Bad House Manners

Training Benji is going to be a fulltime job for a while. I have to start from scratch all over again because some of the things I'm doing wrong is my fault and some things just take a while. It is nearly impossible to keep Benji away from human food when we are eating or guests feet when they visit which is quite embarrassing. Benji is beginning bad habits like chewing the trim and shoes, and I'm worried. One thing that HAS worked is taking him for a walk before his bedtime to tire him out. For the first time in the week we had him, he actually slept for the entire night without whining/barking. I was impressed but he ruined it by peeing on our new carpet. I try not to get angry but I am angry, frustrated and in despair. Is this ever going to get better?

What is the best method to training Benji? Should I write up a housetraining/eating schedule so I know when he should pee/poo and should I write a schedule to remind myself he needs exercise or he'll do destructive things out of boredom? I need to organize myself and prepare for the worst--have poop bags and shoes at the door at the ready; leash and collar ready; clean towels for his bed regularly and his toys in one place (they're all over). I think if I know he needs to eat at say, 1:00pm every afternoon it will make it easier for both of us to get some structure and routine.

To work on his separation anxiety issues, I wanted to get a baby gate and block him off in one area of the house. This is always useful when I'm painting or cleaning so he doesn't get near anything toxic or harmful. I think using a babygate will let him have independent time in a constructive  manner (eating, playing, etc) and will be the foundation for when I need to leave the house for an hour or so, and he can play quietly and be assured I'll return. The baby gates also helps me monitor where he is and keeping him confined to a small area makes it impossible for him to soil the carpets and floors.

I need to work on teaching him "come" and "sit" and especially "down" so he doesn't climb on the sofa. He is still too small to jump up on it, but if he knows he is not allowed on the sofa and we say "down", when he grows big enough to jump on it, he will understand he cannot. By the time he is big enough to jump, I'll likely have to use a spray bottle or rolled up newspaper to show him it is not acceptable behaviour.

BENJI BITING A FINGER--ONE OF HIS BAD HABITS

BENJI BEFORE A 20 MINUTE WALK BEFORE BEDTIME

Right now, I just want to start fresh and gain his trust and build our bond. I want to tell him "good boy" when he poos/pees outside, play with his toys with him, take him on short walks and brush his fur. I want him to realize I do love him and I'm not going to treat him badly. I want to get out of the vicious cycle we're in now. There is hope! I know there is!