Thanks for all of your suggestions guys. Joe is already doing so well I am proud of both of us for our progress. Yesterday I got him the prong collar and took him on a short walk down the street to my neighbors. Within 2 minutes he was walking on the leash and not pulling or tugging. When we got to my neighbors he quietly went into a down-stay and remained in it even when my roommate approached and a neighbor walked by with his dog. he did bark in the down stay and got aggitated but I was quickly able to quiet him. Then once we came back to our house and I went up to my bedroom, Joe quietly went and laid on his own bed and didnt even try to jump onto mine. Last night while we were on a bike ride he didn't try to sleep on the couch and he stayed in his doggie bed all through the night (I wasn't able to get my kennel back yet). So needless to say I am so pleased. I can see a dramatic change in his dimeanor. Right now he seems a little distraught over the whole situation but I believe once he gets used to it that he will perk up again.

 Quote: diana freeman

Right now he seems a little distraught over the whole situation but I believe once he gets used to it that he will perk up again.

No longer allowed to rule the roost? Check. New sheriff in town? Check. He's definitely stressed out, but as you said, he'll get used to it.

My Dobe is dominant. I've learn from Leerurg (DVDs and forums) that I need to keep him on a "tight leash" to keep him in check and it works. Constant vigilance.

If he were a human, he would be a terrible poker player. He wears his heart on his sleeve and always shows his emotion. Whenever he complies with a command he wishes he didn't have to do, he always lets out a stress yawn. Sometimes I'll watch him self-correct (like when looks at my son with that "I want to mount you" but then makes the correct decision that it is not a good idea) and he'll break out into that very same stress yawn. When I make him sit before coming in, before going up or down stairs, he'll fire off a stress yawn. He wants to do as he pleases, but I simply cannot let that be. I've seen what happens when he thinks for himself, and it usually ends up with a big Doberman teeth chomping on something, like me or other dogs. He bit me three times before our household applied martial law, and ever since, he's been a good dog.

I'm happy to see you're going down the right path with Joe!