Originally Posted by Beardy

I went on a dog training course a couple of years ago & was told never to use the word NO. I laughed & said that my dog used to think his name was NO, he heard it so often. I think dogs are much like children actually. All very different & need different approaches, depending on their temperament. My first 2 GSD'S had a temperament much like my daughter. A quiet no was sufficient & I only ever had to say it once. Now, my current GSD, Zak was just like my son growing up. Testing the boundaries to the limit & really trying my patience! The hard work did pay off though, both are a pleasure to be with (most of the time). Zak also becomes bored very easily, he needs to be doing something that he enjoys. Luckily we found agility, it was perfect for him. I have used negative re-inforcement with him. I used a rattle bottle in the garden. Long story, but we have an alcoholic next door with an equally aggressive dog. It is allowed to bark it's head off in the garden. Zak would charge out to challenge it at the wall, I used a rattle bottle to stop him. It worked a treat for him, but it doesn't work for all dogs. You have to be spot on with your timing. My first 2 dogs would have been terrified if I had done that to them, but it stopped Zak in his tracks & made him stop barking, which is just what I wanted. Obviously I use plenty of praise when he is quiet to re-inforce the behaviour.