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am i creating an alpha dog?

1571 Views 13 Replies 9 Participants Last post by  lmm9607
my 8 week old puppy (adopted 2 days ago) is learning to eliminate on newspaper, as she hasn't had her shots and can't go outside. she is fine with the crate, but she does attempt (though much less now) to poo and pee elsewhere. i've been following her around to grab her when she squats down and take her to the appropriate place. also, i replace her chewing with toys everytime she tries to chew on furniture. however, i feel that i might be creating a situation where the dog is taking lead - as i follow it around.

i am at home all the time (writer) and have plenty of time to train and play - which i do. should i be keeping her in a play pen? or is it ok to follow her around to catch every single mistake she makes? need help. thanks.
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Much of what you've heard about "alpha" is gobbledygook. So don't worry about it. All you need to remember is reward for good behavior when your dog volunteers it on her own and when you're faced with behavior you don't like, teach an alternate behavior and reward that.
Gobbledygook it is! :)

yeah, except i live in manhattan, so i can't do that, unfortunately. i am starting to take her out in my arms for a few minutes at a time so she can begin to get used to people, dogs, cars, firetrucks, etc... as they walk past.
I'm a little confused as to why you have to take her out in your arms. . .but it is SUPER AWESOME to get her used to all those things you mentioned as soon as possible. It is equally important, in my opinion, that she get used to going outside on a leash. Maybe I am too leanient but the only thing I would worry about with a pup who hasn't had shots is interacting with other dogs. If she is outside to poddy for short periods of time and under close supervision (not being allowed to eat poop, drink stagnant water, ect) then she will probly be okay.
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