Hi Alexis as most folk that have read about Biscuit know, he quite likes to get the upper hand.  He will protest when his walks end by standing off staring at me, and then when he is being called for his toilet walk, will try and ignore me.  I have found you really can't cave in, because it becomes learned behaviour.  I'll stand in the kitchen and call a couple of times in the nice voice, and if no response, the stern voice is used, and if that fails, I make a lot of noise stomping thru to the living room, and by that time, he is jumping off the couch, and I will tell him he is good, and perhaps a treat. I don't mind bribing Biscuit as it works for me, and usually gets a quicker result!

I've also noticed more recently that Biscuit is more vocal at whining to get attention and letting me know when he doesn't want me sitting at the computer for instance - I ignore the whining, even if it's driving me mad, and he is getting the message that it makes no impact on me.  Dog whining is like the equivalent of the toddler doing the broken record pleas to a parent in my book, and you need to rise above it.

I would be worried about the snapping, because for all I think Biscuit is a strong willed character, I have no qualms about putting my hand in his mouth to remove food etc., and would never tolerate snapping at me.

I also think from what you describe that Tigerlily has learned from watching that Indiana is "getting away" with his behaviour of refusing.  I think in the morning when he comes thru to you, he is just checking and saying hello on his terms, then deciding he is going back to bed. I agree with Lorna, you need to have the morning routine on your terms.
It's hard, consistent determination to get them to do it how you want them to, and I think I'm getting there with Biscuit famous last words, no doubt.

Hope the training goes well, and I'm sure if it's Viv, you can have a private chat for some tips on this.  I had one private session with Viv, and well worth it for the tips on recall.  Good luck, the above is only my experience with a young dog.

This is intersting reading this as i have the whining problem with Willow. Every morning, Willow gives the most annoying whine that i can hear through two doors! I lie in bed hoping that he'll eventually give up. I know folk say to ignore it but as it gets louder and more annoying, how long can you possibly put up with it?
During the week i find it ok as he usually just starts whining 10 mins before i get up for work but at the weekend, no chance of a lie in so i reckon my easiest choice is just to get up, let him into the room to get in bed with me. I know im doing all the wrong things, but anything for an easy life Im hoping to get some advice from Viv on Sunday on how to put an end to it
As for the snapping, im sorry i have no advice on that, hopefully Viv can help

Vernon would bark at me to get attention and demand something when I first got him.  I said NO in a stern voice and took him by the collar to the hallway.  I left him there for a couple of minutes then let him back in.   He eventually realised that all he got was exclusion so he doesn't do it at all now. 

I think you have been living with a lot of difficult behaviour especially the destructive behaviour and snapping.  I hope you get a lot of advice at the weekend.
I live in a flat so I know how worrying it is when they whine and bark.

Agree with Jenny, and exactly the measures I've used with Biscuit - exclusion works for us and I hardly need use it now.  Understand what you mean about being in a flat and the noise, and as the noise continues it may be that even your tension and fear/stress are being communicated, and they do exploit that as well.
It's really difficult and you are marvellous that you are perservering, and hope Viv can help you.

I understand your problem Alexis - I used to live in a flat too and it is hard when you want to do the best for your dogs but not annoy the neighbours at the same time!

I'm glad you tried ignoring them for 5 mins when you come in the room - it really does work although it can be hard to put into practice.

One thing you mentioned is you feed the dogs when you get in from work - I would also recommend not feeding your dogs until you have eaten your dinner.
This is also a good signal to them that you are the boss and in charge of when things happen.

Good luck with the training - I hope you enjoy it.

-- Edited by Lorna at 16:47, 2007-04-26

Thanks for asking Dawn. Indiana was a wreck at the training day. It took him a good two hours to settle down and be able to do anything as he was so nervous. However, we picked up lots of tips and have been avidly following Viv's instructions. He is getting particularly better at the 'leave it' command which is helping us no end with his 'resource' issues. I don't have any problems in the morning anymore thanks to everyone's advice here. He doesn't get in the bedroom at all now so when I do make it to the 'doggy' gate, he's standing waiting on me. He still occasionally throws a 'I'm not going out' tantrum later in the day but I can send Tigerlily to flush him out! We still have the cushion, book and mattress issues to work on - but we're getting there! I would say that Viv's doggy day school really did give us the light at the end of the tunnel and we'll persevere. I may go for a one-to-one session at one point too.

Thanks again!
Alexis x