[poohbearsmom]

Pros of using a spray bottle = cooling my dog off, dampening my dog so I can wipe the dust of him, a quick drink. That's about all I can think of to use a spray bottle on a dog for.

Pros of teaching a dog what's expected of it by teaching a dog a behavior using positive reinforcement and negative punishment, then moving on to proofing to generalize the behaviors, and then providing the dog with guidance via corrections, and yes, occasionally compulsion are plentiful. This way, the dog is learning to work with me. The dog understands that the behaviors I request of it apply in all environments with various levels of distraction, as well as the dog's various levels of drive. I can then feel very secure that my dog has learned that I am fair and generous, and I say what I mean, and I mean what I say.

A benevolent leader makes a good dog handler.

Just as we need consequences to stay on the straight and narrow, so do our beloved furry friends.

Perhaps some are viewing the word "correction" as a bad thing? Personally, I want my dog to know that I am the provider of all things good - as long as dog is working with me. I also want my dog to understand that I run the show, and non compliance is quite simply unacceptable.

A correction is an action that EXTINGUISHES an unwanted behavior. A proper correction, given fairly, honestly and in a timely manner rarely has to be repeated. A proper correction is MUCH more humane than nagging a dog to death, or being dishonest with a dog.

Operant conditioning techniques are marvelous. Water bottles and air horns, I'm happy to say, are not part of my training tool box. Rewards (food and toys), various leashes, harnesses, tugs, sleeves and collars are.