[QuickSilver]

Welcome! It was very kind of you to take a puppy mill rescue, and with your help, she can become more obedient and trusting, which means that she will be a happier and healthier dog.

All of your questions have come up in one form or another in other threads, so reading through other people's questions might help. There is also a search function above. To get you started:

1) How long do you leave her alone for, and how old is she? It sounds like she may have separation anxiety, which will affect her when you return, not just when you leave. When you say she hyperventilates, do you mean a reverse sneeze?

2) Ah, the dark art of potty training. This one belongs in its own thread. There are TONS of potty training threads, and also a potty training support group (there's also a thread in the top ten that tells you how to join). It takes a lot of consistency, patience, and practice.

3) Generally, if a dog won't take a treat, that means she is extremely anxious. In dog body language, standing over her can be taken as a threat, so it's not surprising an already anxious dog would get fearful in that situation. You can help her by using non-threatening body language. Do not tower over her, approach her from the side, avoid direct eye contact, don't pat her on the head. Try to let her approach you, rather than you approaching her.

For men, have men treat her, starting with your bf. Your bf can also use the non threatening body language. Start where her threshold is. If she is too scared to take a treat directly from a male hand, have the man stand farther away and toss a treat off to her side. Your bf can also lie on the floor with treats and let her approach him. Let her go at her own pace.

4) This is partially driven by fear. Generally, I would suggest pennies in a can, but since your dog has already had so many unpleasant experiences, I would try to use positive reinforcement as much as humanly possible. Try doing general obedience with her: Sit, Stay, Down; then Speak and Quiet. This is a good way to bond your dog, since basically you guys get to hang out together and you give her food. Teaching your dog to speak is usually pretty easy, just praise her when she barks ("Good Speak") and give her a treat. When she gets Speak, you can tell her Quiet, and reward her for that.

I would also consider clicker training. If you google "Karen Pryor clicker training", you will get TONS of hits. This is an extremely effective, positive way to train your dog and build her confidence.

Good luck! Please keep us posted.