split personality

Question
We adopted Jake from a shelter 2 weeks ago. He's 9 months old and we're not sure what breed he is but looks a lot like a Rhodesian Ridgeback mix. He is sweet and smart and listens  very well in the house. Outside is a whole other story. He hardly listens at all when off leash in the dog park. He walks ok on leash but does pull a little. We stop and stand still and make him come when he pulls. He gets very excited around other dogs and wants to play. We make him sit and wait if its not playtime.  Is there something we can do to get him to listen while outside or will it just come with time as he gets older?

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

What you are doing with him on leash is very good.  As he has more chances to playwith other dogs, he may settle down around them a little.