Hi there,

I totally believe in positive training when it comes to training dogs.

However, after watching Dog Borstal on the TV the other night (an owner was told to throw a bottle of water into a dogs face when it continued to bark throughout the night) I was wondering what "negative techniques" (sorry - not too sure of right terminology) are acceptable?

For example, I know a couple who raised an Alsatian very successfully using positive techniques but they had no hesitation smacking the dog on the side if it misbehaved. The dog grew into a very well behaved animal and was obviously loved and loved in return and as the he got older the owners very rarely had to 'smack' him because he new the 'rules'. (note. it was more of a pat than a heavy smack).

I've also heard people use water sprays for bad behaviour.

I would be really interested to hear other people’s views on this.

thank you.

A small tap on the side of the nose is my normal choice if Molly's really been naughty (like if she's tried to snap at the cats or another dog) but I'm more likely to just stop talking to her and exclude her from the pack (taking her home, missing out on fuss and treats etc) if it's feasible.

I don't have any problems with water sprays or other 'aversives' for specific behavioural issues but I really wouldn't want to make Molly scared of me for any reason- I can't imagine that it would be a positive in any circumstances.

Smacking a dog, however hard, be it a tap or smack and throwing water are all negative reinforcements.

Positive Reinforcement training means that whatever mistakes you make during training, can never have any lasting effect on your dog, so basically it doesnt matter if you do make mistakes (which we all do, no body is perfect).

It is impossible to be perfect everytime and always get it right everytime, so by using postive reinforcements your dog will not suffer because you got the timing wrong or gave the wrong signals etc.