[syrcaid]

So I adopted a one year old dog from the shelter(or that's what age they put her as). I have no history on her, I don't know her exact age, if she was a stray or a surrender, anything. She's 28 lbs and looks like she has a lot of german shepard in her, obviously mixed with something smaller though. She's very sweet, but does not seem to have much if any previous training as far as her behavior.

For one, she's a play biter. The bites aren't painful, but they are annoying, especially when she does it at or close to your face(mostly she bites hands though). She's very happy and upbeat while she's doing it, I know she doesn't mean to hurt. Secondly, she likes to grab things, such as my blanket, right off me and attempt to destroy it. Attempts to take it back are met with "game mentality" and she'll just pull right back like it's great fun. Finally, she has some separation anxiety. If she's restricted from following me, such as by a door or a leash, even if I'm still within sight, she'll start panicking a bit and becomes obviously distressed. I haven't yet left her alone as I just got her today, so I'm not sure how she'll react. I do have a crate to put her in though. Any tips?

[Macky]

Good for you for adopting her!
First you should avoid the play biting by saying, "NO" when she does it and when she stops give her a toy to chew. When my dog would playbite I would take my hand away and turn away from him to let him know that is not tolerated. He would sit there and I would give him a toy to chew for reward.
Is she house trained? The crate is a great tool and it is a nice place for your dog to go to when she wants to be alone. You must make going in her crate enjoyable. Put her favorite toys in there and a treat. Let her go into the crate by herself without locking her in right away. When she is comfortable with going in you can lock it when you want her confined like at night if she is to sleep in the crate. You can put the crate next to your bed so she is with you but in her own bed.
As far as separation anxiety, don't make a fuss or play with her when you are ready to leave the house. Just leave. If she makes a fuss after you leave, listen and wait until you hear her settle down then go back inside (without a lot of excitement) and give her a treat for settling down. Going out for 15 minutes at a time and returning when she is quiet, giving her a treat will let her realize her good behavior gets rewarded and also lets her know you will definitely return. Good luck!

One last thing, be patient. These learned behaviors must be done over and over. She will learn eventually and that is your reward!