Unfortunatley it does take time....Their past in truly 'unkown' and there really is no way around 'not training'.
My advice would to start using Positive Praise and Treat Rewards for '
EVERY' Good Behavior that they do, but even more so for the male. You can get Honey Nut Cherrios and Praise, Praise Praise!!!! Trust me, they, HE will start to do things that he knows will earn him a treat.