My labradoodle from Pacific Rim is a little over five years old. He is about 40 lbs, a little bigger than forecast. I went through trainers the way some people go through paper towels. After one session, one trainer (who trains police dogs), suggested I see if I could get my money back. I arranged to take him to a board and train in the Bay Area for two weeks. They called a couple of days before I was supposed to pick him up to tell me he had not progressed as they would expect and would give me third week free. At the end of the third week, I drove down for the owner handling class. They would give the owners instructions and then say, Seamus (my dog) needs separate handling. Every time. A dozen dogs were behaving beautifully, all except Seamus. I brought him home and began working with a new trainer. This went on for over a year. Then, a trainer suggested a shock collar. We did not shock him, but used the buzzer function. If he is wearing the collar, he will often come when called. He still jumps on people, collar or no. That is annoying to me beyond description. So, you may ask, why even 3 stars? He is healthy, loves, loves, loves to play with my grandchild, is great around other dogs, and cuddles by the hour with that grandchild. He tolerates being dressed up, is well-behaved at the beach, again with the grandchild. He is patient and generally polite with, you guessed it, the grandchild. Oh, and he comes when the grandchild calls. He occasionally jumps on the grandchild, but their love for him makes it ok. Oh, and the grandchild is now 7; they have been together since Seamus was 4 months old. read more