Stubborn, Intelligent, Pre Toddlers - Discipline?

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Is there such a thing? My one year old is very smart and very stubborn. Even as a very young baby, you could not "distract him" with a toy or something. Once he wanted something that was it. He is too young to understand EVERYthing we say. I know there are "gentle discipline" programs and stuff you can read about - I just don't think he is ready for that yet. So how to stop him from pulling hair, hitting (sometimes don't know if this is playing, he gets hyper and excited) and more - without continually smacking his hand or lightly spanking him, or continually moving his hand and telling him no..... Anyone have any personal experience to share on this?