Dog training: The trouble with punishment

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Insufficient socialization and frequent and extreme punishment are the two major reasons why dogs become wary of people. Wary dogs stay away from people. Problems happen when people approach and try to handle, or pet, the dog.

Few people intend to make things unpleasant for their puppydog, with one notable exception: when punishing him. By definition, punishment is meant to be unpleasant. However, it is extremely disturbing that this unpleasantness is overly frequent and overly extreme. Sadly, many outdated trainers, and hence many owners who have read outdated training books, tend to focus on punishing untrained dogs for getting it wrong, for breaking rules they never knew existed. It is much quicker to teach your puppy the rules of the house-to show him what you want him to do and to reward him for doing it. Thus, your puppy learns to want to do what you want him to do. Frequent or extreme punishment is a major reason why many dogs dislike being handled, and why they dislike the handler.

Punishment means your training isn't working

Frequent punishment is an indication that your training philosophy is flawed. The dog still frequently misbehaves and, therefore, is frequently punished. Training is simply not working. Time to change to Plan B. Rather than punishing your puppy for mistakes he has made in the past, you should concentrate on teaching your puppy how he should act in the future. Remember, it is much more efficient and effective to reward your puppy for doing it your way-the one way you consider to be right-rather than trying to punish him for the many ways he could do it wrong.

Punishment sabotages the pet-owner relationship

Repeated punishment is the painful tip of a wedge that progressively divides and destroys the pet-owner relationship. Initially, you will lose off-leash control, and your dog will be slow to approach since he no longer wants to come close. Eventually he will become wary and apprehensive when approached and handled. The whole point of living with a dog is to enjoy his company. Surely you don't want to live with a dog that doesn't want your companionship. If you find yourself frequently reprimanding and punishing your puppy, seek help from a trainer.

Extreme punishment is an extreme indication that training isn't working. The dog still misbehaves and the severity of punishment is increased with the assumption that it will be more effective. If punishment is effective, the dog would no  [Continued]

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