[kjc]

Originally Posted by Luvdogs2

Oh, so I'm not the only lucky one to wake up to being french kissed by a dog 1/17th my size while sleeping?? That's frightening good to know, I just thought I was lucky!

I believe my fiance has gotten this pup in the habit of going out and once peeing or pooping just running back inside rather than letting her run about and doing both deeds. I don't turn and go back inside, as long as she's sniffing the ground, I keep her out there.

All night I have been taking her out, 5 times tonight now though she hasn't going number 2. We've been working on sitting before I open the door - this life isn't free stuff - she's not getting it right away, but she will. One thing she does is jumps at the door wanting in and she'll worm her way into the crack if she can. I'm afraid if for some reason if there is a gust of wind or I don't have a good hold on the door, it could slam back onto her - and I lost my sister's cat when I was 11 or something when it's neck was broken doing this very thing - well, it wanted out and I didn't catch the door in time to keep it from getting pinched. It was TRAUMATIZING - and I felt so bad for a long, long time..

I have the same problem with the wind and the door. I stick my foot against the door to stop any premature closing.... sorry about your sister's kitty.

Originally Posted by Luvdogs2

I don't want my fiance cleaning kennels anymore...it means I don't have to hear about it and she doesn't have to do it. Believe me, I'd really like her not to have to do that anymore.

I do want to take over the feeding. I'm positive she isn't keeping a good schedule and I think she's over eating. She isn't gaining weight, but she doesn't need to eat almost a cup of food a day. She's 9 pounds - I think she's used to eating a lot which is why she's able to pack it in there..

Maybe she'll be more willing to go along with the training when you explain the 'Positive Reinforcement/Reward System to her. Many people choose not to discipline bc they just don't know what to do, and they are afraid of changing 'who' the dog is, or making things worse.

Originally Posted by Luvdogs2

Not sure what you meant on the bait and switch and risking body parts...I may be missing the blatant and obvious here..

Sorry, I meant with the chew sticks...

Originally Posted by Luvdogs2

I'm intrigued to hear about the kennel method instead of the crate - or is this one and the same?.

Yes, I use either term. They also make X-pens with lids... just in case she climbs out on you....

Originally Posted by Luvdogs2

I know I'm a different species, but regularity in species to have a digestive and eating cycle. I know I do and I truly think when the dog is exposed to one for a given amount of time, it will be hard for her to mess intentionally (if there is such a thing) and she will understand the meaning of outside bathroom, inside be good. .

The cycle, yes, and I feel she may be a nervous eliminator, so as all the bits and pieces start to come together, her behavior should improve. I've seen a big turn around in a few Yorkies by just eliminating negative corrections. A good frame of mind to have is: If she makes a potty mistake, it's your fault... you missed her signal or weren't paying close enough attention. This helps because with this thinking, it removes the natural human urge to punish her.

Originally Posted by Luvdogs2

I know it will take time, I think I've shown that this is what I'm prepared to do - regardless of side tracking or the flogging for past actions. Time will tell, but every journey starts with a step in the right direction. Day 1 has begun..

The training methods you are familiar with are more 'old school', and probably work just fine, for breeds other than Yorkies. I do commend you for recognizing that you are having a problem, and that you are openminded enough to consider what has been said by many here on methods that are known to work for Yorkies. I know the methods sound a bit out of the norm, my reaction to some things was 'no way' when I was learning and experimenting. But when you see changes begin to take effect, you'll probably be shocked at how some of the simplest changes can make such a big difference.

I also want to warn you... Yorkies do revert to bad behavior, especially if there are changes in the general environment or schedule... say going on vacation. Just start over with what you have learned works for her, and usually within a week you can have her back on track again. I don't know why this happens... just a Yorkie thing I guess. It does not mean that training has failed or that she is untrainable... they just 'slip' sometimes.