This Question Might Sound Stupid...

I am the primary caregiver for our GSD. I feed him, I take him to the vet, I take him to the groomer, I give him treats, I put on his Frontline - it's all me. My kids and my husband basically play with him - and pet him and that's it.

Thunder hates to be groomed - whenever I have to brush him it takes me 20 minutes to catch him or drag him out from under the deck. And I have to leash him while I brush him. The entire time he squirms, cries and tries to get away.

The other day I came home and Thunder and Rob were on the deck and Rob was brushing him. He was just sitting there complacently - happy as pie. No squirming, no running, no crying. He was just chilling out - NO LEASH! The minute I came out to take over he started jumping like a lunatic, running around and acting crazy. Rob ordered me back in the house. And as soon as I was out of site, the dog was back on the deck sitting nicely while Rob brushed him.

And it occurs to me it is the same with EVERYTHING. If I come outside he starts jumping and getting underfoot and acting nutty. When I want to play ball with him - it becomes a game of keep away. When I call him in - he runs away and I have to chase him. When he's in the house and it's just me and the boys - he jumps on the couch, sits on our arm chair, tries to get into the garbage..

When Rob is around, he is obedient and sweet natured. He gets his ball and brings it to Rob over and over to kick/throw and always brings it back and drops it at his feet. If Rob calls him in, he comes right away and immediately sits and looks up at him to hear what he wants. When he is in the house and Rob is around - he only comes in the living room by invitation, he never goes in the garbage and he just relaxes for the most part.

The dog CLEARLY prefers Rob to me. If Rob goes outside he is delirious with joy - tail wagging, rolling on the ground in a frenzy of delight. I get jumped on. I mean - I know he loves me - but his obedience level is NIL with me. I have tried shaking cans, using a clicker, changing my tone of voice. He just doesn't care.

Is it possible that he only identifies with one 'master'? And if that's the case, what am I?

Re: This Question Might Sound Stupid...

It appears that in your dog's eyes your DH is the Alpha, then the dog is next and your third. I don't know what to tell you on how to train him to view you as alpha.

Message edited 5/25/2008 11:29:39 AM.

Re: This Question Might Sound Stupid...

Are you the one that walks him??

Re: This Question Might Sound Stupid...