Hi Michael, you CANNOT ask a dog nicely. Please, please remember, that he is a DOG not a human being. He does not think like a human, he does not reason like a human being, so you cannot expect him to respond like a human being.

It sounds like he is acting as pack leader, putting everyone in their place, including you. In order to resume control, you MUST seek professional advice for this problem. Babies and children are unsafe with dogs who have gained pack leader status, and nobody can give you the type of advice required on a forum.

If you have insurance, ask for a vet referral to a behaviourist. You need a consultation before starting any rehabilitation programme, and you will only have to pay the excess.

Good luck.

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