My 2 cents is that "spoiling" doesn't ruin a dog. Not enforcing commands when you do or don't want them to do something is the killer. My wife is often sitting on the couch with an enormous dog's head across her knees. No problem. The problem is that she has aslo taught them that repetetive nudging will turn "lay down" into "ok, come here." I have no trouble getting them to obey me one on one in that situation, but the dynamic changes when the missus in the room. It's a disease too, creeps into every command you can think up without constantly fighting it. It's like having a kid who always appeals to the other parent. They learn they can.

Dogs are by nature a herding animal. They need companionship as much as we do. They appreciate adoring contact just as we do. So no, cuddling your dog is not damaging, in fact I know it makes for a healthier, happier dog. As long as it is in appropriate potions. Sometimes a dog needs to be yelled at or reprimanded if what they do is dangerous to their or someones well being. But after a long day and a job well done, there is nothing wrong with curling up on the couch next to you.

it's just been me and my dog for so long, i don't know how he would act around a girl. i'm still waiting for him to drag one home.

Of course, mine sleep where a wife would sleep. They eat better than most wives. And they go out for fun every day and get treats and cookies when we get back.The benefits of being companions to an Old Man.

Absolutely not! There is no such thing as too much socialization, pampering or affection for a gun dog. See the closing remarks of the TV hunting program, "Hunting with Hank."

My wife's biggest spoiling act would be giving out treats frequently for something like "Come." In her defense she is playing in the backyard and neighbors might be walking their dog or something where if my dog heads that way, she could be an annoyance. She's only trying to make sure the dog comes back when she calls it. I see the problem occasionally when I try to call her in the backyard and she doesn't come right away. A lot of "spoiling" of my dog comes about by me or the wife, but I don't see it affecting her hunting or obeying commands as long as she knows the boundaries.

Well being that my wife the "love of my life" [she claims that would be the dogs] is out here reading this,I couldn't possibly say...YES.
There may be the possiblity that she feeds the dogs before me in mornings and evenings[with a fried egg on top] ,that one dog think she should get the bird first.
Honestly ,I told her that I only wanted one good gun dog and I think she's holding me to it.

that's way wrong!!!

While I jumped into the world of gun dogs and children at about the same time, I have noticed a ton of similarities. (and wether she will admit it or not, so has my wife) spoiling can help strengthen bonds at times, but must be done in moderation like anything else. Dogs are just like kids, only cleaner.

A happy dog ( meaninig "spoiled") will work it's heart out for you.

Just got my wife not to let my 3 1/2 month old boykin not to sleep in the bed with her when Im working nights. I also found out she was giving him cheese to help him use the potty faster outside which then turned into him running out and then right back in without going cause he thought he would get cheese that way. Finally broke him of that. in her defense she has helped with other basic obedience training and she hasn't ruined him YET!

How not to spoil a dog: Years ago I was in charge of a local DU chapter and we did a chapter swap for a Piedmont quail hunt for a low country duck hunt. The duck hunters brought enough shells and beer for a week of duck hunting. We put them on a jam-up hunt. They rewarded their dogs with a separate room at the motel and put 10 lbs of raw hamburger in the bathtub. When they opened the door the next morning, the room was covered with poop, undigested meat, and dog puke. The dogs were as sick as, er, dogs; the room looked like a scene from the Texas Chainsaw massacre.

I believe that bonding with the dog only makes them want to please you more. If some people want to call that spoiled so be it. I call it compainionship.... As long as the obedience is there.

In all reality he's only my dog 4 months out of the year the rest of the time he thinks he's hers.

You guy's are so professional and handle the dogs nicely. I wish I could afford your services for my 8 month old GSP. Do you have any videos for point training?