I need to train my dad, never mind my dog!

[okiwa]

Hello everyone

Ok so we recently got a chocolate brown Labrador who I am now training and it started off really well. Heres the thing....MY DAD!

I decided Tilly was not to go on the sofas because she would be too big when she is older. My dad agrees only he doesnt stick to it because "shes just a puppy!" like he thinks as soon as shes bigger he can throw her off. So I have been the only one not letting her on because my mom gives in, this is just going to confuse my poor pup! I would looove to cuddle her on the sofa and let her sleep on my bed but its just not realistic! I know I have to be strict with myself and not to let her up but my dad doesn't!

We have two older West Highland Terriers too who my dad has spoilt rotten (they love Tilly ) who he feeds off his plate. I told him do NOT do this with Tilly. I know all dogs are greedy....Oscar our male westie is tubby...but I have read that Labs are especially so. Yet I have caught him twice feeding her off his plate and his excuse is "it was only a tiny bit". I have a horrible feeling this is going to grow into more often like it did with the other two.

My parents are also the types that think dogs understand us like they understand english....so when Tilly does something wrong they constantly tell me to tell her off. I'm not going for this approach, I am rewarding good behaviour with treats

I really don't want Tilly to become so spoilt as our other two. Oscar thinks he is the pack leader and gets so anxious when my dad leaves. Problem is my dad always thinks he is right. But I know it isn't really healthy for the dogs at all! He loves the dogs to bits but doesn't understand them at all.

We even caught her chewing his shoe yesterday and I took it off her. My dads approach? "Let her have it its keeping her quiet" I gave her a chew instead.

My dad needs to be trained for the sake of all our dogs!

Someone please help me to train my dad as well as Tilly!

[Nade]

You should sit down and try to have a serious conversation with your dad, since labs wont be that small as the terriers. she would be big in no time...wish you luck!

[Jan]

Do you live with your parents? That makes it a bit more awkward! I totally agree about the food & chewing issues, but am more lax myself about the couch. Both my dogs know the "off" command, so are allowed on the couch (with an "up" command) and though they take up some space there, it's great for cuddling. IF it's your dad's couch, can you teach these commands instead of trying to override what your dad wants (which will be confusing for your lab).

Good luck and Welcome!

[Dio's mama]

Also, what do you think of bringing your parents with you to training classes? This way you all hear the instructor and learn the same things.

On a side note, I've had to have "the talk" with my mom too. She loves to spoil Dio rotten. Every time she would visit, she either had treats or toys for him, which is fine. But, she fed him all. the. time. She then would yell at him cause he'd be begging at the table. She now understands that we have rules and that Dio has to follow them. It took a year, but she finally got it!

[Sophiesmama]

I am afraid I'm not much help with the bed or couch problem. Sophie is allowed on the couch and loves to lay in our recliner, plus she sleeps with us. She is 6 1/2 months and 60 lbs. I love sleeping with her, she is a cuddler! You don't indicate your age, but since you live in your parents' home, I would think they would and should be part of the decision making process. It would be a good idea to explain why it isn't good for your pup to feed from your dad's plate. You said you didn't want Tilly to be spoiled like your other 2....what is wrong with spoiled? We enjoy spoiling Sophie. She knows what is expected of her, but is still spoiled. She's our baby girl after all We are looking forward to pictures of your Tilly...

[okiwa]

iThanks everyone for your replies.

At the moment I live with my parents due to health and due to lack of funds to live alone. I am 22. I have tried to have these conversations with my dad constantly, he doesn't listen to me at all because he is the type of person who always thinks he is right, but I will keep trying while we take the dogs out on their walks wish me luck!

I hadn't really thought of using the up and down command, that may be a very good idea as I wont always be living with my parents which means that there would in the future be less problems with her on the sofa. I was just worried about having 3 people and 3 dogs fighting over sofa space haha. I would love to have her up to cuddle though! I love cuddles and it seems Tilly does too! She loves to cuddle up to you and sleep!

I think I may buy my dad the "It's me or the dog" training book for christmas haha

Sophiesmama I would love to sleep with Tilly it is purely me being strict with myself that has stopped her. Plus Angel our older female westie already does and I am worried that there would be some upset if I let Tilly on the bed too. Especially when they are just getting used to her as we haven't had her long. I also probably worded the part about being spoilt wrong. I would love her to be spoilt, I want her to have as much attention and love as possible, its just I don't want her to be spoilt in the same way as our other 2 dogs because I feel the way they were spoilt was unhealthy for them.

All the photos of your dogs are so adorable!

p.s Tilly is lay next to me with her head on my foot, snoring!

[Sophiesmama]

It's a good idea to keep your other dogs in mind. Don't want any resentment for the new girl. So that's good. I hope you enjoy your girl as much as we have enjoyed ours. Looking forward to pictures!

[SharonaZamboni]

I doubt that you'll be able to train your parents. You see how they've treated their dogs, and a granddoggie is likely to be as spoiled as a grandchild. At least they are kind and loving rather than too harsh!
If you want your dog to sleep in your bed, let her! You can train Tilly to stay off your sofa when you finally get your own place, if you decide you'd rather keep her off it.
Good Luck! And we want pics!