When I retired from teaching a few years ago I decided I wanted to work with animals, so I got a job at Petco where I chased ferrets and cleaned tortoise tanks. I also fostered Shiba Inu rescue puppies at my house (so incredibly cute!!). Now that I've moved to the desert, I'm working with dogs again. I've bought a property out in Arivaca with 5 fenced-in acres. And let me tell you, there are awesome smells out here! Everything in the world has pooped on this property at one time or another. LOL I believe in positive reinforcement of desired behaviors and minimizing any negative talk to the dog. That way, the dog knows I mean business when I do reprimand them. I seldom have to reprimand our guests, though, since we spend a lot of time outside. During the late afternoon and evening we wind down and cuddle in front of the TV. Really, the dogs don't have much reason to be naughty. I always accompany pets when they go outside to pee at night -- there are coyotes out here and they jump the fence. Toffee is an old lady -- about 9 years old -- and has bad hips and Addison's disease. She can be really cranky. Typically she's very strict with the guest dog for the first day, letting them know exactly which spot is hers, which food, that she goes through the door first, etc. If your dog always wants to be alpha, then we may have issues. The dogs will be okay, but I really don't like all of the discord. Therefore, it's imperative we do a meet and great before the stay-over.