Training Issue

Question
hi - i've got 2 rescued dachshunds - winnie is 8 and sammy is 3. i've had winnie for about 5 years now and sammy for 2. they were both abused - winnie more severely.

my boy friend has recently moved in with me and he gets frustrated that the dogs don't listen to him - they only listen to me if we're both home. in the last 3 weeks i've had him feed the dogs and give them biscuits to help build a relationship between them.

when it is time to go in the back yard - they will only go if i let them out. they run back to find me when he tries to let them out. this morning i came down and saw my bf pulling sammy to the top of the stairs by his collar - and that started a huge disagreement about how to handle dogs.

i think that sammy is a bit scared of him - when they've played it's been a bit rougher than sammy is used to - but not abusive by any means. my bf is accustomed to having labs - so he's not used to a 16 and a 18lbs dogs.

any advice on what i can do to help improve this situation?

Answer
   Hi Amanda,
        I can understand your boyfriend's point of view, as I have been raised with larger dogs all my life, but I don't understand why he was handling the dog so roughly. I have the perfect solution, however. Each time your dogs do something you don't approve of, do the following:

1. Make your hand flat, palm facing the floor

2. Curve your fingers inward, but not to the point of making a fist

3. Take your hand in this position and firmly nudge your dog with the ends of your fingers. Now say "Chtt!". Be sure to say it in a deep, powerful voice, as if you are the king of the world! :P LOL
The reason I say that is because if the dogs sense any fear whatsoever, they will completely ignore you and treat you like another dog (not the pack leader).
        I highly recommend purchasing one of these books: http://cesarmillaninc.com/products/books.php
They are must-haves for all dog owners!