| The form of negative association that your vet describes is something similar to the Koehler Training Method I believe. This method has also been very succesful; however, Barry makes a very good argument, and his method is also very succesful. Both methods teach pups behaviors they would learn from their mother or alpha dog in a pack situation. Have you ever seen a pup get out of hand and the mother growl and snap at him? That's negative association. On the other hand, when one pup plays too hard and bites too hard, the other pup screams and pulls away. The aggressive pup then stops biting, and this is what Barry is talking about. Ultimately, it is your decision as to what method you wish to use, but understand that whatever you decide to do, it must be consistent until the pup stops nipping and biting. Rotties are mouthy little fellows, and it's going to take a lot of patience on your part as well. |