Dogs have always been around me, and I have never had a bad experience with a dog. Small dogs may be a little timid at first (6'5" with a deep tone of voice). Treating your dog with a patient and a leisurely time is how I roll. My dogs back home are what I'm really missing, so this works out for everyone in the end. (Yes, even Fido). I am used to smaller breeds, specifically Chihuahuas; with also the acception of my 2 other dogs which are a Pyrenees, and a Pyrenees/St.Bernard mix. If a dog is not capable of listening to basic commands for safety reasons, I usually use a deep reassuring tone of voice, which prevails to work in almost every case of a silly dog decision.