[kaking]

We have an 8 month old standard poodle, Charley. He is doing well with training and has learned several tricks and for the most part is well behaved (besides normal puppy chewing etc) when we are INSIDE. When we are outside in the yard, however, he starts pouncing and jumping and barking and nipping when you try to walk or do anything. I don't think he is trying to be mean, he thinks it is playing but it is intimidating because of his size and he has nipped my son a few times. When he does this, you can't catch him, he runs like you are playing chase. He won't listen to any commands and so we literally have to go back inside until he comes to the door and then let him in and go outside without him. My kids won't even go outside anymore if he is out there.

If he is on a leash, he is more controllable, obviously, but we would like to be able to go outside and enjoy ourselves, but this is complete misery. How can I get him to understand we are not playing like that and to stop this behavior?

 

[Shandula]

I would keep him on a long line and as soon as he starts acting like a brat, simply pick up the leash and put him inside for a minute. Don't say anything, just put him in there for a minute. Then bring him back out. The long line will make it so he can't play the run away/chase me game.
When he's relaxed, let him back out. Rinse and repeat. He's going to catch on that jumping up/nipping removes him from the family.

The other thing I would try to teach him is a great place/mat cue. So he can hang around outside without having to be all up in your business.

 

[kaking]

Thanks, I will try that. I'm not really up on the lingo. What do you mean by "place/mat cue"

 

[Shandula]