Thanks David.

I will try the suggestions asap.

 Quote: David Eagle

If you correct the symptom and still have a dominant dog, other problems will occur.

David is totally right, IMO, and since your pup is only 6 months old, Mike...if you are having dominance issues, it could easily get worse as the dog matures. It sounds like you're doing well with the NILIF, and you might want to incorporate some obedience work with your dog and your wife as well.

However, it seems to me like you have a nice young (possibly hard) dog that just needs a little schooling. He doesn't seem dominant to me so much as just nutty. That's why I asked if you have only stuck to redirection when he bites, or if you had tried any kind of correction at all and what his reaction was to it. It's hard to tell from a few posts, but I'm really getting the impression of a high-energy young dog who just needs some manners.

However, groundwork is NEVER wasted on any dog, and it's good that you do it...it can only yield good things. Same can be said for exercise, and it's easy to forget that as your dog matures, his need for exercise can increase. I noticed that on my GSD when he was about 6 months. More frequent sessions are better than longer sessions, IMO.

 Quote: mike rastall

I haven't done any correction techniques. When he bites now I just physically put him in a down/stay because that's the only thing that works for that present moment in time. Nothing will make him stop instantly unless I physically hold him down.

Okay, well, if you haven't tried any corrections yet, it's time to start, IMO! I highly suggest you read that theory of corrections that I linked to awhile back because inappropriate corrections can have nasty results. But appropriate ones not only cause no damage...they work!

We will try to implement daily sessions instead of "random" times throughout the day when we feel like it. More of a regiment via boot camp.

Yes, he is a wonderful dog with a great attitude. He wants to please. He knows when we are upset. He feels for us. I still don't think he is the dominant one, he's just being really playful. High energy. Very nutty.

 Quote: Amber Morgan

 Quote: mike rastall

I haven't done any correction techniques. When he bites now I just physically put him in a down/stay because that's the only thing that works for that present moment in time. Nothing will make him stop instantly unless I physically hold him down.

Okay, well, if you haven't tried any corrections yet, it's time to start, IMO! I highly suggest you read that theory of corrections that I linked to awhile back because inappropriate corrections can have nasty results. But appropriate ones not only cause no damage...they work!

I printed it up. I'll read it tonight. Thanks.

Mike,
Hows his general ob? Does he walk on a heel (even a sloppy one)? His sits/stay? He knows downs/stay----for, rewards or what? I think its time to introduce some work ethic to the youngster.
First off find out how hard or soft he is, as you don't know. If a flat collar does the job, fine, use that; and it may well if you've never used a leash correction on him. You said you were starting an OB. class shortly, if the class is anything like the classes I've heard about in my neighborhood, pinch collars will be more then frowned on, they won't be allowed. Tell them to stick it_______ (choose your own discription here) and go where they will allow it, or go to a private trainer. That is if he needs a pinch collar, but don't be afraid of them in any case, they're good tools.
A private trainer will be able to help more with reading your dog on the level of correction, how the corrections are to be made, the timing of the corrections, and the proper circumstances they are to be made in. If you're new to dogs and it sounds like you might be, I would recommend a private tutoring over puppy class any day. Even if private was x amount more. A good pro will more then pay for themselves in the long run.
Aside from the already mentioned cures for the in house pack issues. With the short time you and the dog have during the day.
I'd start at the first walk of the day with short heeling work. During the afternoon play there would sits, downs, recalls, heels and any other things I would want from him incorporated (use stay if you use it) into the play. Evening exercise would start with a short straight ahead OB. then free range fun. I'd try to find something for him to work at, learning to jump a bar, maybe run a tunnel, walk a plank, roll over, anything that takes your fancy........He wants your input. Engage.
There are no quick fixes unless you want to shut the dog down both mentally and in spirit.

Ye will reap what you sow.
Randy

Mike, you've received lots of good advice, and I'll just add 1 more thing that I experienced. Scruff corrections on my pup increased her mouthiness (and again, this might have to do w/ pack leadership issues for me)
I found that she responded much better to me when the correction came in the form of a leash pop w/ her flat collar.
You might find that she she will respond well to a scruff correction from you, but not from your wife, since she seems to be the one having more of the pack structure issues w/ your pup...