Punishment in Dog Training

Punishment is anything that will decrease the likelihood of a behavior repeating in the future. Punishment can be an effective means of reducing undesirable behavior if the dog immediately and consistently stops when punished and if the behavior is reduced to the point that it eventually is not repeated.

It could be a deliberate thing. It may come as a smack from his owner, or an accidental thing, like standing on a sharp thorn. This could also just as easily be someone stealing his dinner, or a firework exploding next door.

Commonly utilized punishments against dogs and cats include throwing items at them, yanking on a choke collar, or a prong collar. Intimidation with a finger, electric shock devices and physical corrections such as lifting, kneeing, pushing, jabbing or pinning are also used.

Punishments are risky because they can cause fear, and fear is a major cause of aggression and shyness.

If you do choose to punish your puppy or dog, you should seriously consider seeking the help. An experienced professional trainer can coach you on your timing and method. However, I predict that the more you concentrate on preventing your dog’s misbehavior and rewarding good behavior, the less you will be need to use punishments.

Types of Punishment in Dog Training

Negative Punishment

Negative punishment is done by removing something the dog values. This will thus decrease the possibility of the dogs behavior repeating in the future. A good example is neglecting to give the dog attention when he jumps on you. This is where “attention” is what you’re taking away from the dog.

Positive Punishment

Positive punishment, involves introducing any stimuli that decreases the likelihood of a behavior repeating in the future. A dominance-based trainer will for example often jerk the dogs collar. Sometimes also, even cut off it’s air supply by hanging the dog from a choke chain (also known as “helicoptering”).

Spray collars and rattle bottles fall into this category. So do pet correctors, dog dazers and the more well known punishers such as prong collars, e-collars, heeling sticks and so on.

These are all forms of positive punishment in dog training.

Effectively Using of Punishment in Dog Training

When done properly, punishment doesn’t have to be negative. Constructive punishment helps your dog learn through conditioning, and quickly understand what’s allowed and what’s not. Disciplinary methods that are considered to be positive and beneficial are:

• Time-outs
• Using your voice to put a stop to unwanted behavior, rather than hitting your dog
• Taking their toys away
• Avoiding giving your dog attention when they misbehave

All the tips mentioned above are both humane and highly efficient at the same time. Your dog won’t feel scared or wary of you, but they will understand that what they did won’t be tolerated.

Disadvantages of Punishment in Dog Training

While punishment teaches your dog what not to do, it doesn’t teach him alternative behaviors. When your dog doesn’t know what to do instead of the behavior you’re eradicating, it becomes a constant cycle because he always reverts back to the pattern he knows. Additionally, the use of pain and force in behavior modification introduces anxiety and fear into the equation, which degrades your dog’s trust in you.

Best Behavioral Training Methods

The most effective and safest alternative to using punishment in training is to use methods based on reinforcing behaviors that you want your dog to exhibit.

Training methods using positive reinforcement, where your dog is rewarded for the appropriate behaviors you want is safer and more effective with no negative consequences if you get it wrong.

Teaching your dog what you want it to do rather than punishing it for what you do not want has huge benefits and no negative side effects.

The many benefits of using positive methods include;

• Strengthening the bond you share,
• Training sessions are more enjoyable,
• You can’t hurt or traumatize your dog if do not get the training exactly right,
• Members of your family are capable of using reinforcement techniques and positive methods are easily incorporated into your daily routine.