I just came here to look this forum over, and I must say this is some of the most idiotic stuff I have ever heard. BigDog2191, I will use you for an example. Did you learn dog training from Mary freakin' Poppins? Or was it Fran, The Nanny? All this snuggly cuddy crapola with no authority and no discipline turns out dogs that constantly try to take over. They don't know their place in the pack order. They think you're weak. They may be right.
If you have kids I hope you do a more effective job of disciplining them than you do your dogs.
And what is all this crap about the uber-expensive designer dog foods? THEY'RE JUST DOGS! You gonna feed them filet mignon?