I have never myself owned a dog before, (I was brought up with a dog that was absolutely brilliant). I saw this method in the RSPCA training book and assumed that this was a well thought of method. (Clearly I was wrong), I brought Bailey home last Friday, he has done amazingly, I treat him when he has been good and in the last 24 hours has almost learned to poo and wee in the garden. He loves his crate and for someone who hasn't owned or even trained a dog before though I'd done quite well (and with a bad back).

I wouldn't strike a dog and DO believe in giving praise, as I have done. My main reason for asking is that I have a two year old daughter and don't want him biting her now or in the future, I do understand that this will take time and am being patient with him (even when he had pooed on my lovely new carpet) This I don’t even mind, but I do want to get the biting thing dealt with ASAP. I play with Bailey in the garden with the water hoes and he loves it, I assumed that a water spray would just distract him from this behaviour not use it as discipline, I have used my spray on my daughter and she thinks it's hilarious so it obviously doesn't hurt, which was not my point in the first place. He quite enjoys it really.... I’m sorry if I offended anyone, but I’m really not being cruel to him, and wouldn't. I don’t smack or even shout at him for doing wrong.