My step mom has a very bad behaved six year old dog how do I get him to listen.

The easiest and best way is clicker training. You, your step-mom can do this together. You'll all have fun and the dog will learn very easily. Anyone can train a dog this way, even little kids. If you get a booklet called, "Getting Started Clicker Training for Dogs," by Karen Pryor, it comes with a clicker and will show you how to do it. My new behavior book also has information on clicker training.
The dog will behave much better and everyone will be a lot happier - including the dog. He just needs to learn what's expected of him.
Warmly,
Darlene Arden, CABC
"Rover, Get Off Her Leg!"

Lets be honest here.. the dog is her baby.You dont have a chance shy of getting rid of her or both of them.( sorry just had to)~lol~ Your stepmum is going to defend the dog first and foremost. The dog is protecting her alpha female.I think if you just ignore the dog it may help. If you yell at the dog it may just encourage her to bark more. Being she is 6 years old she is set in her ways. I dont think you said what type of dog it is? I have a feeling its a small dog. Possibly very pampered. Some are just that way. Its quite the battle to deal with. I feel for you. Its hard to deal with. Try ready the Dog Whisper's Book. He has many many wonderful ideas on these issues. They have helped me greatly even with my cats. Also many humans believe it not. I think you may get help through this book. I hope all goes well. Would love to hear a followup.

I agree. The dog needs training. He's not going to listen if he doesn't know what you are saying. It would be like someone asking you to do something in a language you don't speak, and dogs do not speak English or any other human language. Unless they learn a sound and connect it to an action, they don't get what you want. Then the hard part is to make them respond to the sound of the command you want. If you can't do a class, read books or get some CDs at the libarary. There's also a show on Animal Planet called It's Me or the Dog.Check it out.

Hi Cassie,apparently,the dog has been the Alpha over your step mom from day one,and thinks that he's the dominant one and in charge.I personally think that once animals have had the opportunity to learn bad behaviors from human error most times,especially over that length of time,it's kind of taken out of your hands and your best bet would be to check your local shelters and enroll in an Obedience class with your dog.I've heard a lot of positive experiences from their classes,and it teaches the pet and the humans the correct ways of handling situations that may come up.A good learning tool for both pet and human.
Most times,they are free,or very reasonably priced. Check it out!