Just another small point - you let him catch birds and bugs because you don't want to kill his prey drive for protection training?

By letting him 'hunt' you aren't strengthening his prey drive - you are allowing him to focus it on things other than toys etc. meaning that later training is going to be harder when he's wanting to go and catch things.

Noted on the prey drive issue, also I was looking into doggie daycare for maybe 2 days a week while I am at work, is that a bad idea the place I
Looked at has a large caged area wherer they put daycare dogs together from 7 to 5:30 until I can get my wife on page getting up earlier than now and going out with the dog for 45 minutes in the morning and spending Less time with her is a no no, is walking him in the evening not good?

 Quote: john bradley

Noted on the prey drive issue, also I was looking into doggie daycare for maybe 2 days a week while I am at work, is that a bad idea the place I
Looked at has a large caged area wherer they put daycare dogs together from 7 to 5:30 until I can get my wife on page getting up earlier than now and going out with the dog for 45 minutes in the morning and spending Less time with her is a no no, is walking him in the evening not good?

IMO: No no no no no no.

If you mean a place where various strange dogs are together like in a dog park, I don't know how to say "no" strongly enough.

I am sure others will help in the no-saying.

Your vet's bulletin board, or your town's online guide to local businesses, or Googling dog walker, my city, my state, will probably get you started.

I'm sure there will be other (better) suggestions, too.

A situation like a Daycare center can be both good and bad... It would allow him to be let out more often and get a bit of exercise during the day, but letting him play/bond with a pack of dogs is going to make your training more difficult. He will look to the other dogs for companionship, play, leadership, etc... and it is you who should be the center of his world. PLUS - you have no idea how the dogs will really get along and that could open up an entirely different can of worms.

Connie's suggestion of a profession walker, in my opinion is better for your young dog.

I'm still confused as to how the dog is jumping on grandchildren when both you and your wife keep him crated when they come over, but it is not important...

Sounds like you have a long day and are a hard working guy. This pup has needs too however, so I'm really glad you came in for advice.

I do not want a dog walker as my wife does not work and I have an adult daughter and son in law close by, I do not want a stranger bon sing with him which in my opinion will not solve the problem. But noted on the doggy day care, but how do I get him socialized if I do not let him around other dogs?

John, the thing that seems to be coming through in your posts is that your wife is maybe a little intimidated or uncomfortable with this large, energetic puppy? You say that she will not walk him and does nothing to stop him from jumping on her, and that he is in a crate most of the day when you are not home. You say he's got his own room downstairs. Do you mean in a basement? If he is isolated from your wife for most of the day, and only going outside for potty, I am guessing that he is very bored and lonely. A six-month-old puppy needs way more physical exercise and mental stimulation.

You say he has been in an obedience class, and it sounds like you are the one handling him in the class. Are there any daytime obedience classes available in your area? Could you possibly talk your wife into taking him to a class? Sounds like she could use some help building her confidence to work with the dog and be his co-pack leader.

I believe all of the other suggestions given here are very helpful. If you can hire a professional to come to your house and provide some exercise on a regular basis, that would be great. It's also a great idea to sit down with your wife and watch some of the Leerburg training DVDs together. I know you don't need us to remind you that you need to get a handle on this now, because he's going to get a lot bigger! Best of luck to you. Please let us know how it goes.

Sorry, John, we were typing at the same time, then I messed up my attempt to edit. Understood about the dog walker idea.

To answer the jumping, they are not there often, example yesterday my grandson came over and I was going for a ride, he was on leash and pulled to go play with my grandson, and in the process his paw came up and he is bigger than my 9 year old grandson, the reason I got him was to get used to them which I have 6 grandsons in total at some point me and the wife are moving to our house in Puerto Rico so I want them to know him before then and want him trained in some type of protection before we go, probably mid next year there we have fenced in property as well

John, It is not necessary for a walker to "BOND" with your dog - they will know how to simply exercise the dog in an appropriate manner only to help with his energy level but not become his best buddy. In light of the fact that this dog has not yet been socialized, perhaps bringing in a confident, capable person might be a very good idea. And even if he DID bond with someone - that is far more healthy for him than being crated or alone in the back yard all day.

If you aren't home and your wife won't... how is this ever going to be resolved without some assistance?

Will your wife be open to watching a few of the Leerburg videos?

 Quote: John Bradley

want him trained in some type of protection before we go, probably mid next year there we have fenced in property as well

Did you purchase this dog in hopes of training as a PPD?

I have talked with her before I got the pup, wathced the videos everything explained trust me she is not going to change on this at this point yes she expressed fear of large dogs, but I took her with me to see the dog since he was 1 week old, she at some point was different but now she is being as stubborn as him. So it is up to me to fix this, and yes he is downstairs in the family room