You NEVER...HIT, TAP, SPANK, A ANIMAL...Some humans...well that is against the law also. It is wrong, I wish someone would hit or swat ANYTHING in my eye sight with a newspaper....Tolerance, and patience is a must when potty training a dog, or a child.....for 4 days Monte pooped 1 inch away from his pad, oh well...he has hit the mark before, and has s**t it since...TIME, Tolerance, Patience!!! If you can't, no need to own a dog, and don't get me started on the people who shouldn't be allowed to have children....