He seems to be settling in nicely! I really can't imagine why this dog ended up at a shelter! They said he had no manners, but I really haven't had much trouble with him at all. We've had no potty accidents, no issue with him chasing the cats, He understands "Sit" and understands and listens to "No". He's obviously not a barker, hasn't once since he's been home. Guess I just don't understand the mentality of people who could get rid of animals. It's very upsetting to me to know he had been there for nearly 3 weeks. Hard to say home much longer they would have kept him for before putting him to sleep. I've talked with a couple of people who know of this shelter and they end up having to put a lot of animals down. At least one of the staff members seemed to be actively discouraging people from adopting him. She told me he was dog aggressive, which he's not (he backed down from my mom's peekapoo and the shelter's own evaluation form said he was good with dogs).
we're having small issues with crate training. He just doesn't like to go in or stay there. He's ok for a few hours or so, and then he starts whining and banging around. Last night was the first night we kept him in all night with no outside potty breaks. But all in all this is going leaps and bounds better then I ever expected it to!
I think today we're headed down to Mom's for more walking and socializing. Perhaps find the dog park that is down there. Anyone have an idea how to get a dog that's this strong to stop pulling on the leash? I'm getting blisters on my hands walking him. I don't neccessarily like the idea of a choke collar, but if it's the best idea I'll try it.