To tjdmom and MickNMal, today, I started using the water bottle. I hate "yelling" because it's just negative energy and usually either frightens them or stimulates them (neither being very productive). I use the water bottle for barking (working s-l-o-w-l-y) and today tried it on the fighting. Working like a CHARM. So I think this might be the trick. But now my question is.... do I have to carry a freaking water bottle to the pet store or do you think I can build some good habits that will carry over...??....
When my kids were little although I seldom spanked - or had any reason to - I carried what we called the "travel paddle" that my husband made. Never used it, but it was just to pull barely out of my bag as a visual reminder. I'm thinking maybe I need a little water pistol and holster when I'm out as a visual cue for my furkids. 