I know this isn't silly puppy stuff. He is getting better. I called a dog trainer who told me to have my husband ignore Chip. This has helped and for the most part, he is now lovable and friendly towards my husband. He still growls and barks, but not as often. He will also sit and play with Tim and be very lovable. We thinks it's more bossy than scared. The woman I got him from ran a day care out of her home and we think the poor dog got picked on by kids all the time. The husband had a pit bull and I was told they got along. Chip soes well with our other dog and he really would be happy if the cat played with him. We are making progress and I think his bad behavior is more of a defense mechanism he neede at his old home. He is also really grouchy when he is tired, so I just put him in his crate for a nap.
I am sure cbrand has a lot of good info to offer for training but in the mean time I can give you my experience as well and suggestions.
Some of it sounds to me like the small dog syndrome and to be honest it can be pretty serious, although it seems cute and manageable now it will wear itself out quick and then you might see how out of control it might be.
Small dogs can demand and be more territorial than even big dogs thus the barking and growling as well as being a grump when tired. I have 2 small dogs and Aoki was very much like this and still can act this way but you have to get a hold of it quick!!
We do not allow the growling we immediately stop her by bumping her side or placing our hand on her snout and she would go back at it and we continue until she stopped and would walk away from it, same with the over barking, chest out kind of thing.
hwell: Nope get this quick because it will get even worse, and your pup is 6 months old now so you have to think like this is a younger pup and start over.
Your husband will need to help being firm as well. I agree with moving or ignoring jumping up, but not the rest. I am glad you have chip too and its a great name for a brown poodle!! But to get the best out of each other work on this training with him - some tips go to Youtube and pull some free videos and see how the techniques are done. Also google training tips for " and this may link you to some videos - it's what I did and a book BUT when you see the progress it kind of comes together better - Good luck and keep us posted!!
