Bullish Bulldog

[Karen]

NILIF is Nothing In Life Is Free. Do a search for it in this forum and you'll find several threads on it - it's a training method that teaches dogs that you are in charge and helps keep order without squabbling!

[Giselle]

I included the NILIF link in my first post, but I guess the URL didn't quite work. Here it is again: http://k9deb.com/nilif.htm

Teaching "Wait": For this example, I'll assume the dogs are outside and you're trying to let them in.
1) Open the door just a little bit. Most likely, the dogs will butt their noses through and try to clamor their way inside
2) Immediately close the door.
3) Open the door just enough to excite them again. If they're clamoring to get in again, close the door. Repeat this enough until the dogs understand that butting through the door means that the door will close on them. At this point, when you open the door just a tiny bit, they'll control themselves and wait.
4) Open the door a little wider. If they try to clamor in again, immediately close the door. Repeat repeat repeat. With enough repetitions, the dogs will control themselves and wait even if you open the door WIDE open. At this point, say "Okay!" and let them inside.

Once the dogs start showing self control, you can include the verbal cue "Wait". Voila, the behavior is taught. You should also use this for the front door, the car door, any gates, etc.

You know, your question about crate guarding has a lot of merit, especially if Annie is the only one with the crate. In all honesty, if Annie is the possessive type, she could become possessive of her crate. But the reason I use it so much with Ivy (my bully dog) is because I can lock her in it and it provides a safe haven for her, which means that my other two dogs are safe, too. It's a bit of a paradox. If you don't give them separate sleeping areas, Annie will probably bully the other two for their beds. If you do give them separate sleeping areas, there's a chance Annie may become possessive of "her" space. My three have their designated spots and it works well for us. If your pups have a "system" that works well with their beds, keep it. If not, consider spreading their areas out and see how it works for you. I'm sorry I can't give a clearer answer, but it is a bit "you're screwed if you do, you're screwed if you don't" Do what works best for you!