DOG WISHED TO SIT BETWEEN US - 2008-11-12

Question

My partner and I have a 7 month old German shepherd. When we sit together or try to hug each other the dog consistently tries to get bewteen us. My partner works away in the mines and is home every second week. We tried to reward the dog with treats when he sits quietly by himself which sometimes seems to work quite well. other times he jumps on the couch and barks at us and if we dont respond he then jumps on us both until he is in the middle. How can we intergrate him with us in the house without having him have to sit in the middle in order to make him behave?

Answer

Is the dog desexed?? As a male dog, with your partner away, and starting puberty, he is in control and trying to protect you. With you partners absence on/off he believes that you are his to control. This dominance issue needs addressing as otherwise you may find that the dog possible - when getting older may start showing aggressive behaviour that is serious and can end up in bites. Your couch scenario is similar to a dog sleeping on the bed when the partner is away. The dog takes possession of the space and will not give it up when the partners comes home.....possibly with the partner sleeping on the couch. I would start with the dog being out more and more so he gets used to being alone and away from you. Ignore the dog more – become a leader. Should this not improve do get help as this can be serious!