Again, research has disproven it… and Karen Becker is hooey.

I think it depends on the dog. It is funny, but yep the bear hug has worked with both Sayblee and Cara when they were into the wilds. (Arwen never gets wild in any way… far too dignified to be like that thank you!) If bear hugs escalates or they seriously try to bite you, then it isn't working. But most do hate being restrained enough that they get it. In fact I'd rather restrain than ever use a crate for PUNISHMENT. Now if you used the crate just to make him sleep in, yeah. But bad behavior then in crate sets up a bad connection. Hope things continue to go well.

He is definitely a cutie! Great to hear he is doing well in the crate. Our Loki still does not tolerate his well, but Kaia doesn't have problems. They've been in the bed with us from day one. Made potty training so much easier, we all bonded incredibly quickly, and I never move as fast as I do at 2am when someone starts heaving…. Enjoy puppy time. It goes by too quickly!