[Ginger]

Recently, I have adopted a dog from the SPCA.
She is a golden lab mix, the other part is unknown.
Now, don't get me wrong- Ginger is a very good dog.
But I'm worried that I won't have enough time to train her, as she is 6 months.
Yesterday, we left to downtown for awhile to purchase some things.
I realize everything isn't going to click in for a bit, but Ginger had had to go while we had left and decided the hall was just as good as outside.
Is there a way I can tell her that she should hold it untill we get back?
Another thing is chewing on the legs of the table.
She's like a shadow(she even follows you into the washroom), and she decided to follow me to the table. I had no problem with that because nobody was eating. But as I was doing my homework, I heard scratching noises, and I looked down and she was chewing on the table! Is teething an excuse? What can I do to tell her not to do it?
And also, the puppy eyes. World famous. We were eating in the kitchen, and because she is like glue, she followed us in there. Then she started to whine and give the puppy eyes. We figured enough was enough and sent her outside. Was this right? Or should have I done something better?
Should I not forget to add, Ginger actually knows the basics- sit, give it to me and to come when called. We're working on 'stay' and 'paw', and whatever troubles we have with her.
Thanks!
Megan

[all4thedogs]

First off, I would crate train this girl. This will be very helpful when you cant be watching her. It will also help with housetraining.

An obedience class would be wonderful for her. They are fun and exciting, and also good about wearing puppies out (a tired dog is a good dog). This will increase your bond, and help her learn manners. She will also get to play with other dogs and humans, which is great for socialization. Puppy class are really fun!!

[Ginger]

Originally Posted by all4thedogs

First off, I would crate train this girl. This will be very helpful when you cant be watching her. It will also help with housetraining.

An obedience class would be wonderful for her. They are fun and exciting, and also good about wearing puppies out (a tired dog is a good dog). This will increase your bond, and help her learn manners. She will also get to play with other dogs and humans, which is great for socialization. Puppy class are really fun!!

Oh, ouch... we can't afford that. Any other suggestions? D:

[Cheetah]

Just curious, but how much were you expecting an obedience class to cost?

If you don't want to do obedience class, then I would suggest that you buy a lot of good training books. We will help you here the best we can, but it is always good to have a class or some good books to back it up.

I recommend:

"The Culture Clash" by Jean Donaldson
"The Other End of the Leash" by Patricia McConnell
"Way to Go! How to Housetrain a Dog of Any Age" by Karen London and Patricia McConnell
"Beginning Family Dog Training" by Patricia McConnell

I also agree with the crate training. A new crate for a dog of that size shouldn't cost more than $50-60. You can find used crates on craiglist.com as well. Some are free. Crate training is one of the best methods to potty train a dog, if it is done correctly.

[opokki]

Congrats on your new addition!

Here is a link to some free training video clips that I think you might find useful:
Dog Training

I agree that crating or otherwise confining her is a good idea whenever you aren't home or can't be watching her. Even though she is 6 months old you should treat her as you would a new puppy. Its important to prevent indoor potty accidents right from the start so she doesn't form any bad habits.

There are lots of great toys on the market now which can be stuffed with food. Buster cube, Twist n' Treat, Kong are a few to check out. If you catch her chewing something she shouldn't simply interrupt her and redirect her to something more appropriate. Don't keep all of her toys out all of the time, instead leave her 2-3 toys and then exchange those toys for 2-3 different toys the next day so she doesn't lose interest.

For whining at the table, you could teach her to go lay in her crate or on a dog bed whenever you are eating. Give her a stuffed kong to keep her occupied.

Be sure that you don't give her too much freedom until you feel that you can trust her completely. You'll want to clearly teach her the rules right from the start. She will need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. A tired dog is a good dog.

Best of luck!

[Ginger]

Now Ginger isn't chewing on furniture/using the toilet in the house, jsut biting. I think we have her down pat, pretty much. She just get really excited and jumps and barks, and 'gives dog hugs'. As I call it, at least. The dog puts her paws around your waist and dances around with you! xD

[Dulce]

Originally Posted by all4thedogs

First off, I would crate train this girl. This will be very helpful when you cant be watching her. It will also help with housetraining.

An obedience class would be wonderful for her. They are fun and exciting, and also good about wearing puppies out (a tired dog is a good dog). This will increase your bond, and help her learn manners. She will also get to play with other dogs and humans, which is great for socialization. Puppy class are really fun!!

EXACTLY, great post. Why can't you afford it? Part of owning a dog is having money, and providing everything the dog needs. I'm not at all saying you have to be rich to have a pet, I'm saying you need to provide for them the basics. Training is absolutely a MUST for ANY dog, and age. I adopted mine at 1.5 years, and I have her in training. Training, food, toys, and a crate are basics to owning a dog. ESPECIALLY a puppy.

Teething is normal at that age. Give her a toy in place of the table. If she cannot be under your supervision at all times, crate her. Crating is safe for the dog, as well as your house, and your patience!

Don't punish your dog for whining! SHe's a PUPPY! If you are eating, crate her. If you leave the room, or leave the house, crate her. It's a natural thing for a dog to be in a crate. It's like their den, and eventually, they will WANT to go to their crate because they feel comfortable.

Training is especially important at such a young age. If you don't get her into training, you will continue to have behavioral problems like chewing, urinating in unwanted places, and whining.

You cannot teach your dog to hold it's urine! That's cruel, and unhealthy. Dogs, especially young dogs, or newly spayed females, are at risk for infection. Forcing them to hold it, will only cause them to go at inapproriate times. Take your puppy out at LEAST every 20 minutes. I take my adult dog out at least every half hour if I can.