| Mark and Jamie:
Thanks for the back-up. I have found the "Ouch!" method to be the most effective in my experience. Only with one or two stubburn pups did I have to use any additional techniques, and those to were stinkers all around from not being socialized early.
You can probably guess I am a positive trainer, but it seems to be simple common sense to me:
First, why cause any discomfort or pain for a pup if there are other effective methods?
It makes no sense for a person to punish a dog in any way for doing something it does not know is wrong! A pup at this stage needs lots of positive reinfocement and humane corrections.
Is the best way to correct or educate an animal that hurts you to hurt it back?!
I have no trouble "progressing" to more invasive and stern methods when necessary, but why start there! Always start with the least invasive and most positive and humane method available. And you stand to develop a better relationship and bond with your dog as a side effect! Mark stated in his first reply that the vet's method should work. Sure it will. So would smacking the pup with a broom! But who would want to begin there?
By the way, welcome to the forum, Cadillac-Lady! See all the discussion you can stir up with one question! :)  |