Originally posted by Toby's my baby
[B]Maggie is about 4 months old, we did get her to stay out of the flowers now, by putting up a small fence.
4 months old -- she's starting to develope her independance .. and unfortunately -- if something isn't done now -- she will only get worse .. now is the time to start working gently with her on training ...

She is still biting quite a bit, she doesnt usually bite strangers just people she knows.
She's probably playing, and unfortunately as someone said .. she's got baby teeth, and they hurt .. but the bitter apple spray works wonders .. with the exception of putting it on your hands .. please make sure that you wash your hands THOROUGHLY before eating any finger food .. it won't hurt you, but it will definately make your food taste nasty ..

Also -- as she bites ... keep reinforcing "NO BITE"... firmly state NO BITE whenever she bites .. this too will subside ..

Yes, Maggie is off the leash unless I am working with her, she is unsupervised a lot and she has been an all the time, outside dog her whole life, she doesn't leave the yard.
As I stated before .. at 4 months old .. she will be beginning to expand her horizons .. you must start working with her now .. regarding the basics of Sit, Stay, Come, and then add on the extras as she is comfortable and reliably listening to these .. My advise would be to enroll in an area obedience training course .. since you stated that you have never had a puppy .. it will only get worse if it's not stopped now .. She doesn't understand .. and will just get more confused, and less disciplined ..

Good luck .. it takes alot of hard work to take care of a puppy .. and with alittle diligence between you and Maggie .. I think you can make something of her .. I've never met a dog that was not trainable .. alot of times -- it's the owner that needs to learn how to think like the dog would .. (I'm one of them from many years ago .. and once you learn the trick .. it's not that hard .. and it's usually FUN !!! )

Good luck ..
Sally & The little Princess