I have always had dogs. Our current pet, Milkshake is a rescue lab-mix whom we've had for 12.5 years, since 2004. He was 4.5 weeks when he was dropped off at the shelter. He is in excellent health as he is walked 2-3 times per day by myself, my husband & our son. He doesn't walk as far as he has arthritis but gets laser therapy weekly & is otherwise in great health. I am recently retired and would love to care for other dogs too. I try to use one word commands such as "water" or "come" "stay""sit" "no" etc. Now in summer dogs need water when they are outside walking so I carry a thermos w/water and a collapsible bowl & like to walk early before it gets too hot as doggies can't take off their permanent coats.