Jan - STEP AWAY FROM THE US FORUMS
Hey, wait a minute!! We all don't buy that garbage!
There is just as much disagreement here about training methods I think part of the problem is that we are kind of standing in the middle of the old harsh methods, the newer Alpha Wolf stuff, and the new, "Culture Clash" and it's causing a lot of confusion, especially for new dog owners.
I've had grumblers, I pay them no mind. I think it's like kids who mumble something under their breath at you. It's when they follow it through that the method has to change.
I don't do the "take it away give it back" I can get things away from my dogs that they aren't supposed to have (I just calmly tell them "not for puppies") and give them one of their toys--or rather throw it, they love to fetch.
I'd be absolutely psychotic if someone kept taking stuff away from me, even if only for a second!
(Ever had a waiter try to take your plate when you're not finished? Get a little defensive, don't we?
) Or snatch a book out of my hands while I'm reading? Yes, I'd bite you!
It's very hard to make generalisations though, without knowing the dog and seeing it in action, so when all is said and done, I think you just do what works best for your own dogs, and follow your instincts.