How do you deal with a pushy dog?

We’ve gone back to practicing our impulse training drills/games however any tips or new training drills to help reclaim the floor space and mitigate the extra pushy behavior would be helpful. He has been very pushy to play-to the point of nipping when he knows better. As in nipping before following his “toy” redirect command. He posts up in front of me whenever I sit on the floor to interact with my toddler, as in stands directly between me and my kid. I feel like we could play with him for hours and it wouldn’t be enough. This behavior is on top of daily walks and a regular feeding schedule.

Pushy dogs simply need to learn a bit of patience and self control as well as what exactly we want them to do in particular situations in order to ask politely for what they want. This might be sitting to walk out the front door for a walk, lying down on a mat or dog bed while you eat your dinner. While in the process of helping your pushy dog learn self-control and manners, it is wise to employ the use of management tools that will help you help your dog avoid practicing pushy behaviors. Management might be keeping your dog on a leash and tying to a stable object away from the dining room table and giving your dog a chew toy to play with. A pushy pants recovery program should ideally begin with you writing down a list of how you want your dog to behave in different environments and contexts. Start with one of the easiest impulse control exercises: Hold a tiny treat about 12 inches above your dog’s head and simply wait for your dog to keep four feet on the floor for the count of two. If he jumps up for the treat simply lift your hand up and away without saying anything. When four feet are on the floor again, count to two and say “Yes!” if your dog doesn’t jump up. Then offer the treat. Gradually increase the count, now try working in different areas of the home, with different treats and with toys.

I suggest completely ignoring 99% of pushy and demanding behaviors from now on. This is where the mantra of "no touch, no talk, no eye contact" applies. When your dog is demanding its best to act like they are not in the room. If your dog barks at you when you feed them I suggest completely ignoring until they stop and calm - then continue the feeding process. Instead of playing when they drop a toy on you I suggest a “special” toy be kept on top of the fridge that you play with when YOU want to play. Wait for your dog to be calm before letting them out of a crate. Wait for your dog to be calm before inviting them on to the couch with you. When your dog demands affection I suggest ignoring, the best way to give affection is to call them to you. When they come over you give all the love you want because they did something for you. Certain levels of touch cannot be ignored and must be corrected, dogs who climb on you when you are sitting down or jump on your back when you try to ignore them must be corrected.