karen don't think of it as a negative....where i volunteer...we walk and play with the dogs...so they are better socialized and more adoptable....the last thing you want is for a potential pet human to come in ...put the dog on a leash and get run away with ..or worse yet...if a senior pet human comes to adopt a companion...you would not want the dog to jump on them...leaves a bad impression...we teach them basics...sit,stay etc....this helps older dogs get adopted more readily....this gives a rewarding feeling...knowing that if they get adopted...they won't be returned for poor behavior.....the deli dog