It sounds like it would be a nice thing to do however some people are rather particular about the training. Esp show dog or conformation or obedience people want their dog to sit a certain way. But it doesn't sound like these folks are gearing up for that.

I would do it and you can blame his learning these things on him learning from your dogs if they get upset. :) I can't imagine anyone being upset though.....

We all know training is good for dogs and if you have to "sit" him, he should be pleasant to deal with and follow the same rules as your dogs.

In addition, learning to come when called could save his life some time and it is essential.

If it were me, I think I would give the dog some basics if you are going to be sitting for your friends in the future. It sounds like they have their hands full and I think they would be appreciative. I know I would be. Nothing better than a well trained dog.

Have at it!

I also think they would appreciate it.... and it might make your time with the dog more enjoyable as well, since it sounds like you'll be seeing more of eachother.

If they're kind of particular, you could always just mention it and see what they say.

Is there any reason why you can't ask them about doing this?? I would be afraid of offending them, that would be my main concern about asking them if you could do it.
"Say would you mind if I taught your dog some manners and some other essential training?" LOL!!
I wouldn't mind if someone wanted to teach my dogs some important basics while he was staying somewhere, but without knowing these peoples personality it would be hard to say weather they would mind or not. Some people are funny about things like that. Neighbors dog is always loose and he keeps jumping up on my 5 year old (a pit/mix) he is friendly as can be, but I have been trying to teach him "Down" when he does that, the neighbor came out and gave me a dirty look and yelled at his dog to come to him (which is laughable, he just runs)
I am afraid this dog will end up a highway casuality just because the owner is ignorant (and not that he doesn't have the time or energy, it is a 20 some year old that don't work)
If you explain why you are wanting to train him, that it is for the dogs own safety while in your care I really don't think they would care (and you could throw in the rest as a added bonus:)

I would think they would greatly appreciate it and how kind of you to do this.

I'd KIS and low key, e.g. "he's irresistible, we love spending time with him...d'you mind if we teach him a few simple things, like Come?" Avoid any negatives about little treasure's, er, knowledge gaps. Best to keep the owners in the loop so, with a bit of luck, they'll love the results and reinforce your work at home!

We have done some dog sitting for a less-than-well-mannered dog. While in our house, however, he was expected to follow the same rules as our dogs. That required some training, but he was/is a smart dog and caught on very quickly. He still has few manners at his own house, but knows what is expected when he comes here (a few gentle reminders is all that is needed). Just keep in mind that the training you do will probably not be reinforced at his house, even if you tell them. Any time dogs get to learn new things (constructive new things) it's a good thing, in my opinion.

You can sit for me anytime! I've reprimanded the vet for not requiring a 'sit' or 'please' before cookie :-) What's the worst thing that can happen? They ask you to untrain him? lol. One thing they might say is that he's already trained. And it's possible that he performs better for them. Dog's don't generalize well, so teaching him at your house would be good extension of their training (if they say he already 'knows' these commands.) Plus, if they decide to give him up at some point (I hate it when I say those things, but you know it happens), he'll be a more adoptable dog.

Our pup and their pup grew up together. He's either one month younger or older than mine, I can't remember. Everytime they came over when they were young, and mind had new tricks and could stay/sit/down etc all they'd say is "Ohh, I wish we had the time and etc etc to teach him all of that, but it's just been so hectic, and I've been so sick/tired (with the pregnancy)" And I think he just kind of got lost in the pregnancy, and newborn stuff.

I think I'll just start in on it, because he's already picking it up on his own, and I'm having a hard time resisting the urge to enforce stay, and down when he takes off and gets mud all over my couch!

If they mind I'll just say that while he's at my house, for extended periods - It'd be easier for me and for him, if he had the same rules as my dogs. My dogs pick up on it, too, when he gets away with stuff they know they aren't allowed to do, and they start to misbehave. My dog will start to come when she's called, and when she sees he's taken off the other way, she follows him. Or she'll run inside and not sit and stay at the door like she's been taught etc etc.

They already say he's not trained well, and he doesn't listen well to them at all, even at their house. I'm over there quite often. They kinda just let him run rampant. On the furniture, jumping on things,etc. He kinda rules the roost. The tell him to get down, or come, or lay down etc. But he doesn't know the commands well enough to know what to do. So hopefully if I do work with him, they'll continue with it, they try..I just don't think they realise it takes more than a couple of cookies to teach a dog something and have him be consistent.

Just thought I'd ask before I tried, to see what the general consensus is from other dog owners. Thanks for the replies :)

Come to my house and train my dogs! I wouldn't be upset in the least. The only time I would be upset is if someone tries to undo the training I've already done.

But, I had a cousin who stayed in my house a few years ago, while I was overseas for 6 weeks, and he worked with my dogs, and they had learned a ton of new stuff. It was great! And easy to keep up, as my cousin has already done the hard work :)

Well from reading your last post I would say that they wouldn't mind in the least if you trained him, you could always say that it is your gift to them if they remark on his behavior changes, seems to me they would appreciate it especially with a infant soon to be a toddler (they grow so quick:)

I'd be tickled if someone taught my dogs something new. In fact my DD did teach my hound to lay down after i'd been trying to teach him that for two weeks. I can't imagine someone who had a busy family life and this was a pet and not a show dog who would'nt be thrilled.
vickie

When I was in the hospital a few years back, my boyfriend took care of my dog and spent some time working with him and taught him some important, basic things. I was thrilled and very grateful. The thing about giving him a taste for salmon and lamb on the other hand....