The vast majority of research literature has taught us that reward is much more effective than punishment in caring for our children. This is also true with our beloved doggies, yet out of frustration and lack of control, some owners hit their dogs as a method of training. The most common example is when a dog is being trained to be house broken (only urinating and defecating outdoors). It would stand to reason that moments of accidents (which are not only to be expected but) are opportunities for learning and training. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. I have witnessed owners yelling at and spanking their dog when they have discovered poop in their homes and the dog of course responds by cowering. If this persists (just more than once is all it takes), what happens then is that every time an owner raises their hand quickly (regardless of the reason; swatting a mosquito, gesticulation), the dog flinches with fear.