techniques should never involve yelling, choking, shaking the scruff, tugging on the leash, alpha rolling (forcing the dog onto his back), or other actions that frighten or inflict pain."
  
  There are several clicker trainers in texas, although I don't know if any train just the dogs. Let me ask on a list I am on to see if I can get any recommendations for those that do in the next few days.
  
  Unless you want to subscribe yourself and ask publically.
  http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/Click…
  
  Other than that, you really have to go with your instincts as to if they are appropriate for you and your dogs.


• You are right to take this seriously. Biting can have many underlying causes and there are no fast, easy, or guaranteed solutions. 4 sessions will not solve the problem. Taking care of the aggresion problem will be both a huge financial and time commitment. Your best bet is to find a board certified veterinary behaviorist in your area. They are veterinarians that only treat behavior problems and they have much more extensive expertise than a dog trainer. If not treated appropriately the aggresion will get worse and it can become a life threatening situation for your dog or a person.


• I agree with the people, that 400$ for 4 lessons is way to much, most dog training, well at least that I have heard, last from 6 to 8 weeks. It takes longer than four lessons to help a normal dog, let alone a aggressive dog.


• Tips for dog training
  
  1) Avoid giving your dog combined commands which are incompatible. Combined commands such as "sit-down" can confuse your dog. Using this example, say either "sit" or "down". The command "sit-down" simply doesn't exist.
  
  2) When giving your dog a command, avoid using a loud voice. Even if your dog is especially independent/unresponsive, your tone of voice when issuing an obedience command such as "sit","down" or ""stay", should be calm and authoritative, rather than harsh or loud.
  
  3) Whenever possible, use your dog's name positively, rather than using it in conjunction to reprimands, warnings or punishment. Your dog should trust that when it hears its name or is called to you, good things happen. His name should always be a word he responds to with enthusiasm, never hesitancy or fear.Check my source, hope it helps. Good luck!

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Dog Health Questions: Brought home an older dog: Training tips?

He's a very nice dog, about 3 we think.

My boyfriend almost hit him with his car, and when he confronted the owner he was told to 'take him if you want him' because he didn't apparently. So now we have Buddy Holly, sine the dog never had a name- just lived there.

So, we need training tips for a slightly older dog.

Dog Training - A Vital Component of Your Dog's Life

Recommended Answer:
How nice of you to take this dog in from such horrible people! Get him to the vet first off for a check up and neuter. Then you'll just have to wait and ascertain what his bad habits are. Once you find something you want to break him of doing its just a system of punishments and rewards. If he is bad tell him no in a stern voice and crate him for a bit. When he is behaved reward him with a treat and kisses... he'll catch on:) Good luck!

How To Use Dog Training Collars

• Really the same as a younger dog, but easier in some ways because an older dog will have a longer attention span than a puppy and be less hyper. A dog from an owner like you describe may have been abused, or more likely just ignored which is actually better. In that case, it probably won't have fear issues and will respond nicely to someone paying attention to it. Positive reinforcement is always the key to training a dog to do things. When it does the right thing, reward it with food or nice words in a happy positive tone of voice. If you're quick enough, you can say Sit when the dog is about to sit anyway, then tell it how good it was for sitting. When you have to tell it not to do something, don't use it's name, just say NO in a loud voice. The name should always be used in a positive way so the dog knows that hearing its name means good things. If you're new to dog owning, I'd highly recommend getting to a dog training class. You can learn a lot in a pretty short time there.


• The key to house training your dog is to rely on your dog's natural instincts and tendencies.
  Dogs are instinctively clean animals. If they can avoid it, they would rather not soil themselves or their usual eating and sleeping areas. Dogs also naturally develop habits of where they would like to eliminate. For example, dogs that have a habit of eliminating on grass or dirt would rather not eliminate on concrete or gravel. You can use these natural tendencies for rapid and successful house training.
  
  Housetraining guidelines, http://miniurl.com/28515


• You will find that you have yourself a super duper dog. Dogs that are abused or ignored and suddenly have a nice family with a nice soft bed and good food and some treats here and there will do anything for you. He appreciates you saving him and will work toward any means to show it. The best thing to do is start with the sit and lay down thing, and then see if he has any special talents. I tend to work with my dogs on what they are good at. Mine Italian Greyhound says "I love you". It's not perfect every time, but we're working on it. The best thing to do is to be consistent. You and your boyfriend should use the same words, sit, stay, come, roll over. If you both use the same words he'll pick up on things a bit faster. It takes working each day, and there is a difference in work and play. Say you're working on sit and he won't do right, just knock off the teaching and play some fetch. Who knows, you may learn during play time he is an excellent frisbee catcher. Good luck.


• This dog sounds like it may have been abused. If this is the case, positive reinforcement will go a long way. Negative reinforcement, while it works like a charm, may not work with your dog. Find out what your dog likes - treats, toys, praise - and use those to reinforce good behavior and to praise him.


• Hi,
  
  The good news is it's fairly easy to teach an old dog this new trick. In fact, adult dogs are easier and faster to housetrain than puppies, especially if you use a crate. Check out these training tips:
  
  http://lnk.nu/dogtime.com/ssj.html


• The most important thing is to find what motivates him. whatever it may be like toys or food, if you can find that it will make training easier

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