[yorkietalkjilly]

I just train my dogs to sit, lie down, go around in circles, high 5, shake paw, rollover, jump up or down from the couch/bed on command, stay, stop in mid-walk and stand still, leave it, Bark!, Quiet, Drop it! and things like that. Basic commands every dog needs to do on command as well as "come" every time. You can keep training beyond that right into tricks of all kinds if the dog is having fun.

Treats, lots of lavish praise, keep the training very short - 5 mins. or under 2 times a day, keep it very upbeat and celebratory, positive reinforcement for every advancement and before long, lots of bonding takes place in the dog and she will actually LEARN how to learn, control her own impulses because your reward is greater to her than what she wants to do, learn how to obey you every time and in the process, learn that you are her leader, in control and will always keep her safe, never intimidate or scare her. She won't need to growl and feel scared unless you are not around as she will expect you to keep her safe from all others who might worry her. At the end of the training, you have a secure, confident pet who trusts you, enjoys the work you do together and lives to please you. They learn how not to misbehave or do things you don't like as if by osmosis once they are gently and well-trained with lots of love and fun in the process. They are happy, feisty dogs unafraid of life or what's coming next.

It's a magical cure to most doggie behavior problems but it takes a dedication not everybody has.