We just recently purchased a Golden Retriever puppy. Buddy is so cute.... but we had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. We have taught him to sit, crate trained him and have him pottying outside as long as the doors are open. Haven't tested the waters with the door closed. I am not sure how to transition him from going out on his own to alerting us to his need to potty. We have attempted a bell with him but his hasn't got the idea. He is very quick to learn things so I don't know if I'm doing it wrong or the bell isn't for him. Meanwhile, he is jumping up on people and furniture, chewing on furniture and wall corners and attacking our older dog Zella. I know Buddy has a need to chew (we have lots of chew toys and bully sticks) but I have mobility issues that affect my ability to get to him quickly, tell him no and give him a chew toy. By the time I get to him, he has stopped chewing so the reprimand won't be effective. Zella's and Buddy's relationship is a concern. The doctor suggested leaving them alone to work is out but Buddy doesn't take no for an answer. Zella has always been reserved and easily intimidated. When Buddy started this aggressive behavior (I believe he is playing but his bites hurt.) he was much smaller than Zella and I was concerned Zella might hurt him but now in just a few short weeks, he has grown to be just slightly smaller than Zella. He is strong as an ox so my concern has shifted to Zella. He is easily going to outweigh her in the near future, so now is the time to get this behavior under control. As you can see, I have many concerns and am not quite sure where I should begin with him. Zella has appeared defeated, so I am concerned about her wellbeing as well. Any advise you can give me would be much appreciated. We watched the video on correcting jumping behavior and found it to be very helpful. Buddy is very sweet but in his exuberance to get to something, he jumps, bites, claws, whatever it takes. As he continues to grow my concern grows. I am afraid if we don't get a handle on it now, it will be impossible to control him later. I believe he is very trainable but we need guidance as to where to begin. Thank you for any advice you can give us.
Jun and Pam
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