[wrenny]

So when it's just my 8 month old and me we are very laid back. When I come home and let him out of the cage, I pet him. Sit with him for a bit and then go outside. When weather is permitting we go for a walk when I get home. After that we head downstairs for some little play time and then I usually cook dinner, go on computer, or watch tv. He'll just stay in the same room and keep himself busy with a chew toy.

Now when my wife comes home or lets him out of the cage, he goes crazy excited. Running in circle saround her, jumping in the air snapping at her arm. Tail wagging, etc. Whenever he sees her for the first time that day he goes into freak puppy mode and doesn't obey anything until he calms down.

So what are the major differences with us? We both greet him the same way. We don't go crazy excited when we see him because we don't want him jumping everywhere(although he does with her). He only gets this excited for her and when we go on for a walk. If I ever grab his walking his leash he starts jumping and doing the same stuff. He even bites at my hand and stuff as I'm trying to put my boots on. I make him sit and stay everytime while I get ready to go outside etc but it takes a bit sinces hes excited.

Major concern that we have about this behavior is he still has his mouthing moments, we haven't gotten him to stop fully biting when playing so he always jumps and gets snags in her coats/clothes.

Is it that he can read from my general attitude that I'm more easy going, laid back, and casual? Or that I'm the alpha and he STILL thinks shes a playmate so he gets excited to start playing?

 

[WiscTiger]

I have a similar situation but I am the alpha and my hubby is the playmate. He dictates it by the way he interacts with the dogs.

Your wife needs to ramp things up if she wants the pup to be settled down around her. First when she lets him out of the crate, the pup should be sitting, next he goes on a leash while she walks him to the door to go out. If she does those two simple thing I think she will see a change in the pups behavior.

Val

 

[3K9Mom]

I recommend that your wife take an obedience class with your pup (even if it's a class/level that your pup is repeating). This will allow her to learn some leadership skills. Just as importantly, it will give the two of them some time away from you when she will be THE leader (the only leader -- since you're not around).

My Dh and I had this same situation. He was the playmate; I was the leader. He needed to refresh his leadership skills and get away from me so that our dog could see HIM as the leader. With a good trainer AND most important, consistency (that's where my Dh kind of fell apart which is why he needed a refresher course), it does work!

 

[GSD07]

My puppy does this excited things with my husband and I'm jealous. I wish she would be acting jumpy and excited with me but she's so calm... I always thought that my husband is the leader because she is so extreme when she sees him.

 

[wrenny]

We are enrolling in our next set of obedience classes next month but its hard to just let her go when I want to learn just as much.

 

[3K9Mom]

You and your pup can take the same class on a different night. Yup, it costs more. But you, your pup AND your wife will get SO more more out of it! (You learn the same commands and skills your wife does. Meanwhile, your pup is getting twice the practice and learning he needs to follow whichever leader is on the end of the leash.)

Not Double the value, more like Quadruple the value!

If you can't afford that, you and your pup can repeat the same class next quarter, so you don't have the big investment all at once. In the meantime, they can come home straight from class (while your pup is still in the "Mom is my leader" mindset), and while you sit there quietly on the sofa, your wife and pup will show you everything they learned. It's a perfect way for your pup to see that your wife will be in control even when you're in the room. You don't interact with him at all. Your wife does everything.

Then, only after she's shown you a few times -- remember this is for your dog's benefit as much as yours, so even if you get it the first time, she should repeat it a couple more times -- you can give it a try. (Actually, I'd do this even if you do take a class on a different night. I'd let your wife handle the pup in your presence as much as possible --with no interference with you, even if the pup acts up or misbehaves. )


Your pup is at the perfect age to be really getting serious on leadership issues. This can the fork-in-the-road for your little pack. With some focus, and yeah (unfortunately) a little extra $$, you can all head straight into a future of a well balanced pack.

Good luck!