Adopted dog with attitude

[Mandymsmom]

My husband and I just adopted a dog that we were told was a lab/retriever, but the vet just told us that she is a pitbull/beagle. She is adorable and cuddly and lovable, but she has major attitude. She hates other dogs, barks and jumps at people, and goes to the bathroom in the house whenever we take a shower or don't give her attention. She ate our coffee table, my shoes, and the phone yesterday because she knocked down the gate I put up. I don't know if I should crate her during the day. Usually she is only alone for about 4 hours max. a day and we walk her frequently, which is exhausting, as we try to train her to not bark or growl, or lunge at other dogs. I absolutely love her, but I'm worried that I will never be able to train her to behave. I am a first time dog owner and not very confident about what I'm doing. Any suggestions?

[Tollers-n-Dobes]

Maybe obedience classes would work? I think you should crate train her for the times you are gone or in the shower or something though. Other than that I can't give you any suggestions, I've never had that kind of problem with a dog. Oh and welcome to PT by the way! I have a Rottweiler, a Miniature Dachshund and a Toller/Border Collie mix:D

[Karen]

Crate training sounds ideal. Also, right away, find a beginning obedience class to take with her. It will train not just her, but you as well! The crate isn't for punishment, but it is to give her a secure place to chill and feel safe while you are not with her. She sounds like she just needs boundaries set, and she's not used to any. I know there's a good dog in there waiting to come out ...

Any dog worth it's tail, by the way, can sense if you are feeling insecure about things, and will use that to its own advantage. But a class, as I said, will train you, and train her, and help the whole family!

[Mandymsmom]

Thanks so much for your advice. I just enrolled her in Canine Charm school to help her with other dogs, just so she can handle obedience school. Hopefully that will help.

[cyber-sibes]

Obedience training is really helpful - you'll have someone with a lot of dog-expierence to help you figure out what works. i was always amazed at how my dogs responded to the trainer - not having owned a dog, I had no idea what to expect or how to deal with it. It'll build your confidence, which is pretty important if you have a headstrong dog! You have the main ingredient for success - you love her! Best wishes and let us know how it's going.

[lv4dogs]

Originally posted by Mandymsmom
Thanks so much for your advice. I just enrolled her in Canine Charm school to help her with other dogs, just so she can handle obedience school. Hopefully that will help.

Kudo's to you! Thats great! I hope everything works out for you!