[kjc]

Originally Posted by Luvdogs2

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?

Buy some washable peepads.. recommended for dogs who tear up the disposables.

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.

This most definitely will set her back light years. The Alpha Roll and variations was developed to be used on highly aggressive, death row dogs only as a last ditch effort to turn them around. She is nowhere near needing this and it will (from experience) cause harm to her. You need to connect with her gently, the Alpha roll could very well put her past the point of ever being able to make a connection. Please do not try this on her. Her behaviors as you describe them are nowhere near needing this type of intervention. You have a ton of other options that need to be tried first. The Alpha Roll is a last ditch effort because sometimes it does not work, it can make tan aggressive dog worse. Bdog is already submissive, if you did this to her, it would send her under a rock. It would totally and completely undo any trust you have been building up with her to this point. Not worth the risks involved.

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.

Once or twice weekly should be fine. What shampoo and conditioner do you use on her? Could be from her diet too.

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.

See post #180. The info is on each bag of food. DF is a nurse? She should have a better understanding of nutrition and RDAs. When housebreaking has become an issue, diet plays hand in hand with getting things under control. Too much lesser quality food could be the problem in and of itself. Have her ask the vet, and a trainer will back you on this.