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We just brought our new 6 week old beagle girl, Daisy, home yesterday. What is the best age to begin obedience training? I can tell already that she is a fearless, very headstrong, yet affectionate girl. ANY ADVICE WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!

>>We just brought our new 6 week old beagle girl, Daisy, home yesterday. What is the best age to begin obedience training? I can tell already that she is a fearless, very headstrong, yet affectionate girl. ANY ADVICE WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!

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For good or ill, training starts when you and your dog meet. The dog is either learning what you want her to learn or what you don't want her to learn. As far as the age for class, be guided by your veterinarian. It depends on the pup's health, immune status, and the illnesses going around among dogs right now in your area. She has left her mother and littermates too young, so puppy class will be especially important for helping to reduce the negative effects of that on her future behavior.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinaryforum.com

I have read that six weeks is too early for a pup to leave the litter. Are there any behaviors that we should watch for because of this? And what can we do to correct them and help her adjust? One thing that I have noticed is that her play biting can be a little much at times and often it is difficult to re-direct her attention to an appropriate toy to bite/play with. Is this a result of leaving the litter too soon?

>>I have read that six weeks is too early for a pup to leave the litter. Are there any behaviors that we should watch for because of this? And what can we do to correct them and help her adjust? One thing that I have noticed is that her play biting can be a little much at times and often it is difficult to re-direct her attention to an appropriate toy to bite/play with. Is this a result of leaving the litter too soon?

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Yes, biting is a major risk from dogs who leave the litter too soon. If you can arrange playtimes for her with her littermates or other pups/dogs who will not hurt her or make her sick, that is one thing that can help.

There is no cure for this problem, and it gets worse when the dog matures into the defense drive instincts starting around several months of age. Don't think "correction" when training the pup--think teaching, and giving her good experiences to learn from. Puppy class will be absolutely essential for her.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinaryforum.com

Whenever we attempt to dissuade puppy from doing inappropriate things (chewing shoes, entering wrong area, biting hands or feet during play) she growls and becomes more determined to do the behavior. What is the best response to this? Physically restraining her seems to make matters worse. She is only 7.5 weeks old and we don't want the problem to become an ingrained pattern. All help will be appreciated!

>>Whenever we attempt to dissuade puppy from doing inappropriate things (chewing shoes, entering wrong area, biting hands or feet during play) she growls and becomes more determined to do the behavior. What is the best response to this? Physically restraining her seems to make matters worse. She is only 7.5 weeks old and we don't want the problem to become an ingrained pattern. All help will be appreciated!

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It sounds like you need to get some skilled help in person with this pup's training. Talk to your veterinarian about what kind of class or private trainer would be best considering her immune status and the diseases going around in dogs in your area right now.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinaryforum.com