My answer was, “You must have been there during some good sessions, then. I don’t hesitate to dish out some firm discipline. Properly, sparingly and judiciously used, electronic collars are most useful training tools. It must have been that none of the dogs did anything serious enough to warrant more than a swat or a shake.

“There’s no point in getting rough unless you have to, nor in making harsh treatment a cornerstone of your training program. You try to turn out a dog that’s happy about doing right and proud of pleasing you.”

The degree and amount of punishment must suit the offense and the individual dog. It’s easy to say that tough dogs can take it and soft dogs can’t. That may be a reasonable rule for starters, but every recalcitrant dog isn’t a stubborn hardhead. There are bold, tough, intelligent dogs that are contrite following a harsh verbal dressing down.

Conversely, there are hesitant, ingratiating, “butter wouldn’t melt in their mouth” types who manipulate the restraint (a cautiously sensible trainer imposes on himself) to avoid compliance. They may benefit from a sound thrashing, an exasperated reaction finally convincing them you mean business.

When unwarranted procrastination, lack of compliance or defiance occurs when a known command is given, the best policy is to “get on him” and get it over with. Ineffectual nagging, nattering and hacking is not only ineffective, but inhumane and counterproductive.

However, if driven to getting physical with a dog, use judgment. You have to have some understanding and rapport with your particular dog to know when to lay off and avoid temporarily bowing his mind and perhaps permanently cowing him.

When giving a stubborn dog a necessary licking, bear in mind what I was once told by the late Charles “Chuck” Morgan, one of the pioneer retriever trainers in the U.S. “The first three or four swats are for the dog’s good. Anything beyond that, you’re doing for your own satisfaction.”

Then, after you’ve done your duty, make up with your dog. Don’t banish him to his kennel or keep him in limbo. Don’t play psychological games with a dog. The dog will probably make overtures, wanting assurance that the world’s all right again. But whether he does or does not, you let him take a scamper to relax him. Then call him to you. When he comes, make a big fuss over him. When he knows he’s back in your good graces, go about your business.

Praise, the third “P word” in a practical dog trainer’s lexicon, is just as important as persistency and punishment. Lavish praise is never out of order; and I mean really making a fuss over a dog when he does good. Just as commands are given in no-nonsense tones, when the job’s done right, you sweet-talk him. He doesn’t have to understand the words. Your attitude and tone will convey your sentiments.

If you’ve skimped on this previously, you’ll be surprised how responsive dogs are to sweet talk. After a dog is fully trained, a quiet word or two of praise or a congratulatory pat will suffice as a reward. But while he’s being trained, ladling out the praise will be both reward and incentive.

Considering the exposure, it comes as no great surprise that my son, Michael Kevin Duffey, should be deeply into gun dogs, their training and breeding. But it is with some consternation that I note he’s embarking on a “dog writing” venture, if not a career.