If you are an inexperienced dog owner , do not choose a large dominant dog or a dog with high energy level unless you are committed to six months of steady, patient, consistent training and a dozen years of daily walks of a mile or more. If you do not have a fenced yard, be prepared to walk the dog at least twice a day and to clean up his waste. Mixed breeds tend to have the characteristics of their component breeds. If you have not chosen wisely, don't expect rescue to bail you out. However, do ask rescue for help in managing the dog's behavior so the situation does not get worse.
Obedience training is the best prevention and the best cure for behavior problems.
A dog can be trained at home, from a book, but it is better to attend a class where the he can get social contact with other dogs and strangers. A dog that learns from the beginning to obey everyone in the family is less likely to become a juvenile delinquent. Training for manners includes teaching the dog to walk quietly on a leash, sit and lie down on command, come when called, and quit any irritating or destructive behavior when told to do so. Unless you have made a dedicated attempt to train the dog, please don't expect rescue organizations to bail you out. You may print or download this material for non-commercial personal or school educational use.