Well, I saw the trailer of this film a few months ago! I thought I had to watch it! The part when the man recognises the dog'soul gives me goosebumps. I haven't watched this film yet. Thanks to you that remembered me of the existence of this one, I will watch it tomorrow!
However good article! About the situation, if you think maybe that dog was spoilt. I don't know, I think that if you have a short time to shoot a scene, you do what ever you can do. It doesn't mean that you have to abuse of the dog ( in that case), but to do not cricticaze that person if "you" ( person ) are not in that situation. Maybe the dog didn't understand why they throw it in the water and maybe it thought "This guy is stupid".