Dog Psychology?

A five pound ball of fluff with cute little brown eyes... Grows into....... An almost 50 pound personality who is determined to rule the house. I have been completely committed to ensuring Wally has plenty of exercise. A tired dog is a good dog every book says. As Wally has grown and begun to come into his own as a dog personality however something began to occur that I did not anticipate. Wally decided he was in charge. I made our puppy into a spoiled brat who thought we were his minions to do his bidding. Much like children, it turns out each puppy has a different level of need for discipline, rules and boundaries. I saw nothing wrong with fawning over our cute puppy. Petting him constantly, talking to him in that choo choo choo voice, buying him multiple toys of all different types. All of this did not equal out to him becoming the most devoted dog ever. We now had a full fledged stinker on our hands. The last straw was a bite to my forearm as we were walking along he was excitedly jumping up and down nipping at my jacket... And, the growling when I told him to get off of the couch. Wally thought he owned the place. So I read the six dollar pamphlet I'd just purchased the week before on Being your dog's leader and having them love you for it and away we went to save our relationship with our pooch. Day one. We were not allowed to speak to, look at or pet Wally.. I realized I talk to that dog all the time. The day was so weird. Wally was completely subdued. Just looking at us and knawing a bone wondering what was going on. I took away half of his toys. Wally was essentially doggie grounded. We suffered through day one. We now have new rules to follow in our interactions. No fawning over the dog, no petting unless a command is given such as "sit" and the affection is the reward. We are in our third week of this treatment and Wally seems much calmer, does not growl anymore and actually listens. Being a pack leader isn't so bad after all.