Reddit mentions of Getting Started: Clicker Training for Dogs

I've done a LOT of research. Before I got diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos, I had intended to go either to vet school or get my phd in animal behavior, and I still have a lot of the textbooks and I read everything I can get my hands on. There are a lot of good resources online, too. you just have to be an avid and critical observer and learner. Training, like everything else involving animals, is an infinite continuum of knowledge, and the best we can do is keep moving along it. I also really like the Karen Pryor books. Very easy to understand and learn from.

Here are a few books I learned a lot from:

http://www.amazon.com/Aggression-Dogs-Management-Prevention-Modification-ebook/dp/B007RFKBNC/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1415676812&sr=8-4&keywords=understanding+dog+aggression

http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Shoot-Dog-Teaching-Training/dp/1860542387/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415676933&sr=8-1&keywords=karen+pryor

http://www.amazon.com/Getting-Started-Clicker-Training-Dogs-ebook/dp/B007NMQF66/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1415676956&sr=8-5&keywords=karen+pryor


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2nSt-IMuFg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFgtqgiAKoQ


Also, you can find the textbooks they use in behavior classes and training schools on textbooks.com and amazon.com- get the old editions for super cheap, often $5 or less!

I'm in Nor Cal. There are so many beautiful places close to me, it's awesome!

If you are really dedicated, you can make it work. I've had to work crazy schedules like that, and I still kept my dog (only had one at the time) and my horse. When I worked at the shelter, I actually worked 4, 10 hour days, and so did all the other full timers, and they all had a lot of animals like myself.

If you're in a small apartment, a small senior dog can be perfect. They aren't very needy, usually sleep a lot, usually potty trained and are over all that silly naughty puppy stuff. Spend a lot of time with them in the morning, and when you come home. When you're gone, set them up in a bathroom or kitchen (door closed or fenced off with a baby gate,) with a bed, toys (only hard toys, bones and soft toys can be eaten while you're gone and that's very serious,) water and puppy pads or a faux grass potty patch like this one.

My sister actually has that potty patch for her chihuahua, as she lives in an apartment. She puts it on the porch and lets him out to use it. Some people don't like cleaning those though, and use real sod grass instead. In Los Angeles there's actually a delivery service that brings fresh sod to your door for that purpose!

Eventually you'll probably find you don't need to keep him kenneled or cordoned off. If you can hire a dog walker or have a neighbor come walk the dog during the day, you are totally set.

No, this situation is not ideal. But it's not ideal to be lonely for a pet, and it's not ideal that senior animals get put to sleep all the time because no one wants to adopt them. Not all senior animals are perfect angels, but a lot of them are. I know so many poodle, Shih Tzu, Schnauzer, Chihuahua, Lhaso Apso and mixed breed seniors that are just about perfect. They like to cuddle, they like to eat, play a little bit, take a short walk, and then sleep 14 hours a day.

Shit, my 12 year old Schnauzer is exactly that. If you're getting a dog, get this book, this magazine, check out this site, and spend a lot of time volunteering or just hanging out at your local rescue or animal shelter, and tell them your story. This book is also great. This of course is not a comprehensive list, just ones that really pop up to me as awesome.

But if that sounds like too much work, get a senior cat and give them lots of toys and kitty towers.

Edit - saw you want a hiking partner, and just want to say not to discount a senior dog on that account. My Schnauzer still goes on hikes under 5 miles with me, and was doing much longer ones up until about ten. You can always look at a more laid back terrier mix (6 + years) that has energy when you want it but can still relax at home when needed.

Hi there. Might I suggest to read up on clicker training?

Basics first

and then this is a nice one.
I was trained as a professional dog behavioral therapist and have had a lot of success with untrained dogs - and dogs with behavioral issues - and its just sheer fun for both of you, because training is just a little part of it. You add something really great in a dogs life, it gives them the opportunity to interact with you in exciting ways and to earn treats and they just all love, love, love to learn stuff this way! As soon as they spot you with your clicker, you've got their attention!
Make sure you understand the basic do's and don't's. Don't éver use a clicker as a way to call your dog, for instance. And practice your timing. The better your timing becomes, the better the results.
There are also a lot of fun clicker games, just because it's just such a cool way to have fun with your dog.
Apart from clicker training; just know that you don't need to punish a dog. Even severe behavioral problems can be helped with rewarding good behavior and good timing, instead of punishing bad behavior.

Have fun with your dog! They can have a lot of energy. You can get them tired with walks and physical activity, but álso with challenging them mentally or getting them to use their noses. So, hide treats or a toy in your garden or home, buy a wooden dog puzzle or Google for other doggie ideas.
Hope this helps!
Edit: added a book