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Originally Posted by Pawsies
First off I personally don't believe dogs dominate owners. Dogs recognaize owners aren't dogs, it's like a giraffe dominating a hippo- not going to happen! lol
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Yes, it does happen, some dogs do dominate their owners. It happens when an owner won't take charge and be the top dog. The postion is open so the dog takes it.
Yes, dogs do know people aren't dogs but they can also tell when they have an owner who won't be the top dog. Dogs like order and if you won't do the job they will.
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Secondly, when he nips, yelp really loud, and just ignore him. If he keeps nipping, keep yelping and ignore him for longer. He will learn that actually nipping = no attention given. Never look at him when you yelp, turn your back away from him.
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This is not a puppy this is a year old dog. He is not nipping like a puppy is and he could hurt someone. You need to tell him NO and if he doesn't stop remove him from the situation.
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Chewing, redirect him to something appropriate to chew and reward him for using it when he does.
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This I agree with.
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As for leaving the house, I think this is a seperation anxiety issue. He doesn't want to be left alone.
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If it were seperation anxiety he would have a hard time being alone when they were gone and they'd find things destroyed when they got back. Doors scratched, possibly with holes in them, things chewed or destroyed, (possibly even walls or baseboards), etc. That sort of thing wasn't mentioned. Which is why I assume this is just an out of control dog. The rest of your advice about desensitizing him to her leaving is good though.
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As for cutting back food, personally I think it is a bit unfair. Imagine, you get paid $50 for the first day at work. The next day your boss says actually you can be paid $45 today. The next day, $35. Are you still going to go to work?
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This isn't his job and he needs to learn to behave just because he's told to. He does not need to be bribed every time. So yes, she does need to cut back on the treats as rewards for good behavior.
Again, I suggest obedience classes. If it is seperation anxiety this will not be resoved by training. That is a medical issue and will need medication.
Peggy