Expert: Alan J Turner, SATS LL1 - 8/13/2007

Question
Hi, my name is Erin and I have a puppy Named Dolce.  We got her when she was six weeks old and she is now three months. she is a mix breed of scottish terrier, pomeranian, australian sheep dog and something else we dont know. ever since we got her, she would attack us, bitting, clawing, growling, and refuse to come.  she will now sit with us, but attack us constantly.  she bites to draw blood, and does not respond to us crying out in pain, saying OW loud, yipping like a dog, squirting her with water, or being ignored.  she is also not sleeping the night through, which i know is normal, but she just cries.  she sleeps in my room right next to my bed and can see me.  she is in a play pen, the kind for babies, and has toys, water, a nice bed and pee pads.  we let her out before bed and twice during the night, but this does not help.  I am at my wits end.  we cannot take her around any other dog or person, because she either attacks them, or barks and hides.  she does not let us pet her or hold her.  I really dont know what to do anymore.  is there any advice you can give me?
thank you for your time
Erin Merritt

Answer
Dear Erin,
Thanks for the questions. There are too many for me to answer, but I can give you the names of some good books-  Puppy Primer by Patricia McConnell or buy any other titles by her that look interesting. They are some of the best I've read.

Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson is another good one.

If you can, hire a trainer that is a member of the APDT. Visit http://apdt.com and search for a trainer near you. Good Luck.