New puppy question

Have you tried Crate Training? I have found that when you bring a new animal into the house that crate training is the most effective way to get them to understand that all bodily functions are to be done outside. It's quite simple to do, but since you've had the pup a week already, it may be too late. But it may be worth a shot. The basic principle of crate training is that dogs will not potty where they eat. When you get a pup, it is recommended that you keep them in a pet carrier/crate that is plenty large enough for them to move around and stretch out, and you will feed and water them inside this crate. This becomes their "home" and it also makes them feel more secure in their new environment. You will need to set times for feeding and watering the pup, and after you have given them their food and water, wait about 30 minutes, and then take them out of the crate, straight outside to potty. They will learn that the bathroom is in fact.. all the way outside. You can also add a bell to the doorknob and when you are taking them outside, set them by the door, bump the bell with your hand, say "Outside" or "Potty" and the dogs will learn to use that bell to let you know they have to go. Generally you want to limit the time you have them out of the crate for the first 3-4 days, until you get them on the schedule. That is how I train all of mine, and it's always been quite successfull. Hope that helps. If you have further questions, drop me a message.

Did each puppy come from a different place? If so, it could be as simple as the german shephard pup came from somewhere where he felt safe and loved, and the lab pup came from somewhere where she was either ignored and neglected or even possibly abused. We have 3 dogs, and all three were rescues, but one was a stray for along time, and it shows in her demeanor. Everything terrifies her. The good news is, the pup is still young which means her outlook on life will change when she realizes that she is safe and loved there with you. No, you will not see a difference in her right away, it might take a few months. Puppy training would help with that as well. Give her time, give her treats, and give her love, and she will come around.

Congrats on your new baby.. I had just found your question about boxer and great dane mix pups and was going to answer that and then saw this and that you hadn't gotten the other dog, so figured I'd answer this instead. lOL FWIW, I have a great dane and a boxer (as well as 2 mixed breeds) and they are both awesome dogs, very smart and extremly easy to train and very friendly and great with kids..but since you got a lab instead, we'll answer the question at hand LOL Since you've only had her a week, she's probably still getting used to her new home and her new family, so some anxiety is to be expected. I don't know a whole lot from experience about labs, but if they're anything like danes they often go through an anxiety stage at 4 or 5 months where they get real timid. Mine was terrible during hers, afraid of everything and would stay outside all the time, couldn't get her to come in, she'd hide under the house all day. Fortunately, it only lasted a month or two and she's been fine ever since. She could also have been abused, people always assume that must be why a dog is afraid, that's easy to assume, but its not always the case. Crate training is always a good idea and should help ..not only will it teach her not to pee inside, it will give her a safe place of her own until she feels more secure. The bell idea is also a great one and works well with most breeds..most dogs will naturally develop their own way to let you know they have to go though. Mine will scratch the door or come jump up on me and whine..they're not subtle at all. LOL

Animals like children learn at different tempos! If it were me I would take them both outside together. She will learn from him. Seeings you've had her for such a short length of time, she has really not bonded with you, and so I would not discipline her right now. You do not know what her previous training was! But accolades for offering these two lovely "little people" forever homes. Be patient,& kind & you will be paid off in "honor roll" behaviour!