What tips can you give me for forcing flower bulbs inside?

I have tried forcing flower bulbs inside for the past two years with very little luck.  Most just don't grow at all.  The first year, I soaked the bulbs before potting them, which is what my mother always did.  She always had good results, but I didn't.  So last year, I didn't soak them before potting them.  Still got poor results.  I am keeping them in the fridge for eight weeks.  What am I doing wrong?  Also any advice on how to keep squirrels from digging up bulbs planted outside would be appreciated.