OK, since I have opened a whole new can of worms with this dominant thing, I thought that I would start a new topic and forget about the old one. Since all of you see that I have a problem with Niko and his domination towards my husband, let me fill you all in on some things…
After reading some of Mr. Frawley’s articles, I am even more confused. Niko doesn’t have a problem with anything dominant wise other than just my husband, so would that be considered an Alpha male thing instead of dominant? Or is that one in the same? I can discipline him and he does what I say with no back talk, but when my husband disciplines him, he will not do what he is being told and there is plenty of back talk and barking. Its funny, because my husband has the harsh mean voice type and I of course, have the soft one, and everything that I have read says when disciplining them, to use that deep harsh voice. When Niko is being hyper or rambunctious and my husband happens to be the one there to discipline him, Niko will give it right back at him, bark, growl and just basically back talk him. This dog is very mouthy and vocal, but only to him. Of course, being new to the GSD breed, I don’t understand what I am doing wrong, advice would be much appreciated.
Let me also add that the whole time this goes on, Niko’s tail is wagging, almost like it is a game to him. As well as he has no other issues with his food or toys or anything, I can take his food away, put my hand in his bowl, take favorite toys away, and he is fine..

Allison,

Just a thought but perhaps due to your husband working such long hours etc the dog does not really know that he is pack leader. Perhaps you pay less attention to your dog when your husband is home and the dog does not like it. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Niko probably does not understand who this person is who is trying to give him commands.

My suggestion is that your hubby does some training with the dog. Get him to feed him, walk him, groom him and have fun time with the dog.

Maybe this dog has not bonded to your husband and this could be the reason why Niko is behaving like this.

He is still a puppy and will come round IMO

Becouse your husband is the man of the house does not make him the pack leader. The dog could give a s--- less. Your husband should start working the dog in the obediance work NOW.
You said "its funny becouse the tail wags etc." Its not
My brother in law trained a dobe though advanced obed. but the dog would not let them kiss or go to bed together. They finally had to get rid of it.( the dog)
Put a collar on the dog and every time he gets mouthy with your husband nail his but with a HARD correction. or suffer in the future.
Ron

Here we go again, I didnt mean "it's funny" as in haha, I only meant that in a way that it was intriguing how it's almost a game to him... I will try the collar... thanks for the advice, i think

I am not making light of your problem because it may very well turn into something serious and you have been given some good advice to consider.

But it reminds me of our Heather--an adult bitch I purchased only to find that she seemed to hate my husband. He did take a lot of time to work with her. But whenever he came home the rest of our GSDs would eagerly greet him at the door while she'd growl. He'd look at her and say, "Come here and give me a kiss". She'd walk up to him, growling and muttering all the way and plant a kiss on his cheek.

Once he caught her misbehaving and came to tell me what she'd done. She beat him down the hallway and stood between us growling at him while he reported her transgressions.

She clearly grew to love him and never tried to hurt him. She would wait by the door around time for him to come home and, of all the dogs, would be most concerned if he was late. But the minute he walked in, she'd growl at him and then kiss him. She was that way all her life.