She said we can still cuddle and play with our boy, but that we shouldn't be allowing him to initiate play or cuddles, or getting into our personal space at all unless invited. We came home and immediately started implementing this and you guys, I've cried no less than three times already. It just feels so wrong to me. He is 11 months, he's just a baby. And honestly, I'm such a sap that this would hurt me to do at any age. I'm totally willing to learn and implement whatever I need to in order to help my dog be the best dog he can be, but holy cow does this hurt. :(

ETA: Thank you so much for all the amazing advice, everyone. This thread has been so helpful and encouraging and supportive and I can't thank y'all enough.

puppy tax