Mom's Attempt to Train Golden Retriever Puppy Backfires Into Funny 'Spa Day'

No two pet parents train their dogs in the exact same way - it's basically impossible. As humans, our needs vary, and we typically train our pups to do things that fit into our lives. We have different rules!

However, there are certain things that most of us agree either work or do not work, and spray bottles is one of those things people fight over. Even so, people recently came together to definitively say that one woman's spray bottle training definitely did not work:

Simba is going to grow up to be a very spoiled boy, I can just feel it. He's going to demand a spritz at least one a week!

Related: Funny Golden Retriever Mom 'Drags Puppy to Time Out' After Misbehaving

Golden Retriever puppies are a lot, and if you're not prepared, you will get overwhelmed almost immediately. Not only are they very smart, but they're stubborn - especially the boys. Training is important, and that's exactly what Simba's mom was going for. Training.

What she got, though, was 100% the wrong type of spray bottle. The idea was to dissuade Simba from doing "bad" things by spraying him with water when he does them, but the bottle she got is less spray and more... gentle mist. Sea breeze. Put Simba on a rock with a tail and a red wig and suddenly he was named after the wrong Disney movie...

Listen, this is a part of puppy parenting. Not everything will work!

Why You Shouldn't Use Spray Bottles to Train a Dog

Simba's training bottle became a fun toy because of its terrible output. However, there's a chance that even a powerful spray bottle that did what she wanted would be a toy, too: Golden Retrievers are waterfowl hunting dogs. They love to get wet.

Barring the fact that some dogs may consider spray bottles to be toys, it's still not a great idea. Teaching your dog that water equals a negative outcome could cause problems when it comes time to drink, swim, or even have a bath. The thing you're using to stop bad behavior could just lead to aggression down the line.

Beyond even that, there's a lot of debate in the training community about whether negative reinforcement works for training at all. Many say yes, while others refuse because of possible negative side effects (anxiety, aggression, etc.,).

Personally, I fall somewhere in the middle, leaning toward no: I positively reinforce everything my puppy does well with lots of praise and the occasional treat, but I also offer a gentle scolding when she does something "bad." Like when she looks me dead in my eyes and squats on my carpet. I'm sure Simba will have some times like these ahead of him!