Not true and you also need to remember that dog have much better hearing than us, I'm not saying the noise will scare the dog but that the dog will come to associate that noise with being startled which is NOT a positive thing.

I don't shout at my dogs, they know what "no" means so they don't need yelling at or squirting with a water pistol, what is the point in using the water pistol if you can avoid it!?! We are talking about a 8 week old pup that has every opportunity to be trained positively not an adult dog that is causing massive problems.

I don't particularly like the idea of using a water spray on older dogs (I can see that it might have it's place) but to suggest it for a little 8 week old puppy that could learn in much more positive manner is beyond me.

I don't particularly like the idea of using a water spray on older dogs (I can see that it might have it's place) but to suggest it for a little 8 week old puppy that could learn in much more positive manner is beyond me. [/QUOTE]

Yes your probably right. Which is why I stated that I would be doing my training without, however, to start using a new method on a adult dog seems a little contradicting, a dog is a dog not a baby as some people state, my daugher is my baby and it is her welfare that is paramout to me, and if using a water pistol, that in my opinion; and it is my opinion, doesn't hurt rather than having my child or any other mauled, then that is how it will be. To be honest my dad brought our collie up rubbing her nose in her feaces and smacking her nose, she never laid one finger on anyone and was a well behaved happy dog with no issues whatsoever, (not that I advocate any of that, but that was the way there generation treated dogs). Again I have stated that Bailey loves the water pistol and I acctually dont think that he thinks its a punishment, or anything but fun, he went out in the poring rain and wasn't fussed he goes under the hoes and loves it. Bring on the water fun I say.

Who stated a dog is a baby?

Why does it seem contradicting? I wouldn't personally use this technique on any dog but it is more justifiable to use it on an adult dog with REAL problems not just a puppy being a puppy!

maybe me!!!
I would use a water spay on an older dog no hesitation as a distraction.

Duke my dog as a puppy he tested everything with his mouth, my fingers, hand etc..

I used to, like you, say the word no and offer him a toy instead of me. My little lad was a flamer I'd tire him out and tiptoe round so as not to wake him up.

All I can say is that its a phase they grow out of with guidance/training. It must be difficult with a young child but I'm sure your puppy will get the message as my dog did.

I mention the dog I have now because he was the worse puppy I'd ever had for biting. Years ago I had two JRTs my son was about 18 months old at the time never had any problems with nipping, there again I had two so they played rough with each other and possibly learned from each other. I am not suggesting you get another dog just that dogs are different some are more shall we say bolder than others.

Sue

A dog is a dog, a puppy is a baby dog, baby dogs have to grow and develop like human babies do and also have to learn how to be dogs first then to understand us humans. By relating puppies to babies, many not so experienced dog owners then understand their puppies better.

Yes they are different but spraying a dog with water is also negative reinforcement and not a distraction. If someone sprayed you with water what would your reaction be? I know I would be furious and many dogs are.

Spraying a dog with water is not a distraction, it is an aversion especially if it is a water pistol, the water comes out with some force from these, the sprays are much gentler but still an aversion.

Spray collars are an aversion especially them with citronella in, they can damage a dog's nose and eyes. They are more than an element of surprise which is why so many dogs shut down when they are used, especially those that are not controlled by the handler.

I have been asked the other day how to undo the damage that one of these collars has done to a dog, he did associate the spray with the humans that were in front of him and is now very aggressive to people when out.

I wouldn't bother people are clearly not reading what you've written. Good luck with everything.

My puppy is 9 weeks now and is a little terror for the old play biting. However she is a good learner. The kids (3 and 2)have learnt to stay out of the way - so Mum gets the brunt of it.

I have a soft toy near me at all times. And when Lily is having one of her moments she has the toy given to her. If she still carries on and doesn't get all the yelps and ouches, she gets put in her crate until she calms down - is that okay?

She does however know sit and down - so I can sometimes stop her in the tracks with that.

I wouldn't spray her with water but she LOVES the water hose. Me, Lily and the kids have a right old time. She chases the water. I will get some pics and share.

Have you tried ignoring her? If Oscar (10 weeks) get rough and bitey when playing, I did try "ow" and "no". The thing that really works is ignoring him. I simply stand up and move a couple of metres away from him. Within 30 secs, he is craving attention again and wants to please me. I want the attention I give him to be positive. If that makes sense?

If only everyone was like that.

And Bailey, you are free to choose whichever method you wish, if you want to choose the easy option which could possibly damage your puppy in the long run go for it. Everyone has read dogpositivetraining's posts so please don't suggest otherwise, just because we don't agree with them doesn't mean we haven't read them.