You shouldn't be using any kind of physical punishment for dogs, big or small, they'll just learn to fear you and that is not a good thing.
I just clap my hands and that gets Rizzo's attention and I can then correct him by giving him something else to do that isn't bad. I taught him to stop barking this way as well, so now (at least when we're inside and there isn't an intruder trying to pet him outdoors) he'll stop barking when I tell him "Quiet" and I've never ever laid a bad hand on him...or taped him! That is awful, imagine putting tape from your scalp down around your mouth (as I'm assuming you'd tape his mouth??) and then tear it off. Is that a good feeling?
Use positive reinforcement and you'll have a well behaved dog that loves you (not fears you) |