Most dogs would throw a fit at being shut away from the action, but yes it’s an option just to get the meal prep done without canine harassment.
should not be my job to train them, owners should do that.
they were so mischievous overall that I had to keep them in same room, or they would cause more damage to the home.
True, but it’s not your job to mistreat the pets either, and many consider shooting water at an animal who doesn’t like it aversive. I assume you told the HO you were doing this? Possibly they could have offered other solutions?
Please consider one of the alternate management methods mentioned here in the future (leash the dog, or contain in another room or area) instead of water bottles.
Here is the AI summary of water gun ‘training’:
Spraying a dog with a water gun is considered a form of positive punishment (an aversive method) designed to interrupt behavior by startling them. While it may temporarily stop actions like jumping or barking, it is generally ineffective for long-term training and can cause fear, anxiety, or aggression, ultimately eroding trust between the pet and owner. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Why Water Gun Training is Generally Discouraged:
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Ineffective Teaching: Spraying tells the dog to stop what they are doing but does not teach them what to do instead.
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Risk of Fear/Aggression: It can create a negative association with the owner, leading to hand-shyness, anxiety, or in some cases, fear-based aggression.
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Irrelevance: Many dogs become accustomed to it, or it may actually become a fun game for the dog, reducing its effect as an aversive.
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Negative Association: The dog may become afraid of spray bottles or similar objects (e.g., spray bottles for cleaning). [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
Better Alternatives:
Instead of punishing unwanted behavior, experts recommend, as seen in this Facebook post, positively reinforcing desired behaviors. This includes: [1, 2]
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Redirecting: Giving the dog an alternative action (e.g., asking for a “sit” when they jump).
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Rewarding Calm Behavior: Using treats and praise to reinforce when the dog is not exhibiting the bad behavior.
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Management: Proactively preventing the opportunity for the behavior, such as using baby gates to prevent jumping on guests. [1, 2]
While some trainers might use it as a mild interruption, many modern trainers advise against it because it does not promote positive, long-term learning and can damage the bond with the dog. [1]
it wasn’t a water bottle, it was a tiny plastic toy gun , not even 3 inches long, that fits in the palm of the hand. a child’s hand. would hold about an eggcup full of water.
tie the dogs to furniture? they would pull it over. tie the dog to myself? step on the lead? Are you serious? that is one trip hazard I would not consider. Also, it was 2 dogs,
If you have any more advice, save it. I am not interested.
You were not there, you did not see their behaviour, their lack of any discipline. Not the dogs’ fault, it’s the owners’ fault. but I had to deal with the problem.