I agree as well........but a decision needs to made on how much mouthiness is acceptable. That's what my scruff-shake advice is based on. At what level do we re-direct and at what level do we say enough. Otherwise, we need to arm with a rag or toy every person the pup comes in contact with, which is actually a pretty good idea!LOL

Chuck's actions are correct for his goals. I think many members read a post from xxx and think that must be the right way for them to train. There is not just one right way to do anything in dog training.

Socialization absolutely does NOT require that the pup get petted

Great posts!

assuming I'm understanding Ed correctly.
You are not. Showing affection to a dog after you just tried to hurt him will only screw his head up. How would you react if someone came up from behind you with a gun to your head and then said heck I was only playing let's go for a drink. The dog doesn't know you are only training. If he does then you're not training correctly.

My daughters dominant, intact, but very social 6yr old Rot is a family pet. He was a dominant pup from the get go. He tried to be very pushy when soliciting play, greeting people at the door etc but has never been a problem because of strict rules set down early. He loves tug games but he also knows there are only 3-4 people(no kids) he can play this game with and the rules are, if he brings the tug, we play only if he puts it on the floor in front of us, and does a down. When greeting people at the door, he is required to sit or down, depending who is there. He has never been allowed to mouth anyone but, again, he is a family pet. He delights in being mauled buy my grand kids. He has never been put in a defensive position and the only one he dislikes is one neighbor, and thats a different thing.
Would this dog make a good sport dog? no, not now anyway. Is he a super,fantastic member of the family? Absolutely. Would he protect his family from the bad guys? The knowledgeable people on this board will tell you, because of how he was raised, who knows, but I have helped raise and train him and I definately think its there.

Would he protect his family from the bad guys?

The odds of that are not in your favor (about 99 to 1) but it sounds like you have a great dog and a beautiful relationship with him. Good luck.

Thanks Vince P.
He is what my daughter's family wants, and I think that is the bottom line of this topic.