[mylife]

I never hit my dogs.

[theneanderthal]

A loud voice and an upraised hand has perfect effect, without hurting your hand, or your dog.

Hurting your dog is counterproductive.

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

I never hit my dogs.

Good. I always used voice coupled with a hand clap to train mine.

People who beat their dogs to "teach them who is boss" are just setting themselves up for being attacked.