| While I use the water bottle it should only be used sparingly and not as the be all and end all of stopping unwanted behaviour.
When training, positive reinforcement of appropriate behaviour is better than constantly correcting. It's harder to build confidence in a dog that is always wondering if that bottle is going to come out.
WorkingInSTL has given really good advise on how to stop him growling at people. I just want to add that if his barking and growling at people makes you nervous or causes you to pull the lead tight then you're transmitting to him those feelings which will make the situation worse.
__________________  If you want to make a small fortune breeding dogs, start with a large fortune. |