Stubborn streak - 6 mnth Golden male

Question
Our 6 mnth old male golden puppy seems to have developed a very stubborn streak off late. He will do things he knows he's not meant to do when we're not paying him attention such as jumping up on the cough and ripping up cushions. However, when we're with him, he's happy to lie down at our feet and sleep. Another strange habit he's developed is if my husband and I take him for a walk, and if I'm walking him and move ahead of my husband, he refuses to walk till my husband catches up with us. He does this when its my husband walking him and if i get left behind as well. Its almost as if we wants all of us to walk together or he wont walk at all. I've tried coaxing him along..even using his favourite treat but it just doesnt work. Please help!

Answer
The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts.  Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog.  Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones.  You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat. Start at http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/  For more on being top dog, see http://www.dogbreedinfo.com./topdogrules.htm

Neutering him would help too if not already.