What to make of a dog, who at 4 years old, is not trained to sit or stay when told?

[Onthevergeofanervous]

Originally Posted by beenhereandthere

I don't know how much I should judge my GF about this, but I've never seen a dog that old (small Maltese) who won't sit or stay when told. That should be an automatic for a dog that old.
Is it hopeless?
The only reason why it's in the back of my mind, is, it's her dog, but if we ever move in together and/or I watch the dog like I've been this week, it's just a turnoff. The dog has more positives than negatives, but, does anyone else have an adult dog that doesn't obey the sit and stay command?

My dogs sit, I never taught one to stay. I never needed them to stay any where.

[SoHoVe]

I agree with the others...dogs may settle down with age but they do not train themselves.
I am usually surprise to have a toy breed sit for me on command at work...usually I just say it out of habit with no real expectation. Bottomline is many don't train their small dogs with the exception of housebreaking.

Training imho is an issue of keeping your dog safe. I've invested very little effort in basic commands and 3 of my dogs will stay in a sit until released...my border collie infact does this TOO well sometimes I will forget the ok command and then wonder why he isn't following. I guess, really I "train" my dogs with every interaction...I expect them to do as told (assuming its something they already understand) and if they don't listen I don't let it go.

Some issues are just personal preference...my dogs ALL rush the door and there are other things I allow them to do that I probably shouldn't. I have a friend who has 5 dogs all titled in some of the more advanced obedience, agility,and one was top dog of its breed in herding for awhile a few years back. All large dogs and she allows them to jump on her and guests in her home...it simply doesn't bother her. At my house that would NEVER fly!

[pentatonic]

Originally Posted by SoHoVe

I agree with the others...dogs may settle down with age but they do not train themselves.
I am usually surprise to have a toy breed sit for me on command at work...usually I just say it out of habit with no real expectation. Bottomline is many don't train their small dogs with the exception of housebreaking.

Training imho is an issue of keeping your dog safe. I've invested very little effort in basic commands and 3 of my dogs will stay in a sit until released...my border collie infact does this TOO well sometimes I will forget the ok command and then wonder why he isn't following. I guess, really I "train" my dogs with every interaction...I expect them to do as told (assuming its something they already understand) and if they don't listen I don't let it go.

Some issues are just personal preference...my dogs ALL rush the door and there are other things I allow them to do that I probably shouldn't. I have a friend who has 5 dogs all titled in some of the more advanced obedience, agility,and one was top dog of its breed in herding for awhile a few years back. All large dogs and she allows them to jump on her and guests in her home...it simply doesn't bother her. At my house that would NEVER fly!

My Doberman is allowed to lick me and sit on me all he wants. But when we have visitors, he's allowed to sniff them, figure out who they are and be petted and that's it. NO jumping whatsoever. I don't care if the visitors care or not, it is not allowed.

When I visit someone, I expect them to control their dog. Although I don't mind my dog being all over me and licking me, I don't want your dog all over me out of control.