Big Paws Only Dog Forums

Well we might not have our newf yet, but we're still on the look out for one.  So in the meantime to get my doggy fixes, we've started fostering a little guy.  I'm not going to lie he might end up being a foster failure...unle ss of course the right family comes around then i'd be more then happy to see him go, (although it may be hard).  We're not sure of the breed he is, but i think he's got some terrier in him.  His names Baxter and he was rescued from the side of the road and put in a kill shelter set to be PTS last Tuesday. He's about 1.5yrs, andI think this is the calmest quietest dog i've ever been around!  I thought he was mute until i accidently stepped on his little paw, reassuring me he is NOT mute.
He seems to have a little bit of an ear infection so we're waiting for the rescue organization to get back to us on when we could take him to their vet, but in the meantime I've tried using the vinegar solution i found on here, and it seems to have calmed the red irritation down a bit.
well without further ado, please meet Baxter:

After sending an email saying we were interested in the landseer but wanted to first meet the kennel next week as per agreed upon, prior to these shinanigans, the breeder responded, and told us she was having a family come and look at our puppy and that she needed a "firm commitment" from us that we were going to take it.  I can understand where shes coming from as she said she doesn't want to be stuck with a puppy and no home.  We've decided to take the deposit back and continue the hunt.
I am hopeful we'll find the right doggy!  But let me tell you, logic/reason do not go hand in hand with impatience and puppies haha

I just arrived at my parents place, and they have a beautiful 2 yr old golden...his only down fall is that they haven't put a lot of training into him.  I think the only things he knows how to do are sit and down, but thats all to his descretion anyways!  He has a huge problem with jumping up onto me, and other people.  He's so freakin leggy and at 80lbs its like having a gazelle come at you.  I have already learned that you do NOT turn your back to him or he WILL tackle you.  It is a serious problem, i can't even walk out of the washroom without dealing with this, and i don't know how to counteract it!  If anyone has some quick training techniques, (or ways i can come out of this fully intact)just for the next week and half, i would LOVE to hear some suggestions.  really i'll try anything.

I will give him this...He's very cute, while sleeping.

After some discussion with a few breeders, we've realized that because we live on the second floor of our apartment the stairs have become an issue.  We need to walk up and down the stairs (that are inside) to go out, and it has come up as a little bit of a concern.  I'm aware that we have to be very careful with a growing big paw (like a newf)and were wondering if you guys had any suggestions about getting around using the stairs to get your BP's up and down once they've become well...bigger. ..(to big to carry, but still at the age that they need to be gentle with their limbs).  I would love to hear any advice, and are definitly going to take everything into consideration!
Thanks!
Ashley