I have 2 1-yr old mini dachshunds, female siblings. I thought my main problem was that they bark non-stop whenever they see anyone other than family. When we have visitors, we have to crate them upstairs just to hear each other over their barking. I took one of them to obedience school, then trained them both at home. They are still very afraid of other dogs especially. Now I'm taking them to an animal behaviorist, which is very costly, but she explained that barking is not the problem since both dogs tried to bite them when they got close. I don't know whether to continue with the behaviorist, follow Caesar Milan's method, or another. Part of the problem is that I've read up on so many different methods, I'm really confused now, but I really need to find one method and stick to that one.

Also, I let them sit on the sofa with me because I like it and I let them sleep in the bed with me because I like to have them with me. Should I stop both of these things because they are confused about the pack leader? I don't really want to do that, but if that's what it takes I will. I just need some advice.

Thank you so much.

At my wit's end - Dixie

Dixie, it sounds as if your behaviorist has a good handle on what is occurring with your dogs. It seems you are allowing them to run the show in your home. For some reason they feel the need to defend you and themselves from others (barking & biting behavior). So, you are in some way either emotionally or physically, "telling" your dogs that you need this from them.

I understand the desire to have your pets sit with you and be in bed with you, but if you want to get a handle on the situation, you need to stop allowing this for a while. Just put yourself in the frame of mind that it is only a temporary thing until your dogs respond the way you want them to. You need to firmly entrench yourself as the leader of the pack, and you can't do that if you allow them free reign. Once they understand who is the Alpha dog, then you can allow them to sit with you and get in bed with you. When you eventually do that, make sure that when sitting on the couch, they don't jump up first but made to sit and stay until you, the leader, claim your spot. If they are already on the couch don't just sit down, shoo them off, make them sit and stay, and then claim your spot before inviting them to come up and join you. Do the same thing with the bed. Make them get off, sit/stay, claim your spot, then invite them up. Never allow them to be in a position on the bed any higher than your chest level. If they like to sit or sleep next to your head or at the top of the bed, they are telling you that think they are above you in rank. Dogs recognize the one sitting up higher or claiming the primo comfy spot first, is the alpha dog. So, you need to ensure they are always physically at a lower level than you no matter where you are. Doing something that simple will help you in your goal.

I know that it can get expensive, but for a short while, since you are dealing with training two dogs at a time, stick with your behaviorist and follow his/her advice. To cut the time and expense down, write out all the negative behaviors the dogs are exhibiting, and review them with the behaviorist. Follow his/her lead on how to correct the negative behaviors. Then, on your own, work on corrections for a couple of weeks and watch the results carefully. If you need some more input, schedule another appointment. All he/she should be doing is showing you the techniques and how to apply them properly. If you follow the behaviorist's advice, you really shouldn't need more than a few sessions. Be consistent with the advice given when you are dealing with your dogs. Consistency is the key. Don't backslide because those cute little faces make your heart skip a beat and you think it will be okay to give in once in a while. LOL! I know it is hard, but if you are consistent in your follow through, it will pay off. If the behaviorist is trying to convince you that you need many months of training, find another behaviorist.

Ruby has awesome advice, as usual. Dws, My trainer came into my home. One thing he had us do was to invite different people over. We were to parade as many people through the house as possible. My dog was put on a leash and every time a person rang the bell. He was allowed to give a warning bark and told to be quiet, then he would be put in sit/down position. I will say that I worked with the trainer for... My memory fails I believe a couple of months. I was taught basic obedience before we worked on the doorbell/vistor problem.
I believe he called this parade of people through the house desenitizing.

Thank you so much for this GREAT advice! I feel more confident now.