Harry Potter series is a great read, dont see how people not understanding a fantasy series and thinking it is evil witchcraft (two words that are not the same, contrary to popular belief) to recommending a book that says hit your dog, or do other things, we at boxer world have agreed to upon joining not discussing on this bandwidth.
You sound like a believer in these works wich is your decision, but when an author says only his style works (as per above post) when that is a proven lie in any other animal training book I have read, then I automatically would think this person was more self centered (by my book, only it works) then dog centered to begin with.
Using past positions to show how great he is, proves nothing. Social Workers, Priests and even Teachers (some of the noblest proffesions in my belief) have been found guilty of being abusive to children, sounds to me this author is preaching abuse to animals, regardless of what bully pulpit he shouts from. After reading it, I am more of a believer in the Dog Listener then physcically hitting an animal.
Before you post read the book and leave the old paradigm behind, I will show you some facts about his training methods I found online from reviews at Amazon.Com, all of wich I bookmarked so if you wish to ask for the source I will happily reply in a PM.
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Tabasco on your dogs gums for soiling in the house.
Slap him real hard so that he knows he did wrong.
Put vinegar on his nose so that he knows it is your house and not his.
Throw an object (sneaker, etc) at your dog to get him to obey.
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I have a pretty basic belief in animal care. If I wouldn't treat a human that way, I won't do it to an animal. How would you feel if someone pulled those maneuvers on you? If you say it is only a dog/animal, then you are not even listening to the message of the books you are supporting, that states dogs think like humans (another fallacy of this author you are defending).