Brand new dog owner - Need Help!

I don't have much to contribute, but I wanted to say that it's really awesome that you've come here, gotten all the advices, and are taking such excellent care of the pup! And what an adorable pup too. Sounds like she's making progress, little by little. I look forward to reading more!

I too think it's wonderful you've taken this girl on.  I did want to ask why you think she has chow in her ?  Is it because of her black tongue spots?  Or because one of her parents was a chow?  And I only ask because my dog Pepper has black spots on her tongue and I highly doubt she has ANY chow in her.  If you read about chows and google black tongue with chow, you'll find lots of interesting information about the myth that dogs with black spotted tongues have chow in them.    She's adorable and looks more lab to me than anything else.

Can you get a tall baby gate to keep her in the bathroom instead of shutting the door?  This might make her feel better about going in there because then she can see out.  Just a thought.  Good luck with her!

Leslie, the baby gate on the door is an excellent idea!  I'll look into that.  I only assume she's chow mix because that's what the owner said. In the newspaper ad it said 4 month old lab puppies. When I called I asked if the dogs were pure lab and said that they had chow mixed in.  On site, I didn't see any chows and her mom looked just like her. Some of the other dogs out there in the pack had longer hair though.  The only thing on her that appears to be chow is her spotted tongue and her coat is very wavy.  That doesn't show very well in the pics but when you look at her from the back, you can see the waves all the way down her back and her tail is wavy.  I read somewhere that Labs coat isn't wavy at all.  What do you think?

The baby gate for the bathroom is a great idea. That might help in making her feel more secure when she's confined to the bathroom. As far as the crate option, it is a good thing for potty training, as well as prevention of damage to the house while you're gone. But this is just an option, and if you're not having problems with her peeing in the house or being destructive, then she might be fine while left alone in the bathroom. It is still early in the game though, and I don't believe her personality has blossomed yet at all, so things could always change. Just keep an eye on her (which it sounds like you're doing a fantastic job of). If the bathroom works, then go with what works for you. But crating is a good option as well.
 
I crated my boys for the first few months we had each of them (we had some seperation anxiety/destructiveness going on when we left the house), and now they have free reign of the house while we're away with no problems. It really just depends on the dog.
 
Just for an update, how's she doing about going outside?

Welcome to forum Chana.
That sure is a cute pup.
If you want what worked for me when I potty trained my two
you can go to my website and go to training.
[linkhttp://www.brandoandtrixiethepapillions.com]www.brandoandtrixiethepapillions.com[/link]
I haven't had a puppy in a long time, but maybe Spiritdogs will be by and recommend some books to help you out too.
 
Oh, and the first two weeks are nerve wrecking for both of you , I wish I had this board when I got mine.

Maddie is getting more comfortable here everyday.  She's exploring the entire yard, pottying outside (except for one accident last night before bedtime but that was my own fault) and trying really hard to play with the cats. It's very cute to watch her. She'll get in a sort of bowing postition with her front legs down but her butt up in the air and wag her tail and bark quietly at them, obviously just wanting so badly to play and it freaks my cats out. LOL  My female cat is a meanie sometimes and she actually hissed and smacked Maddie's nose.  Surprisingly Maddie didn't get upset.  She just looked her with her head sideways. LOL

I have a feeling we still have a LOT to learn about Maddie as she's showing us knew parts of her personality each day as the day progresses.  I have a small concern that I am hoping was a one time incident. I have a 4 year old daughter who has very thick long black naturally curly hair.  We always keep it up in a ponytail but last night after her bath it was down (it's very long) and when she walked into the living room Maddie started growling and barking a little.  She didn't appear majorly aggressive and she wasn't showing teeth or anything like that but I was fearful all the same.  I made my daughter leave the room and put Maddie in her bathroom until my nerves (and my husband's nerves) cooled off.  I then put my daughter on my hip and let Maddie out about 15 mintues later.  We walked around and I told my daughter to talk so Maddie recognized her voice. This seemed to work and Maddie was then fine.  I'm guessing Maddie didn't recognize her and was on guard??  I'd really love some feedback here because although I don't think Maddie is aggressive, I don't want to put my children in harms way either.  By the way, Maddie has been perfectly fine with my daughter all day today. 

I agree, that these first 2 weeks are going to be a bit nerve wracking as we continue to get to know her and she continues to get to know us.  I'm really concerned right now about how to maintain the alpha position with her as I don't want her to turn into a terror and I want her to listen to me.

Just be firm and consistent with her.  My dogs would bark at me if I came in looking different, so that is definitely the case.  You should all put on hats every now and then, or big jackets with hoods so she gets used to these sights as well.  It's silly what dogs will react too.  []

I've actually seen some labs with slightly wavy fur but it's never very long, so it's not obvious.  But the longer fur around the withers or the hips, usually curve in some degree, which I consider wavy.  If none of the other dogs were chows, then she might not have any in her at all.  Who knows!  lol... 

Suggestion for Maddie and the kids.  Have pup on the leash where you can control her and have the kids come in the room playing "dress-up" and toss some hot dog bits/cheese to her.  At first the kids stay out of reach but as Maddie's confidence increases the kids can come closer, eventually they should be able to hand-feed her the treats.   Kids have fun playing dress up (the more outlandish the better) and the pup then becomes used to crazy people.   I have done something similar with my pup and rescues - taking them to my daughter's soccer practices and asking other people and kids to toss them treats until the dogs graduate to hand feeding from strangers.  Now my dog thinks kids are automatic treat dispensers! 
 
Good luck with her!  Just be patient - it takes time. 

Yeah, I would definitely agree that seeing your daughter look differently probably just gave Maddie a scare. She's just feeling semi-comfortable with the people in your house, and then someone throws her for a loop by looknig different! [] As the others suggested, try to get her accustomed to seeing you in different hats, hoodies, sunglasses...things to change your appearance. Great suggestions.
 
Glad to hear that everything is going so well for your new girl.

Thanks everyone.  We've been walking around the house in hats and hoodies and she is fine now. lol 

I've been worried about her today though because she's not eating.  She hasn't eaten since yesterday afteroon; other than some hotdog treats when pottying.  I've heard her belly growling and bubbling with gasses.  Have I fed her too many treats? I'm worried about her not eating her dogfood.  She's also been sleeping and laying around all day today.  Any ideas?

You don't always have to use "treats" per se.  You can do a lot of this with her normal dog food.  Sometimes having it thrown or hand fed to them makes it more appealing.    She's also still adjusting and you don't know what normal is yet. Has everything checked out ok at the vet so far?   It's so hard to not get worried but definitely keep an eye on her and make sure she isn't vomiting or has diarrhea.

Glad to hear the hoodies and such worked.    I would also advise, that once she gets comfortable with you guys, to take her on some short car rides as an introduction to it.  Around the block, or to a park.  Don't push her to walk anywhere once you get there, just let her sniff and explore this great big wide world she never knew existed.  Once she gets comfortable with things like that, begin taking her to busy people places, but stay back at first until she gets used to all the noise and distractions.

Work quietly and slowly on sit and down, very short sessions.  Lure into a sit a couple times then quit, kind of thing.  Just take everything slow but consistent and she'll come around. 

Everything went fine at the vets.  We have another appointment in a month to do the rabies shot.  And then I have to think about getting her spay done as well.

She did end up throwing up last night and had a little diarrhea outside too.  However, this morning I woke up and she had eaten her entire bowl of food that she didn't touch yesterday and she was super energetic and very happy.  We went outside and she pottied straight away and then ran the yard so hopefully whatever it was has now passed. 

I wondered if maybe she ate something bad outside. She was chewing on some weeds under my deck.  Is that bad?

As to the treats, you can use tiny, tiny pieces, about half the size of your pinky fingernail. Also, you may want to stop using hot dogs.  Some dogs get pancreatitis from too many fatty treats, plus they have BHA/BHT and nitrites in them.  You could try little bits of turkey or roast beef for special training, and just pieces of Cheerios or Charley Bear treats for every day.  Or, just use some of her kibble ration.
I think, since she seems to be improving and gaining confidence, that you should look into some classes for her so that she learns that she can socialize with other dogs and people outside your family in a safe environment.  I would stay away from force training with such a shy dog, and look for someone who uses positive, motivational techniques.  Either of these sites has a trainer search: www.apdt.com, www.clickertraining.com.  Go sit in on a class to see if the trainer uses methods you are comfy with - watch to see if the dogs and handlers look happy.

Listen to Spiritdogs. She can offer several good ways to help your dog become more confident and relaxed.
 
One thing most people agree on is that dogs can adapt to a new situation. Once she realizes what is expected of her and that it leads to rewards, from treats to family inclusion, I bet she will get better.