I will check back later...I have to get to my classes.

For housebreaking, IMO you need to catch her doing it outside and reward big time.
Once she get's confident that you are a person who "likes" peeing and pooping she won't do it in the house anymore, she clearly seeks to please and is most likely naturally clean. Just keep her where your eyes are constantly on her-leashed to you is likely best- and she will pick this up fast.
Watch out with your 8 yr old. You don't want her to bite him, then you'll need to get rid of her. IMO dogs are NOT naturally gentle with children, contrary to the Lassie myth that we all want to believe in our hearts. An 8 is right at the junction of "infant" and "boss human" and she might overstep her place in enthusiasm to play.
THe free podcast on marker training is terrific, really helped me with my dog.
Post a picture of your dog when you have time. She sounds like a great addition to your family!

 Quote: Michelle Bell

Not sure what tethering is? Does that have to do with the clicker? And can I buy one from a local pet store?

Hey Michelle,

Tethering doesn't require any fancy equipment..lol..except for a long line or leash.
Tethering is when you have the dog on a leash tethered to you while you're in the house. Either wrapped around your waist or attached to your belt or pants. It sounds like it will be very inconvenient, and until you get used to it, it probably will be very awkward to have a leash attached to you.
My dog was a rescue, and that was one of the die hard things i learned from this site. It significantly helped my guy with everything from housebreaking (he was rescued off a farm and had never been indoors)to proper manners when someone came over and it really helped with bonding.

If the dog is on a line that's attached to you it helps you to be able to interrupt any behaviour that is unacceptable. I can't remember if you said how long you've had the dog....but it is very very important with a new dog to be able to bond with the owner.

and i definately second getting this girl a crate for when you aren't home. That will also help with seperation anxiety.
But don't use the crate (or her bed) as a punishment area. no no no! Every dog needs a nice quiet place (den) to relax in. And if the dog starts to associate her comfort area with punishment it will have a negative effect.

Michelle- Dogs with separation anxiety will usually pick up on cues when your leaving and this will start the initial meltdown. Once the person departs, the destructive behavior will usually happen within a very short time after you leave. I asked if she had been destructive prior to the door, if she is pooping while you are gone, it goes along with the anxiety. I am guessing that because she has so much attention/affection now, too much, in such a short period of time, the separation anxiety is just starting, it doesn't sound that she came with it. I think this will be easy to overcome.

I agree with Sheila and Connie's post, follow this and you will see dramatic improvements. I can't post anymore at this time, but if you never have used a crate, there are many on here that can help you. She will make a big fuss in the beginning, you'll take pity, and this is where the process can take longer..come here for help. I have never had a rescue that hasn't ended up loving their crate, even those with extreme separation anxiety.

Good luck!

How do you add pictures?

 Quote: Michelle Bell

How do you add pictures?

Easiest way to show us pics is to link us to a Photobucket-type account.

Unless you mean a sig pic.

 Quote: michelle bell

She loves the car. She will get in my car, when I'm cleaning it out etc... and she will not come out until I take her for a drive around the block. I mean the dog runs from one end of the car to the next and no matter how many times you tell her to get out she will sit herself down and look around but not at you. lol It makes me laugh so I'm sure that doesn't help with that.

JMHO.... I've made the mistake in the past of tolerating a cute/funny/entertaining behavior and then lived to regret it.

Knowing what I know NOW - I would not let my dog "dictate" what we are or are not going to do. I'd teach her a solid "come" or "down" or anything - using markers/treats and all positive, but I'd be the one calling the shots. Keep in mind that what every command you are giving her to tell her to get out of the car, but then don't make her get out, is training her that that command means she is going for a ride.

My dog is insane about the car as well and now at times when I'm out in the yard I open the car, let him get in his kennel and just sit and watch me doing what ever it is I'm doing. Then I tell him "break" and he gets out... Again, JMHO.

Hi Michelle:

You’ve received a lot of great advice. I just wanted to throw a few of thoughts out there.

 Quote: michelle bell

So even if I try to get her to say stop jumping my husbands buddies I have to have cheese in hand or she completely ignores me. I'm trying not giving her anything but then she continues to misbehave.

What happens when hubby’s buddies first come over? Some dogs are easily stimulated (or learn to be) at the arrival of guests and some guests are all too willing to enhance that stimulation. The sight of a friendly, somewhat timid, playful German Shepherd often gets folks into that silly football huddle stance, playfully egging the dog on (hopping and jumping around) while saying Hello.

I think you need to be clear in your mind about how you want your dog to be greeted and then take steps to achieve that. Inform the buddies that your dog is easily stimulated by the excitement of people coming over and you’re working on toning it down a bit. They could help you by ignoring the dog when entering the property and not acknowledging her until she is in a calm, relaxed state.

I’d have the pup on a leash observing the buddies’ arrival while she is in a “sit” position beside me. Reward her (nothing wrong with cheese) for paying attention to you - each time her focus/eye contact turns to you and away from the arriving guests. This will teach her the behavior you expect from her. Of course, if you’re involved in the greeting, the crate (when you get one) will be an ideal option when you’re not able to give her your full attention. In the meantime, informed guests are generally a great help with this type of training.

As well, even more important in this situation, when the BUDDIES are finally settled down, behaving calmly and engaged in relaxed, civil conversation, immediately present them with beer and nachos (double cheese). This will re-enforce the desired behavior you’d like to see from THEM as well as make it easier for the pup to settle. Trust me, it works.

 Quote: michelle bell

she was bone and skin.

seemed to understand that she had done bad; "Bad girl. Go to bed and stay."; she was in trouble, she was slinking away

She’s only been with you a month. I’m sorry here but I must say “Bad Mommy”. Sounds like this girl has had her share of hungry times. Possibly being exposed to some starvation in the past - there isn’t much worse than the wafting aroma of a tasty meal, that could satisfy the excruciating hunger pains, and it never comes. I’m not in any way implying that you are part of this equation, but it may have been one of her experiences.

If I was going to have her in the kitchen with me while preparing food, knowing her “bone and skin” past, I would always make sure her little belly was full or at least have something in there to work on while she’s being exposed to the appetizing smells.

 Quote: michelle bell

she offered no resistance in being hauled away; Fireman ….was swapping her with four other people; She is sweet but a touch insecure; she went happy crazy and was just crying her little heart out. I gave her a hug

It’s easy to see how this pup has developed separation issues and it’s causing a fair amount of anxiety. Connie has given you some great advice on the desensitization process. I would just like to also stress that she needs to be set up for complete success. She should never get to a whining, panicky state.

For an active 15 month old, I would ensure that she is well exercised (tired) and fed when you begin this process/training. I would start by occupying her with her a recreational item – eg: antler chew, kong or my favorite, an everlasting treat ball. When she’s nice and settled, enjoying herself, leave the room and return well before she starts to react to your absence.

During this training, I would return with a calm but engaging presence. In the beginning, you want her to know that you have returned for her and she will be rewarded for calm behavior. We often put a lot of emphasis on the leaving piece (and rightfully so), but to me, it’s what we do when we return that has the most impact. Once she starts to build trust that you are returning and it becomes routine, you can move away from the engagement to just returning, being a presence and going about your business (basically ignoring her).

Initially, when you return, she should be content with her recreational item. If you’re okay with removing toys/recreational items, I would then approach her, in a safe, non-threatening manner, remove it and engage her with my presence. If it’s true SA, YOU will be a high value reward. Run her through a couple of the obedience commands you are working on with low value rewards. (Remember, she’s a bit tired and probably wants her recreation item). After a minute of this, return her recreational item and leave for a minute or two longer this time, returning before she reacts. Again, remove the item and work on obedience for a minute or two. Believe me… a few repetitions of this and she’ll be looking forward to you leaving the room. She will start subconsciously forming a choice to be left alone. Again… this is just in the very beginning when you are starting to introduce the short term absences. Set her up for complete success and teach her that “alone” time can be very enjoyable and welcome. And as folks have mentioned, the crate will also be a great help when you get it.

 Quote: Connie Sutherland

start a little log ... of her poop

I hope I’m not the only one that got a little chuckle out of this EXCELLENT piece of advice. It’s critical to you becoming familiar with her routine.

I have nothing to add on the great advice you’ve received here, but would simply like to emphasize my agreement in that I would NEVER correct a dog (in any way – at any time) for natural body functions. It is my responsibility to monitor (start a little log )and ensure that they are in an appropriate environment when it’s time for their little bodies to make a movement.

 Quote: michelle bell

I really want her to be happy and to feel safe.

She’s had a tough start and needs some structure and fair guiding leadership to learn the ins and outs of her new home. Feeling safe and happy comes with consistency and trust. I’m sure you will get there.

I wish you the best of luck with her.

Everyone has given great advice and I do appreciate it greatly. The two buddies that come over...neither respond to her and only the one tries to stay clear of her because she really wants to bit him...I think it is because he has cats and she can smell them, naturally. There is a cat that comes into my yard to tease her. Background: the cat lived next door for two years and the cat roams the neighbor hood teasing dogs..no kidding...we had a curr dog she would sit right in front of his pen (he was more a guard type dog and could not be trusted around anyone...long story we adopted him.) When she starts meowing out there and sits in front of the windows or the doors (which are glass) Marley goes crazy. I almost dare to think that maybe that is why she went through the door..to get the cat...i also think this because when she comes back her face is always covered in cobwebs and the cat goes under our shed. She still has a bit of anxiety.

She does get a good bit of exhausting play daily. AT the min 2 hours of non stop chase, fetch and running. Lots of running. I have been logging for the past day her poo and so far it is twice a day. Once mid morning and once at night.

My husband said last night she was pulling on his sleeve and begging and whimpering to go outside. He took her out and she immediately peed. She did go out before bed and an hour before that...first time she has awoken someone to go.

Either way no matter how long someone is here she barks and growls at them. Maybe she thinks I'm getting rid of her? But I wouldn't and I won't. Just the one guy with the cats she tries to bit and goes for his legs everytime, where the cats rub against him.

I tried the photobucket but it says my pictures failed in the upload. So I don't know what is wrong with it. We use a Kodak digital camera. Sorry!