Barking Puppy

Question
We have a 5mo old female who barks at me when I point and tell her "no". I think she is talking back to me b/c I am not the dominant one in the house. My boyfriend trained her and we live in the same house. She listens to all of my other commands, just likes to bark at me! How do we train her to stop barking? Also do you think that getting an 8wk old male will be an issue for her and show her that accidents in the house will be ok? Thanks!

Answer
The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts.  Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog.  Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones.  You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat. Start at http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/  For more on being top dog, see http://www.dogbreedinfo.com./topdogrules.htm

I don't see any problem with the new puppy.  She should still be young enough to enjoy playing with him once she get over the initial jealousy.  That will go easier if you firmly establish yourself as top dog first.  Usually a male and female is the best combination for getting along when they are older.