View Full Version : Spray Bottle for Training?
pmabbey
Nov 27, 2007, 07:00 PM
Okay so in all my reading, I've never seen this but my moms friend told her to squirt the puppy w/ a spray bottle when he tries to nip or barks when he's not supposed to. Anyone know anything about this? I'd never heard of it before.
labman
Nov 27, 2007, 07:45 PM
It is a fairly common technique. I don't like it, and have never used it, but it is very effective. You can even add a little vinegar or lemon juice. Search some of my older answers you may even find it.
RubyPitbull
Nov 28, 2007, 06:34 AM
I don't like it either and never use that method. Pmabbey, you haven't had that puppy for very long. You need to give some of the techniques that people have suggested to you a chance to work. Training doesn't happen overnight. It takes months. And, when your pup matures, you have to reinforce that training. You should really take the time out sometime this weekend, and go to the library with the list of recommend books from labman's link. Those are all excellent training resources.
pmabbey
Nov 28, 2007, 08:01 AM
I've already done that with the library books pitbull, and I understand that. I'm not saying I wanted to use the technique I was just asking because my mom keeps telling me to do it. And what research I did was on the fence because some people used it and some didn't that's the only reason I asked about. I know I haven't had my dog for long and I know that it will take time, BUT I also want to make sure I'm doing things right. That's why I ask so many questions. And I thought that's what this site was about. Asking questions and getting help. I'm sorry if that is annoying to you. I guess I will just begin to work with another site. Sorry for the inconvience.
RubyPitbull
Nov 28, 2007, 08:38 AM
I don't see where you get that I was annoyed with you pmabbey. Yes, you do ask a lot of questions. So what? You never stated that you went to the library. You were talking about your mom's friend giving you additional advice. It appeared to me that you are considering trying too many things all at once. That can be very confusing to a puppy. All I was saying was give some of the methods that have been suggested to you a chance to work. It does take time.
labman
Nov 28, 2007, 08:44 AM
Patience is very important in working with dogs. As I have tried to explain, the biting is an instinctive behavior that is hard to train out of dogs. Just as you patience with dogs, so to advice. There are tons of conflicting opinions around on the best training methods. Some training methods are based on careful scientific studies of dog and other animal behavior that have then been validated by large scale tests. Other things are something somebody decided to try, and it seemed to work on some dogs, at least in the short term. Much of my advice is based on the methods taught to me by a large dog guide school and validated by my extensive experience. We now have our 18 'the puppy. I also frequently have the puppies from the program in my care, and see other puppies in the monthly training sessions I attend. I am not sure just how RubyPitbull has come by her extensive knowledge, but it is clear she is far above average. Over the years I have seen many people with different backgrounds posting dog advice to this site and others. Some of them are excellent, and others likely shouldn't be allowed to have a dog, let alone give others advice on them. Often there is little in their background to suggest who knows what. One of the best always refused to give his background. There are many average dog owners that have never read a book or had any training, that are quick to post their thoughts. We had one member here for a while that was terribly proud of his 40 years of experience. Frankly, I don't think he learned anything the last 39 of them. I could always count on him to dig up all the stuff that didn't work that well 40 years ago. Most dog owners don't have a clue how little they know. I certainly didn't back in 1991 when we readied our first dog guide. I was in my late 40's and had owned dogs and been around them most of my life. I had even read some books. The other thing is that things change. New ideas come up, and better ways of doing things are found.
So stick around.
RubyPitbull
Nov 28, 2007, 11:17 AM
LOL labman! You know how I have come by my "extensive knowledge" of dogs. We have talked about it enough here. LOL. I think that Pmabbey is just tired from the puppy keeping him/her awake at night and misunderstood my intention in my response. But, if he/she is offended by my responses, I can stay out of his/her threads. No biggie. It's okay, I won't be offended.
pmabbey
Nov 28, 2007, 04:31 PM
Pitbull, its not that I'm offended by your response it's the fact that every time I post something I feel that you think I'm not doing anything outside these posts. I even stated in this post that I had been reading. I have been researching dog training and raising for a long time before I rescued my pup. I put a lot of thought into what I was doing because this is basically like having a child. And you can do all the research you want but when you actually have the dog here its completely different. This is my first puppy ever, first dog of my own, ever. And I'm trying to do my best, and most first time parents have lots of questions right? Well, that's what I am, a first time parent with lots of questions because I want to do the right thing and the best thing for my pup. And yes you are right, I am tired, I'm a senior in college I'm getting ready to move, hense the reason I got my pup, for a companion and protection on my own, and I'm getting ready for finals. I'm sure that if you've been in any of those situations you can understand my stress. Just make sure you fully read posts and try not to let your judgements come across in your posts. That was what frustrated me with this post and others. Sorry.
RubyPitbull
Nov 28, 2007, 04:38 PM
Don't apologize pmabbey. That is okay. You did state that you had been reading but hadn't mentioned if you were reading any of the books suggested by labman or reading things off the internet. You mention that I have been judgemental in other posts to you as you feel I have been on this one. :confused:
I am very sorry you feel this way. I really am scratching my head at what other posts you are referring to. Unfortunately, I can't change the way I write. I don't want you to get upset and leave the site because of me. So, I will let labman and others respond to your posts. As I said, no biggie.
saccary
Dec 1, 2007, 07:54 AM
Okay so in all my reading, I've never seen this but my moms friend told her to squirt the puppy w/ a spray bottle when he tries to nip or barks when he's not supposed to. Anyone know anything about this? I'd never heard of it before.
Okayy well.. I've done this on my dog but one time I sprayed her so much she was socked and she just kept growling and nib'n.. but it is different with all doggs my dog is 4 that's y it may not have worked you may have to do it while they r still starting to learn..