We have 2 dogs, a 3 year old Springer Spaniel/Lab mix and a 2 year old Beagle. We rescued both dogs from shelters and have only had the beagle for about a month. Can anyone recommend a good dog training book? I've heard that the Monks of New Skete is good and everyone I know recommends Cesar Milan's book (which I haven't found helpful). We have been working with the beagle on commands, but I am having trouble getting her to listen when she is not on the leash. She has recently started jumping into our playpen. This happened yesterday with my 7 month old daughter in there. We are looking for an experienced trainer to help us and we have her enrolled in a class, but the class doesn't start until June. I would also like to see if I can help myself with a book. Considering how new she is to our home and that she was a stray for a long time, I think part of the problem is that my expectations are too high for right now. I know it is something I am not doing correctly that makes her not listen.
Also, my dogs tend to play rough. I'm not sure if I should let this behavior continue. The beagle will jump on the spaniel and then he'll roll her around and they sometimes chase each other (usually the beagle runs away and comes back to jump on the spaniel until the spaniel chases her). They will put their mouths on each other, but they haven't hurt each other. Is this acceptable play or is it something I should put a stop to? I've never owned more than one dog at a time before. The beagle was going to be put down if they didn't find a home for her so we took her. The dogs get along well most of the time. The beagle just has a lot more energy that our other dog and sometimes annoys our spaniel. Whenever he is annoyed, he goes to his crate and growls at her when she tries to go in, which stops her.
I'm sorry I've rambled on so much, but I just wanted opinions on some behaviors I'm seeing. I don't want to give up the beagle because I'm not training her correctly. Thanks in advance to anyone with suggestions.
