Should you spank a dog

Generally speaking spanking is not an effective method of correction. The dog may interpret the hit or slap as aggressive, rather than a firm correction by a powerful alpha- which should be the owner's role. Depending on the situation there are many methods a responsible owner can use that can be extremely effective for correcting behavior, or deterring behavior, and communicating what desired from your dog.

Methods of correction vary depending on your dog, you, and the situation. What's important is to deliver a firm, but not angry correction. The correction has to be timed so that your dog can easily recognize the connection between the behavior and the correction. And that timing is immediate. A delayed aggressive spanking delivered without connection to a misbehavior can be confusing. Some owners will interpret a cowering dog as "knowing" what they did wrong. This is not correct- a cowering dog is reacting in fear to a tone in voice, body language, and the perceived random spanking it's erratic leader sometimes delivers. This kind of relationship usually results in problems down the road.

There are some great books, and DVDs available that focus on pack mentality and alpha communication. The most popular are those by Cesar Milan- the Dog Whisperer. A fantastic place to start. Another good one is "The Other End of the Leash" by Patricia McConnell.

I'd stay away from training techniques that use inflexible rules, gimmicks, or constant rewards. You aren't training a circus act! Chances are if you are asking about spanking that a whole group of questions need to be asked as well; why do you need to correct your dog, when does the behavior needing correction show up, what are the circumstances, when did it start, etc.

Watch Cesar. Listen carefully. You can pick up the theories fairly quickly and practice applying them. Applied consistently and properly, you'll have a renewed understanding of canine pack behavior and provide better alpha leadership. You'll be amazed at the relationship you'll experience with your pet.