[SABELLESMOM]

Oh my. Basically, a what to do and whether it's worth it situation. My vote is to do what you can in the time you have him. I would explain his not crated behavior in your home, and ask if he does so at home as well. You may be able to pursuade them to get a crate for him, and to use it in their own home. I'm sure you will be reluctant to take him again without one.

I would begin by establishing you (and your children) as in charge. Have him do something, like lay down completely, with elbows down, before his food bowl is set down. Make him earn it.

You did not mention your children's ages. Are they old enough to help you teach him to sit, for example? If they can, it should help put them on a higher level than he, and they may more successfully tell him "No! Not for you!" over the food items that are carried. It would not be unkind or abusive to let them give him a knee nudge (push) him away from them as they say it.

As to his owners, tell them how much you enjoyed having him, it would have been infinately more enjoyable with better manners than he now has. Give them an out for his age, perhaps (out of kindness) but indicate the importance of training. Tell them what you have begun. Suggest they enroll in formal classes. I'm sure they do not wish to be dragged down the street any more than you do.

Perhaps they simply don't know what to do during this stage and think he'll just grow out of it. Consequently, the dog might be neglected an lacks the affection he despirately needs because he's obnoxious. It's much easier for people to shove the dog off than to effectively deal with a growing puppy.

Dogs can not be expected to be left to their own to mature, with no thought for training. Responsibly trained citizens do the breed proud! In the future, "expect" any dog to come to you with a crate. It's simply too much to have to care for someone else's dog in you home with your own dog, without one.

Good luck. A bit of training from you, tactful and well thought out suggestions, who knows? Maybe another good citizen is in the making.