[AngelFae]

Originally Posted by kjc

My dogs were all older when they came to live with me, and all had a different set of baggage. Two of them would hide for hours if they thought I was being the least bit harsh with them.

I think it depends on each individual dog/puppy, but I always recommend Positive Reinforcement, bc truth be told... it's not the pup's fault if he goes potty in the house, it's always the owner's fault... either by not paying close enough attention to the pup, or not seeing/recognizing the signs puppies make when they have to potty.

And I think Positive Reinforcement is the better way to go, bc potty training can be a difficult time in a home, tempers can run short and situations can go bad quickly for the dog.

Just like when teaching a pup to 'sit', one does not scold them for not sitting... one rewards them when they do sit. If they aren't understanding what one wants, then a different approach made be needed.

I could not catch my Sapphire in the act to save my life. I decided she needed to learn what 'Go Potty' meant, then I would work on the where part. After two months I did catch her going on the rug, I said "Go potty... Good Girl", (lol, totally against my better judgement. I thought oh no, she'll be going on the carpet all the time. Wait a mainute, she's doing that now!) But then when I said "Go Potty" Here.... she knew what I wanted her to do. In maybe 2 days, she was pad trained to be 90% reliable. Now she's at 100% (with poops too and she's a PoopWalker).

Just saying if what one is doing isn't working, there are other ways to go about it. And I agree, Yorkies are smart, and many learn with no harshness nor being told 'no' ever.

I'm not disagreeing with you at all in this. =) I also mentioned it in my second post that what works for one dog or one family won't always work for another. You have to know your dog and what works for him as well as for you and everyone involved in the training process for each dog has to be on the same page. =) I fully agree with postitive reinforcement over punishment.