I agree wholeheartedly with saladtossa. Dogs should not be hit when you are training them. It is all positive re-inforcement. You really only need to use words and it is all in the way you say them. I have an 11 week old border collie. At times I would like to give him a tap on the bottom but he is learning without this. Occassionally when he is really naughty and not listening I give him the "dreaded water spray". Your boyfriend has no scars because the poor dog is frightened of him. Get a good TRAINER!!!!!