I try to remind myself when I'm most annoyed with this behavior...THIS is why I have a dog and not another snotty, aloof cat.

It's almost embarassing to admit how happy it makes me that the devotion is mutual.

It seems like it isn't the following so much as the personal space that is an issue. Do you use your body to communicate your desire for space with your dog? When the dog approaches you, lean forward, puff out your chest a bit, and project the idea of a barrier around you. If the dog comes within the bounds of the barrier without an invitation, say whatever you say when it's doing something wrong, and push it out of the barrier. You should react before it comes into physical contact with you if possible. The goal is to teach it that it can't make a beeline for you and be obnoxious without an invitation. It can sidle up sideways politely, perhaps, but rudeness will not be rewarded.. A straight up-shove-its-nose-into-your-bits approach is Rude and should be blocked.

 Quote: shody lytle

... I still like stay for times I just want him to stop and stand still like Carol said. Coming out of the crate, the car, not going out the door, although "wait" will work too, until he is realeased. ...

Since you use Stay mostly when the animal is standing, you might change this to the german command for Stand, which is Steh (pronounced "Shtay" or "Shteh"). Teach the dog that this command means "if you're in any position other than standing, stand and wait for a release. If you're standing, stop, and wait for a release". It sounds like it wouldn't be too much of a leap for the animal.

 Quote: Sarah Morris

It's almost embarassing to admit how happy it makes me that the devotion is mutual.

I totally agree! And I get secret pleasure from the fact that the rest of the family gets jealous and annoyed that he doesn't do that to them.....

 Quote: david eagle

Since you use Stay mostly when the animal is standing, you might change this to the german command for Stand, which is Steh (pronounced "Shtay" or "Shteh"). Teach the dog that this command means "if you're in any position other than standing, stand and wait for a release. If you're standing, stop, and wait for a release". It sounds like it wouldn't be too much of a leap for the animal.

Great explanation as this is the command that I use.

 Quote: david eagle

It seems like it isn't the following so much as the personal space that is an issue.

David, you hit the nail right on the head! Just like other people, I find it endearing that he follows me, but he does tend to "make a beeline" for me, and he often gets underfoot and in the way. I think if he had his way he would happily stand right between my legs if I let him! I'm going to try your "personal space" technique, because it would be great if he could just follow me and stay by my side instead of poking his nose into everything!