Ok I think, from your note that your husband is close to maybe being a pack leader. You don't have a chance as in what you are doing.

Overall you are using too many human terms to talk about the dog. Pack leaders are stubborn. Dog does not have a vote on getting trained to be a good dog. If you give them a vote, then you loose. Calm doesn't meen you can't take a stance and say this is the way it is going, and there is no other way.

That being said, set up the rules you want in your house. I would advise that your dog does not jump on people. Dog gives you space, Cesar does that on most shows. There is no hitting and I will say I might raise my voice, but never really yell. Teach your dog to sit, all dogs need to learn that very quickly as a puppy.

Do read K-Nines rules for a new pup, it should be on the first page of the notes. The rules will work for an older dog. It is just basic training, all pretty much do the same.

On training though, I don't think you have fully decided on what you want your dog to be. Once you and your husband decide, then you both get stuborn about it. So far you are letting your dog win, you have to win a couple before you will actually get it.

I would leave the barking problem to last. Dogs can be taught not not bark, or not incestantly, but you need to start earlier in the process. For a 75 lbs dog, I would be discussing big time on the dog keeping all for feet on the floor. Jumping for a big dog can hurt someone, especially a child. If you are consistant on the training, that is not hard to break.

I would also advise you to do a dog trainer, maybe a group class on heel, cheeper than one on one training. I also tell all that if they know someone who is good with dogs or have a good one, ask them to come over and help. Dog people, for the ones I know, are more than happy to do it.

Good luck, but you need to get stubborn also.

Hi!
I don't completely agree with all of Meccash's post as to me.. the person who spends most time with the dog is the one who needs to be pack leader.. I think I understood correctly that that person is you? If so, then you need to keep your emotions out :=) Become more stricter and sit down with all of the family and make rules.. the rules will have to be followed by EVERYONE! This includes all of the family.. no more granddog talk :=) No more spoiling.. you need to explain WHY your dog isn't allowed to be spoilt anymore!
I think you have a lot of knowledge.. judging from your post :=) you are trying really hard and everyone here is going to try and help you more :=D I'm sure our experts: K-Nine, Doggone and Dawg Pro will reply to your mail as well..for now I'm going to give some hints.. or should I say this is the way that I would do it :=D Firstly I would take away luxuries.. no more sofa.. no more laying on the bed ect.. Dog is the last in line for food.. Before getting dinner I make the dog sit or go in to the "down" position.. No going out of the front door before me.. dog has to sit and wait for permission.. As for the aggression.. I would put the dog in to the "down" position and make him wait there while the other dog passes or take his attention with treats or even turn the other way.., to prevent eye contact.. even though he would bark! As for walks on lead I'd make him walk by my side and not at all in front of me.. this can be taught with treats as well :=) I would stand still every time he pulls on the lead.. it won't take long for the dog to understand what's going on :=D and when he returns..praise him and the journey can carry on :) When you are getting visitors.. command the dog in to a sit or down.. make sure he stays there before letting the guest in.. I wouldn't let the guest touch the dog at all..not in the beginning of this training anyway! The dog needs to understand that the guest is allowed to come in and he has to give the guest room to breathe in :=) At first you can use a lead to help you.. so when the door bell rings..dog on lead.. give command to dog and then open the door.. if you try this then you need to tell your friends what you are doing and that they need to ignore your dog :=) I hope something in my notes might be helpful for you! Good luck!

Tracey pretty much covered the fundamentals and the DOWN command means to lay down and is used because it puts the dog in a "submissive" posture to other dogs or people. He must be made to stay DOWN until it is very clear that he is showing calm submission!

My real concern is that Mike isn't on board with all that needs to be done. When Tracey said EVERYONE she really meant it. The dog may only listen to you, not listen at all, only listen to others when you are around etc. if Mike isn't on board.

THAT raises my next concern. The dog needs these corrections but if Mike is undermining your training and holding the dog back then this will be a source for arguments for a long time to come.

By way of example:
We had both our dog's cured of jumping on us and others. Then my wife decided to let the big dog do it a few times and without my knowledge. Actually, the little dog never did it to start with.

We had a guest over and our 70+ lb dog jumped up on her, then the little one too and our guest was none too happy about it. Later that evening I had both dogs standing up on both sides of my computer chair pawing at me for attention. This sent my chair and me in it wheeling across the floor and slamming into a bookshelf on which I cut my head open. I was none too happy and there was an argument!!!

That's how fast and how easily it can all go wrong just because one of the pack leaders decide to disobey or not consistently reinforce the rules!!!

The last thing you need are both dog problems and family quarrels over the dog. Good luck and have a nice chat with Mike. Decide TOGETHER what your plan and rules will be. Then be consistent TOGETHER.

Be Well and Train Well.