I love dogs and experience several encounters along my daily walks with dogs wanting to say halo and being friendly towards me. While I walked 2 dogs for my daughter, I trained them to walk next to each other, for strength training I threw a tennis ball for them to catch and return to me with it. Feeding time consisted of gentle orders to the dogs to sit waiting for the food to be served. The dogs responded to my requests beautifully. For 14 years I had a medium sized dog when I resided in New Jersey. During the last 2 month of Sandy's life she fell very ill and I needed to administer medication and supplements. Then one day she would bleed out of her rear. Quickly I wrapped her up in a big bath towel and took off to the vet. There it was determined that she caught a deadly virus for dogs her size, even large dogs would succumb to it. It was devastating for a decision to put her to sleep. I still have the urn with her ashes. I am a strong walker and will work with you and your dog about days and timing.