[Luvdogs2]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

I've been following this entire thread closely and guess it is now time for me to toss my hat in the ring.



First, um, these two sentences are incongruous. You can't genuinely set the intention of the first sentence, and then follow it up with that second sentence. My recommendation would be to stick with your thought in your first sentence and then, truly chuck the urge to make statements such as the latter one.

If you want support and kindness - one way to find it is to offer it (and, only it).



Dogs are not vindictive. A dog will pee bc it has to go (where it goes depends on potty training), it wants to mark territory, or it is in great fear (ie, 'soiling itself' in human equivalent). Which do you think she is doing when she has her 'messes'? If she is soiling the area out of fear, then it'd be clear that this kiddo is EXtremely anxious, fearful, confused, traumatized.

Just a few suggestions (as others have already given good ones):

--Forget the crate; if she is a puppy mill dog - a crate will just recreate that living situation for her, over and over and over and over

--If she needs an 'area', use something like this, which fits a bed, water, some toys, a pee pad

--Do not ever hit a dog; not only is it wrong, it will end the line of communication which you are trying to establish. Remember that dogs descend from the wolf; an alpha wolf doesn't hit, or even need to bite to mitigate behavior. Rather, a wolf would perhaps place their mouth/jaw at the top of the other dog's neck, and push down

--Re-frame the mind: there is no 'bad' behavior in dogs. Rather, think of it as preferable and non-preferable. That may sound simplistic, but it does help take emotion out of the way you view the situation and helps prevent a negatively focused viewpoint

--Call a local rescue, ask them who they'd recommend (as a trainer) for dogs who have been abused, neglected, and are former puppy mill dogs. Tell them you want someone who uses positive reinforcement ONLY, no negative.

--Btw, are you playing with her? I.e., being goofy with her? Getting down on her level and just being plain silly with her can create great bonds

That's all I can think of right now, it's early. Best of luck.

First off, an apology - It's downright frustrating sometimes as I've posted reasons for earlier. I won't continue on that, chucking the urge as you suggested.

I apologize.

The crate - we don't have much for living space that will be easy to clean. After asking the fiance about pee pads, she shreds them. I haven't looked into the ex pen just yet, I will do so. Do you or anyone have a suggestion on averting the shredding behavior on the pee pads?

I have used this trick on most of the dogs I have worked and trained. As a pup and through training, when being naughty, flip them over on their back, but the hand on the throat (not squeezing tight, but gentle pressure with fingertips to mimic teeth), putting your face next to your hand and growling...like and alpha does. They usually just freeze until you let them up a few seconds later. Does anyone use this or have any experience with it? I have not done this with Bdog yet because she has bitten before.

I haven't been too goofy with her, but when we train, I'm sitting on the floor as long as I can (previous accident, back can't take a lot of floor time). When we train, I don't stand over her, I'm on my knees. We establish eye contact too.

Oh, another question - how often do you bathe the Yorkies? Do they have a naturally oilier coat or a pretty dry one? I think she needs more frequent baths though she gets on every time she messes in the crate. It seems like she gets oilier faster than most other dogs I know.

Not to bother, but I could really use the info on how much to feed her. I would love to hear everyone's weight and amounts you feed to get a good idea on how much to give her.