Question about training an adopted puppy

I adopted a sweet wonderful dog from a rescue shelter this last Sunday. She is a dachshund lab mix who is 6 months old. When we first got her she was extremely shy, she never made a peep the first day, and flinched when you went to pet her. She spent most of the day in her crate, by her own doing, hiding away. Yesterday was great she opened up, and is extremely loving. Last night she growled at my husband anytime he got near me when I was holding her on the couch. She was kind to him before, but growled baring teeth in that situation. I stopped holding her when she did that, and set her on the ground.

Today a friend and her two daughters came over. My dog started growling and barking so I put her in her crate to calm down, and keep my friend's daughters safe.

Her dog training program doesn't start for a few weeks. So I have a few questions if you all could share your opinion.

-What should I do about the growling in the mean time. Do you think it could be issues from being from a shelter with an unknown and possibly abusive past? I am not sure if time will help, or if I need to be doing something more than just putting her in her crate.

- Do you think dog training school is worth it? I have been looking online at video, and plan on reading books. Is that just as good, or is dog training school worth it?

Thanks for reading that very long post. I appreciate any input as this is my first dog already love her!

Did the rescue give you any information on her background?

Sounds like it could be fear aggression, or, she may actually be being protective of you. If it's fear, socialisation will help. Have a look at this article on Shy and nervous dogs - although it might not be her issue, it should help give you some idea of the sort of things dogs can face.

And yes, training school is a very good idea - especially to help with socialisation, and the trainer might also comment on the issue you are having.

It is very early days yet, but her trying to keep your husband at a distance is not acceptable. As she seems to have formed a primary bond with you, could your OH begin to take over some of the feeding duties, and of playing with her? You are right to put her on the floor if this behaviour only happens when she is on the sofa.
If you can find a good, positive methodology trainer, they really are invaluable. Although there are some very good books, there is nothing to beat a face to face training session, and you will not be tempted to try mixing the variety of methods that you will find on YouTube, etc. Also, this will give you a reliable contact who can help you to correct any problems as soon as they start.
As Azz suggests, many of the problems experienced with shelter adoptions are due to lack of socialisation, don't overpower her, but try to gradually increase her range of experience.

Hello,

Trying to find as much info as possible is always a good idea. There are a lot of articles about training, like this one for example http://2puppies.com/articles-about-d...training-tips/ . Of course, every puppy is different and has a unique personality, but still...
Hope this helps.

Sounds to me like she's trying to keep you all to herself and is warning your Husband to stay away, which is totally unacceptable. I'm guessing she is quite small if you're holding her on the couch, she's new and trying to establish boundaries but that's your job. I wouldn't allow her on the couch until she learns what's acceptable behaviour tbh. You can make the transition easier by your Husband especially sitting on the floor with her.