I've received so much advice since I got a dog! When I was training Gretta, everybody and anybody had an opinion: "To show your dog who is boss, hit him a few times with a rolled newspaper." Or the familiar, yet still shocking, cliché: "If he makes a mess on the floor, rub his nose in it."

These examples are fairly indicative of a common attitude among people trying to train a dog to follow the rules of a household. Clearly, the best way to establish a satisfying relationship with one's dog and gain co-operation is not by resorting constantly to punishment (hitting, slapping, shocks or something else). It is important to realize that, unlike humans, a dog is unable to understand that he is being punished for doing something wrong or "morally incorrect." He is, however, able to associate a punishment with an action he just took, as long as the punishment immediately follows the action. In any event, using punishment as a dog training technique remains a risky undertaking.

Incorrectly employed, punishment can often have the opposite desired effect. A dog with a tendency to dominate might defy his master if physically punished as part of training. This type of situation could easily degenerate into a never-ending battle where too often both parties lose and the dog is likely to end up in a shelter. In the case of a more submissive dog, punishment could create anxiety, which the dog could express by barking or engaging in destructive behaviour.

If, despite everything, an owner believes punishment is necessary, it is important to remember that the punishment must fit the animal and not the "crime." Owners must not give in to the temptation to use physical punishment. For most dogs, hearing you express disapproval with a firm ''NO!'' and nothing else is punishment enough. However, instead of using punishment to subjugate your dog and show him who is the master, we believe it is better to teach him a few basic commands and then reward him for appropriate behaviour. Some knowledge of canine behaviour is very useful for understanding how master/dog communication works.

In nature, dogs are predators who live in small groups or "packs" governed by a complex structure. Shortly after birth, puppies communicate with each other by playing and squabbling together. If one puppy nibbles another a little too hard, the mother intervenes to punish him. This helps the puppy learn to control his bite. The mother and the father, when he is around, intervene to regulate the puppies' behaviour and help them establish a mutually satisfying relationship. By playing together, they develop motor co-ordination and gradually build up physical strength. They learn to interpret communication. Each puppy soon understands his position in the pack and is able to identify behaviour that calls for signs of submission and dominance. Although a puppy's communication signals start out rather crude, by adulthood, they have become more elaborate and subtle. These signs enable the group to function without unnecessary dangerous bursts of violence. Each member understands his place and his role within the group and is reminded by the others if he tries to go against the established order.

Dogs are therefore social animals. They recognize each other and communicate using various signals. The pack's way of life is governed by a set of rules. When you bring a new dog into your home, this is the background he brings with him. As he tries to become part of your family, you must regulate his behaviour. You can use the SPRAY COMMANDER, a training collar that enables you to interrupt unwanted behaviour in a timely fashion without punishing the dog. Afterwards, simply guide the dog towards the desired behaviour by reducing his stimuli. From the very beginning, you must assert yourself as the master. To avoid the conflicts that could arise if your position was ambiguous, you must make your dog understand that you are the leader. To ensure that your companion assimilates smoothly into your family, begin his training upon his arrival. Do not make the mistake of waiting until he is an adult. From the moment your dog lives with you, encourage him to come when you call. Praise him when he does what you ask and this will help him become emotionally attached to you.

It is important to remember that the concept of equality so dear to the human race does not exist in the canine world: therefore, around the age of four months, a dog must learn to socially distance himself from the people he is attached to. He may not sit up at the table during meals or sleep on your bed. If you do not enforce this distance, he will continue to seek your company. However, do not abuse your power. To quickly teach your dog to do what you ask, ask him to do something, like sit, before you give him the patting and stroking he seeks. Develop an effective communication system: to get quick results, use the same simple gestures and commands, repeated often in a context that enables your dog to understand what you expect of him.

Always encourage and reinforce good behaviour. Do not launch into long explanations that he is unable to understand anyway. Be consistent. For example, do not let him chew an old slipper and then expect him to know the difference between it and your new shoes. Do not let your mood dictate what your dog is permitted to do: do not allow him to jump up on the sofa and sit with you just because you are feeling sad or lonely.

If you can show that you are the boss and you are patient, firm and fair, owning a dog can be a great source of satisfaction. Remember, a master who is consistent in his demands and takes the time to reinforce his dog's good behaviour is much less likely to have his authority challenged. On the contrary, the dog will appreciate the stability and be a loyal companion.