Thx. It doesn't sound like I'm too off-base then. The cockapoo has been to an obediance class and is reported to have done pretty well. The owners also have done a ton of reading (ironically one has a Ph.D. in biology)so they have been exposed to most of the theories about dog training. It had been an apartment dog most of its life so its only exposure to other dogs have been under supervision of the overly protective parents.

Just to give you an idea, I suggested we bring my dog in a bit and let the cockapoo out in the yard (fully fenced). They nixed the idea because the cockapoo had never been outside by itself in the dark. Maybe I should say something but its kind of difficult b/c these are two of my best friends and it could be awkward.