If only it were that simple to train a cat!

If a trainer is utilized, should the owner continue working with the dog to assure the lessons are retained?

My puppy is absolutely adorable....a 4 month old golden retriever, named Honey. She's learns very fast and is so eager to please me. Of course, right now, her patience and attention span only runs to sitting so long as I give her that treat right away. And, she sits so pretty too!
But, as we all know, the worst trait of puppyhood is the biting. I'm her human chew toy and her teeth are sharp, little needles. Now, I knew when I first got her that a puppy chews and bites.....part and parcel of owning a puppy. But, there are ways to train her to chew her toys and not the furniture or me. Honey foregoes the furniture for a nip at momma's legs, argh! I've done all the tricks the trainers have told me to do....use coins in a can for loud noise, squirt water at her, put her in a time out in her crate, hold her mouth closed (not her nose), replace my leg/foot with her chew toy. None of these work!
The first day of the noisy can, it worked, but she adapted to the noise and on the 2nd day she wasn't scared anymore. The spray bottle didn't work because she loves the water...she's a Golden Retriever and has already taught herself to swim. The time out doesn't work cause she comes out when I open the door and latches onto my leg thinking it's time to play. She thinks everything I try is a signal to play and chew on me, her favorite chew toy! Why am I able to train her in everything but the biting?
There must be some other training method to stop the biting of this stubborn puppy. Anyone know of any?

Thank you for your honest insight regarding puppy training. I am hoping for suggestions or hints on potty training my two 12 week old American Bull Dog pups. My husband and I are at completely different ends of the methods on this subject. He firmly believes in the strong "no" while spanking and rubbing their nose it method. I on the other hand support the firm "no" picking them up when possible and placing them outside as well as praising them when they get it right. He insists that his method works and works quickly and uses our two adult dogs as his shining example. What do you suggest that truly works without being (IMO) abusive? Up until recently we both worked full time jobs (I am now at home a bit more) and we do not have/use crate training and most likely never will.

I firmly believe in the praise method in potty training. I've trained old and young beagles this way. I leash the pup prior to feeding and the moment they are finished it's outside for potty. When they are successful I reward them with a tiny piece of hot dog and a whole lot of praise. If I catch them in the act I scoop them up and outside to potty. If they potty again it's a whole lot of praise and a piece of hot dog again. Usually takes me a week of patience and we get the desired results. Plus my dog doesn't fear me when it's all done.

Thank you for your input! I totally agree, and if I could just get my hubby to see it that way, I wouldn't have to look for ways to persuade him or otherwise reconsider my method. I strongly believe that a divided household is not a good thing, so again, thanks for your input. I do not know what it will take to bring him around, but I am certain he will. Eventually!!

May I also suggest obedience training. Not necessarily at the chain store but at a club or the like. Where I live (small town) there are two clubs that offer obedience and agility training. Most of these type of places are more affordable and have people that really want you and your pet to succeed. Best of all the instructors are a fountain of knowledge and definitely will show the power of positive training. Good luck with your husband. It's hard to train a dog but much harder to train a man. :)

Thanks! You know, after reading your last comment, maybe I am going about this all wrong! I am thinking that it isn't the pups who need the training at all, but rather the man!!! Maybe I should use "his" method on him. If it works in all of the areas in which I need he could use some training, than maybe he has a valid point. In the very least it might teach him just why I feel his method is wrong as well as abusive! Thanks again, as I find your insight and humor very useful! I am looking forward to Wednesday when the "Doc" will have a new article!

Old Broad: Yup, just like anything learned, you gotta practice or you'll get rusty.

Leigh and Skooter's wife: thanks for the topic ideas, I will cover them in the next two Purely Puppies... check next Wednesday and the one after that.

:)