Is Josie aggressive towards you/family? or just others dogs/people? I've never used anything like this, so I don't really know what to say. It seems so harsh if Josie is just having problems with other dogs/people. It is about showing the dogs that you are in charge and will protect them and they need to trust you...but no freedom out of the crate just seems like so much! Like it could cause problems in itself...but like I said, I've never used it, and I'm sure it is a proven training method. It just seems so sad....

Whatever you decide to do, I hope it works out well for Josie and you! I'm sure you'll do great with all of this training!