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We have had our little Lupo for just over 2 weeks now - actually he is not so little - it seems he has about doubled in size since we picked him up. All in all he is just a fantastic dog - better than I could have ever hoped for. We live in a rural area and my wife raises chickens. It probably took more time for the chickens to adjust to Lupo that it took for him to adjust to the chickens. Lupo stays outside all day - we bring him in the house at night (after everything is locked down outside) where he sleeps in a "crate". Other than the occasional wimper this has worked out very well. He does not have the run of the house - but sometimes before crate time we will let him in where he will curl up on the rug at the front door. He will rarely try to leave that spot but a simple pointing of the finger and he is right back curled up on the rug. Every morning just after dawn, Lupo and I go "on patrol" where we walk the property to try to establish his boundaries. He is really good about not trying to wander beyond where he is allowed to go. I do the same in the evenings. While he loves to tug at my pantlegs on these walks, I usually have a stick with me that I can use to redirect him and that seems to work well. Sometimes he will just carry the stick for the rest of the walk as if that is his job. Other times, I will start off letting him drag his leash and by the end of the walk he will carry that - just another "job". He constantly throws glances my way to be sure he has me in sight. We never walk him down the driveway as we do not want him to think its ok to do that himself. If I want to take him to visit a neighbor or the neighbor's dogs I always put him in the truck and park down the road. He is anxious about going for a ride and needs to be next to me - but I think he will get used to it with time. I find Lupo is not food motivated at all! And this has been a bit of a challenge - at least for me. "Sit" is no problem. "Down" is ok. "Come" on the other hand is a bit of an issue. He clearly understands the command, but sometimes refuses to execute. Sometimes I feel like he wants me to get far enough away so that he can really run to me and other times I feel like he is thinking "I don't want to come". Any pointers here would be most helpful. If we go to an unfamiliar area he is really good about staying with me - either on or off the leash. At home it seems he is more comfortable doing what he wants to do and pulling against the leash as a form of play. Like I said the experience has so far been fantastic, but I feel like I am in some sort of honeymoon phase and the in a couple of months time he will go from adorable Lupo to Kujo. My last dog was just over 15 years old when he passed so it has been a while for me working with a puppy. I want to be sure we are all off to a good start and no unknowingly reinforce any bad behaviors. Is he really going to start testing me as he gets older? Thanks!

Superb response. Your advice has been invaluable Adrienne and we will definitely come back. You seem to really understand dogs and have a terrific insight into their needs. We intend to fix Finn if at all possible and with your help he’s already making good progress. Here he is training with me on the beach. FullSizeRender.MOV

Dear members, I will be away from the forums from early July 9th through July 13th. I will try to reply to any posts on July 14th evening. In the meanwhile, you can try to search the archives for articles on what you many need or you can try to search the forums and see if it yields content on similar issues you are facing. If you can't find anything on your particular issue, please be patient and wait for my reply on the 14th. Sorry for the inconvenience and thanks for understanding! Best Adrienne