Did we get the wrong dog? I am going insane ... He is a 7 month Labrador/Weimaraner, please read & help?

I hope I can offer you some answers...I have had dogs in the past...all females...and a similar thing happened to me when I adopted a Male Am staffie...not quite so bad..and we did nip everything in the bud BUT it came out again when he turned 2. Here is what I think: 1) Goldens are the cutest puppies and people don't realize that yes, they are frisky and nippy as pups. They need a lot of training and a firm hand from day one.

2) Make this day one. Go back to the beginning, make believe you just got him and work him hard. 3) Very first thing...he needs to be demoted...from this minute on...no cuddling, couch, no sitting on your lap, no sleeping in your bed.

He should not at any time be on a level with you, or above you. You really need to show him you are alpha. Period.

Finally..work out a long term plan. Figure out what your goals are and make a schedule. You will be dealing with psychological issues...and training issues and they are not the same.

Psychologically...yes, you demote him. And you never again give him something for nothing. I personally do believe the Cesar thing...where you have to walk through the doorway first and he should absolutely be in a calm state whenever you are dealing with him.

Make a schedule of walking, exercise and training. The walk is not solely for elimination purposes...it is also an exercise in leadership. Exercise is not the same thing as the walk...he needs to run, or run with you while you bike or jog...can you take him swimming or something like that...Even some ball play will get him going.

And a tired dog is more likely to be successful at training. Training should begin immediately 2 to 3 x a day for 15 minutes as long as he can handle it. You should work on sit, stay, come, down, off and leave it.

And, watch me. At the same time, you should be working on the actual issues. Hopefully with your trainer.

There is specific training you can do for food aggression, and toy guarding. Once your dog is comfortable with the basic commands, you can put him in a sit stay in front of his food bowl and make him wait...make sure he is calm before allowing to eat. You can make him eat while you hold the bowl.

Tell him to leave it halfway through...these are things that I did with my dog...and it did work for me. And I will tell you...I did become hand shy...I was a little afraid of him...but I knew that I HAD to get control or else. You just have to do it.

(Did the same thing with the toys...scary at first but then he knew I would not back down and it is not longer an issue)......Last, I also looked long and hard for a good training organization..and I found one through a recommendation from an acquaintance with a very well behaved dog. Did some further research and interviewed with them..observed some classes and I was sold. The training I chose was e collar...not for everyone, but it was what I felt he needed.

I bought 5 personal 1 hour training sessions and the collar....after you do that..they offer group classes free..for the life of your dog. I go 2x a week for fun and reinforcement. It was a huge commitment of time and some money and I have the best dog EVER.

Whatever you choose...if you put in the work...you should achieve success......Good luck! I know you can bring out the best in him!

1. Is he neutered? That is sometimes a problem when it comes to aggression.

Maybe you should have nipped it when he was younger, but it's not all your fault. Obviously dogs of the same breed are not all the same. You were used to your girl and got a boy with a bit of a different personality.

We have big dogs, always have - rotties and mastiffs. When aggression starts, we have never backed away and we take the dog down to a submissive state, on his back, hands around his neck (not choking him!) and if necessary his back legs. He has to stay there, no matter what until he submits - he stops growling, stops eye contact and goes limp a little bit and turns his head from you.

He has to learn that you are the boss, not him. (I swear the Dog Whisperer is an angel for dog owners!) Another thing that may help is to hand feed him. Keep the bowl on a table, sit in a chair and give him handfuls at a time.

That gives you the upper hand on what and how much he gets and shows him you are the one responsible for his happiness. You can pet him on his head while you are feeding him to let him put the two together. Training is a definite must, just let the instructor know ahead of time your issues so they can pay special attention.

Also, play with him more, play fetch. If he realizes that he can't chase the ball unless he gives it back to you, he'll start playing nice. If he doesn't give it back, walk away.

If he growls when you get it, take him down then go back to playing. You have a long road, but you love him, so be patient. Definitely talk to your vet and local training clubs.

I am only telling you what I know from experience and tips that professionals have given me.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.