I tend to compare dogs and kids, since I've had a few of both. Dogs don't find holes in your reasoning and talk back. That's about the only difference, other than the food bill is lower.

Before I had kids I can remember wondering what is up with these parents. On my first kid I was always concerned what and how they were doing everything and the noise! At home, in the store, anywhere. You tell them to be quiet and they respond by being louder.

At the store this can escalate to the point of getting physical. When this happens, people around think two things. Those in the 0 -1 kid range think, "Wow, that kid's a handful. Instead of a pop on the rear, maybe they should pull an ear or something." Those people in the 2+ kid range think, "Wow, this parent's about to go ballistic. Why don't they take that kid outside, away from the excitement, so they both can focus."

Somewhere around the second kid I developed a condition that a lot of parents get - Kid deafness. I can be in one room reading or trying to figure out a problem, and 5 ten year olds can be in the next room being normal - and I just don't hear it anymore, unless there's a big thump that shakes the house. I think this comes from getting up in the middle of the night during the infant stage for months on end, until you hit that physical and emotional wall - then there's a rebirth of someone stronger, (or slightly numb - like a rock). The more kids you have, the better you get. This condition can stay with you for the life of your child. It's a good thing.

Kids love to test your limits. The urge to do this can be stronger than the fear of physical punishment and will last as long as they live in your house. I know if I can stay calm and just hold it, hold it, hold it - when I do speak up, all it'll take is "the look" and a few soft commands. Your dog will sit, lay down and go outside to pee - just like your kids.

 

I've never had children of my own, but I am a Godparent, and I also am an uncle. In other words, I have had a hand in raising several children. Dogs, I have had many of my own. The following observations are my own, and if somebody doesn't agree, my opinions won't change. There ARE things that are true about raising both children and pets.
No two are the same, so no two react the exact same way to discipline. The parent has to pay attention to the effects of the discipline. Then be open minded, and adjust to obtain the desired results. It can seem like trial and error, and a parent is sure to make mistakes.
Never discipline the offender if you're angry. Giving yourself time to cool off is crucial to making a fair and balanced decision. You can't take back a hasty spanking or a smack with a newspaper. Always be sure they know the reason for the action to be taken, or else you're just wasting your time. Often times, a reward or treat, or even a kind word when they are being good, works better then taking action only when they do something wrong. There's a big difference between the child/pet behaving because you've done well in teaching right from wrong, or if they behave how you expect them to out of fear of you. How they act towards you when they're grown, as well as while being raised, highly depends on how much effort the parent has put into the raising of the young one.