Sound aversion therapy applied to behavioural problems or training in dogs.

Basically this is the process of conditioning the dog to a certain sound which when heard he realizes that he has done the wrong thing. First you need a source of sound. There are many such sources, some of which are for sale. For our purposes we'll simply use a no cost can with a few pebbles or marbles. An empty used cooldrink can will do, simply place a few pebbles or marbles in the can. Don't fill it too full, you will find the sound is greater when only about quarter full. Tape the hole closed with some masking tape or other suitable tape. Throw, it down on the ground, does it make a loud rattling sound? 

Great! Now you need to condition your dog to the sound. There are many ways to do this. You need some action that you can prevent your dog from doing, by the use of the sound of the rattling can. Hold out a biscuit treat for your dog, say "take it" or any other suitable words. Your dog will obviously accept the treat. Next leave a biscuit on the floor and stand slightly away. The dog will normally approach the biscuit and attempt to eat it. Immediately the dog makes an attempt to take the biscuit, drop the can. If timed correctly your dog will be distracted by the sound of the can dropping allowing you enough time to pick up the biscuit. All the time you should remain as if you are unaware of the situation. Do not influence the outcome in any way other than the dropping of the can. Repeat the procedure. I normally leave the biscuit on the floor a couple of times, dropping the can at the appropriate time and retrieving the biscuit. I intersperse this by holding the biscuit in my hand and allowing the dog to take it on my command. Soon the dog will associate the sound with an action that he shouldn't do. We now say that he is conditioned to the sound of the can. We can now apply this to other behaviour problems or dog training. 

 Please note that electric shock therapy (used in shock collars) is also aversion therapy, but please never use this technique. I consider it cruel and unnecessary. Shock therapy is only justified when all else has failed and the problem is so serious that the dog's life would be at risk if not solved. If you ever need to use this technique, employ an expert and ensure that your dog goes to the vet for a complete check up. Ensure that the vet knows what you plan to do. Also understand that any so called dog training expert or behavioural expert employing this technique without first exhausting all others should be treat with suspicion. Another noise source which can work quite well is simply a chain dog lead. When this is thrown down it also makes an effective sound. A chain when used in this way we can call a reprimand chain. There are other devices that can be purchased that use aversion therapy, such as collars that emit a spray. In my opinion these are fine to use as they are not harmful to your dog.