Akayla

I would have punched the woman if she did that to one of my pups! But then I might get a dangerous person collar Even if you choose to use a negative reinforcement, it should ONLY be done at the time and you would want to be very careful when you use it. The pup may associate the negative action with other dogs (and in the case of the woman doing it, strangers). Then you would have a dog you could not take out at all. I would save it for a more approppriate time if you want to use "punishment".

I had a pup once that would do exactly the same thing, and a breeder friend told me she was unsure and to pat her. I did and the problem went away very quickly. I would be careful though you dont want her to think you are rewarding the barking. Maybe pat her when you first see someone coming before she starts?

Well I guess all you can do is show them one heck of a time before they go back. :D The sad thing is a Leo is going to be very big and may end up at a shelter, the italian probably small enough to be tolerated. They will just get another puppy and blame size. Well done for trying to do the right thing though and I hope it all works out for the best.

Agreed, training more than one pup at a time is difficult and will take longer. I have 5 x 16week old GSD's with me at the moment and it is fun. I would pick one word, doesnt matter which, because its the association with that word, not the sound that will work. Be consistant. Ignoring attention seeking behaviour is a good one. Jumping up, niping fingers, you should put your hands under your armpits and turn just slightly so they get off, remain silent and dont pay them any attention. As soon as they display the correct behaviour then praise. Question though, will these dogs be going back to the original owners, because if thats the case than Im afraid it will only start again. The best option is for them to go into a puppy class that targets this sought of behaviour. That way they learn and feel good about themselves as they teach the puppies how to behave. PS you should add photo's they sound too cute.