[cuppacoffee]

Sarge,
I deal with a very similar thing with Coffee. At this point, I've given up trying to change it. (i'm sure that's not what you were looking for) I definitely don't want to break his spirit, cause he is a good, happy dog and I don't want to discourage that. But, weekdays, he spends about 10 hrs all on his own. When I walk in the door, he runs around in circles, leans up against me, and his rear is moving at a mile a minute. We usually go right out for a walk. He's generally very excited, pulling, heading in different directions, sniffing too long, etc. for the first 15-30 minutes. I correct him when he does all of that, but he is so excited, he doesn't care. After a half an hour, he's an angel and is generally obedient.

But I know he's not doing it "maliciously" or "deviously" trying to pull one over on me. He's just jumpy from being locked up all day. My fiance on the other hand, will give him MUCH stronger corrections to prevent him from pulling again and he does behave better for him, but the dog is clearly not enjoying himself as much. I really like spending time with Coffee after work and I want him to feel the same way, so I can deal with a little belligerence temporarily. What is Sarge doing? Is it preventing you from walking him?