Hi there! i'm a pet sitter who has a challenge this holiday season. I am caring for (among others) two dogs - a 7 yr old pointer male and a 2.5 yr old newfy female. These two it seems are having trouble getting along with each other and general house manners. (i meet them tonight for a first assessment) The first pet sitter told me that she is in over her head on these two and took a couple of my cat sits so that i would take over hte dogs.

So here is what i have been told by the 1st sitter and the owner. The dogs are on leads outside during the day where they can interact a bit but more avoid each other. in the evening they come inside and are immediately crated. Seems the newfie will attack the pointer and the pointer has a peeing problem.

I asked about training and the newfi had some (with treats - the petco way) as a pup but was not kept up with it (becusae of the treats). no answer for the pointer. i got the impression that the owner favored the newfy.

I see all this as training issues. (I have a pointer myself so recognize some of the behaviors) I believe that if i get these dogs in a good training practice - with me daily (no treats) that the owner will be able to follow my instructions.

There are also kids living in the home. no idea of details on them - no tails, i don't care about 'em just kidding!

Am i barking up the right tree with the newfy? do'nt have much experience with them. any suggestions? words of encouragement? commitment paperwork? These dogs are in my care until jan 6. I have the owner's consent to train and work with the dogs. They are also lacking in social skills - but i'm thinking lets work on sit stay first....

THANKS!!