I haven't read the article you mention but have come across many "trainers" and many, many people with "problem dogs" that went to them for help that used the methods you hint at.

It does work for some dogs. Worse than that it is based on a very basic understanding of the canine mind and behaviour. A VERY BASIC understanding. It stops at the very top layer of animal communication and has taken the extreme behaviours that can be observed and never bothered to see if there is more to be learned. Beneath the obvious and the extreme, and so highly noticeable, behaviour is a multitude of layers that these people do not even imagine exist let alone understand or appreciate.

They get clients because it does work for some, it satisfies some owners concept of dominance and the trainer can actually explain it as a natural process of learning with some confidence.

Sadly this kind of trainer is also the hardest to get to change their minds and methods. They tend to be control freaks and find any relationship that requires compromise difficult. (Interesting to hear he has been married several times...).

Great to hear from you Dixieland Dancer!