I think that, for dogs and people, the key to good relationships is to have a clear and well-established set of rules and boundaries. It doesn't matter what these are, as long as they are clear to both parties and enforced fairly and evenly. With the dogs I lived with, they knew they were allowed to go anywhere in the house (including my bed and furniture) but they knew they were not allowed to exit the house without my permission. When on a leash, they knew to walk by my right side and, when off leash, knew to wait for me to tell them before running off. If your pet has any clear, unbreakable rules (like, not allowed on the bed, not allowed in the room, no barking, sitting down before eating, etc.) these would be good to know so I can continue with the behavioral conditioning. Also, any pathological animosities (real or perceived) or responses to other animals or inanimate objects would be good to know. Nia would go crazy and take it as a personal affront when she saw pigeons standing by the window sill. Shadow goes crazy when any person apporoaches the plastic grocery bags used for garbage. I'm still trying to figure out the why for both of these. Also, would be good to know if they're allowed treats, human food, any allergies, etc.

Whatever the fellow is up to, we can do. Walk around the neighborhood. Hit up the bars at the park (horizontal gym bars, of course). Catch up with the soap opera du jour. Watch (Re-watch) Ghost wreak it in the Lannister camp. Or, my favorite activity of all, hide his favorite toy under the couch cushion and have him spend hours trying to get it while I sip my coffee, read a sci-fi/fantasy book, and encourage him on.